Nasty_Bird_'90

is there a way to disable the VATS on my 90 firebird? my reason for asking is that the car wont start. everything else works. i know the starter is good

92RSB4C

Go here,

REZN8R

So, now that I know how to do it, where do I find it? I have a '91 RS and I haven't been able to find the VATS module or the wires going to it. I've been under the dash a dozen times. Are the wires in the column? Are they in that plastic tray beneath the column?

92RSB4C

Step 1) Look under your dash and find the connector for the VATS. It will be near the YELLOW connector for the SIR System(airbag), and the brake switch. Look at it very closely and remember what it looks like.

Step 2) Go to the junk yard or somewhere with GM connectors. Find the MALE end of the connector you remembered. Cut it off with 2 or 3 inches of wire left. Buy it.

Step 3) Use a resistor tester to find the resistance value of your key "chip". Go to an electronics store and find a resistor that matches that value. Buy it.

Step 4) Strip the ends of the connector and solder in the resistor. It's best to use heatshrink in this step. If there is none, use electrical tape.

Step 5) Unplug the VATS connector, and plug in the "resistor plug" you just made.

REZN8R

I was planning on running a hidden switch inline with the resistor so I could enable/disable easily. I have the resistor value, it's just a matter of finding the vats module. Is it a black box? how big is it? I've heard there are 3 wires, is that correct? If I could find the thing, the rest would be easy. The resistor plug thing is a good idea, but I have no intention of retaining anything that even resembles stock wiring or parts, so I'm not really concerned with getting a GM male connector. Thanks for your help!

92RSB4C

I'll tell you all I know that works.

A) Resistor Plug

B) Switch on Black/Yellow wire

C) Pull VATS fuse (to not start at all)

D) Totally pull out VATS module

The VATS module gives a ground signal to the ECM, for cranking fuel enable, and a ground signal to the starter relay, also near your feet but by the kick panel. To pull the VATS, you'll need to take your dash cover off, then cut the wires going to it. I'll get back with you on what wires those are. You'll need to ground these two wires.That should do it, but for what you're looking for, the switch on the black/yellow wire might be the best.

joker37

to awnser your question.. the vats module is a gray box with the word PASS-KEY written on it. It has a black connecter. It is located above your radio, and just to the left (kinda behind the guage cluster on the far right. I pulled mine out of a firebird... and the best way to sum it up i had to pull all of the dash off to get my hands on the stupid thing. There are lots of things in between it and accessabilty... part of the whole anti-tampering thing.

Joker

REZN8R

Thanks. I shouldn't have to pull it out if I can just trace the wires coming from it. Do you know about what size of gray box to look for?

joker37

Here is a pic with of the box, with a ruler for postarity.

Joker

REZN8R

Wow, that's bigger than I thought. Thanks!

joker37

I have a question for 92RSB4C.

The wires coming out of the box are dark green and dark blue. I belive dark green is the starter... since when i ground that one i get the engine to rotate. From what i read, dark blue is the output to the ECM for the fuel. Grounding that one will enable the fuel rail? I'm asking cause i tried that, but my engine is still not getting fuel. I know that cause i took a spark plug out and it was bone dry, yet the fuel pump is giving pressure to the fuel rail. (it bubbles out when you loosen the fuel line to the rail). I read some where that the module puts out a freqency that lets the ecm ground the rail... do i have to possibly give the fuel relay a ground or power wire to make it work? or do i have to go through the dark blue wire and the ecm?

Joker

92RSB4C

Joker, I'll get back w/ you soon. The Chevy "big book" is at the hanger where I work on my car, so I'll need to wait til i have it in hand before I can answer your question.