How difficult would it be to disconnect the VATS system on an 1986. I had an issue with system earlier this year and the guy that works on my car replaces a switch ( with a used piece)in driver side door. The darn thing just went nuts again today and I am very frustrated!!

you can do an internet search on vats and there are instructions on how to bypass the system. also you can measure the resistance in the key and places like ecklers can sell you a cable that disables the vats. if you can solder wires the first way will work. will look and see if i can find a link for you. here is one link eddie208902010-09-11 14:25:08

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

I bought a VATS bypass from Mid America a few years ago as I had several no start situations.  It is easy to install.  No problems since.

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Where can I get the VATS bypass ? What and where is Mid America that Art said he got the bypass from?
 Thanks for any help you can give. I am not a mechanic and new at this.
Blu Vette

midamerica (motorworks) is one of our sponsors. click on the link at the top left of post and it will take you to their site. eddie208902011-01-19 13:30:27

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

Click on either of these images...it will take you directly to the VATS bypass.




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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

one other point should be mentioned. you have to measure the ohms that the chip is rated at. take an ohm meter and check the resistance. it would measure between 1 and 15 ohms. you just have to get the one that matches or you can take it to the dealer and they can tell you what it is rated at.

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

The Mid Am part numbers for the bypass reflect the ohmage of the key pellet. For instance, if your pellet measures 12 ohms, you would order part #601-116-12. If the pellet measures 2 ohms, then you would need part #601-116-2. At least that's how I understand it. The bypass that I linked to above is more for situations where you may have a wiring issue in the steering column, a bad key(pellet), or a bad pellet reader in the key cylinder, and you just don't want to fool with fixing it at all.

There is also a different type of bypass that allows you to switch the system on or off, instead of just completely bypassing it all together.
 
click for link


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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I am having problems with my security system on my 91'.  It will go for about 3 minutes, then shut off.  It will then reset and start over again.  It will not stop.  My original documents for the car says my key should be 13.  I tested for ohms through my key and am getting nothing.  I wasn't sure if it was possible if a key could go bad?  And if it was bad, would I be able to start the car?  Also,  The module that Mid America sells is for years 86-89?  What is used for later years?

don't know if key would go bad but anything is possible. are you sure that you are making good contact with the probes? eddie208902011-03-08 19:19:00

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

[QUOTE=scsjb02]I am having problems with my security system on my 91'.  It will go for about 3 minutes, then shut off.  It will then reset and start over again.  It will not stop.  My original documents for the car says my key should be 13.  I tested for ohms through my key and am getting nothing.  I wasn't sure if it was possible if a key could go bad?  And if it was bad, would I be able to start the car?  Also,  The module that Mid America sells is for years 86-89?  What is used for later years? [/QUOTE]

Will the car crank or start, or is it basically dead once you insert the key? If the alarm is triggering by itself, that's gonna be a different issue from the VATs system.
IS it the alarm going off and resetting, or does the VATs system keep you from starting the car?
The VATs system will keep you from attempting to start the car for 3 minutes, and the "Security" light will flash.
It's possible for the pellet in the key to get damaged, either from impact, or moisture. I have an intermittent problem with one of our Cadillacs with just MY key...Mama's key never causes a problem. Mine always seems to act up when it's raining.
If you are not getting any OHM reading from your key, the pellet is damaged. Are you testing from each side of the pellet?


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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

i would assume that it would be the same in your car as in my 90, there are relays mounted on the dash frame under the glove box. another bright idea. i had to feel by hand and count the relays to get the fuel pump relay to replace it.

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

If it is the anti-theft alarm going off, then that has absolutely nothing to do with the VATS system. The more likely culprit is the switch for the door lock in the door that disarms the alarm sytem. My '85 does that on the passenger side...I have to unlock/lock it twice or the alarm will go off when I open the door on the passenger side. I'm just too lazy to tear into the door to fix it.

Your problem is NOT with the VATS system(or the keys)...the car starts and runs, so the VATS is working. You have a problem with the Anti-Theft security system.

Does the alarm go off if you go in thru the passenger side door also?
Adams' Apple2011-03-17 20:04:37

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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"