How does the GM VATS system work?
- Turn the dial to the Ohms section in the 2K setting.
- Grab the black and red probes and make contact with each side of the black VATS pellet.
- Record the reading the multimeter reads and write it down.
What does vats mean on a GM ignition switch?
VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) is the original GM starter interrupt anti-theft system. Characterized by the resistor found in the blade of the ignition key, VATS was used on many GM makes and models from the mid 1980s through the early 2000s.
What is GM vats (Passkey)?
Understanding GM VATS (PassKey) This system seems to cause much confusion, stress, and misery. Hopefully, this will help elevate some of that. VATS stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System.
What is vats and how does it work?
This system seems to cause much confusion, stress, and misery. Hopefully, this will help elevate some of that. VATS stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System. It is commonly referred to as PassKey. Later versions include PassKeyII, PassKeyIII and PassLock (which uses no resistor "pellet").
How does the vats control module start the engine?
In order for the engine to start, the correct "resistor" must be read by the VATS control module via the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder must also be rotated to the "crank" position. If the incorrect code is read, the system will not allow the engine to start for four minutes, even if the correct code is received after.
What does GM vats disable?
The VATS module controls the starter enable relay and the fuel disable parameter in the ECM. If the wrong resistance is detected, then the VATS module will NOT let the ECM power the fuel pump. It also will NOT let the starter turn.
How does the VATS system work?
VATS keys are essentially the first electronic keys and, as such, provide a much-needed improvement in vehicle safety from their predecessors. VATS keys have resistors embedded in them, and when someone inserts a VATS key into the ignition of their vehicle, an electrical current runs through the resistor inside.
How does GM anti theft work?
The PassLock system works when the lock cylinder moves a magnet past a Hall effect sensor. The sensor then sends a signal to the control, which GM has moved several times over the model years. The control then sends the code to the PCM. If the code is correct, the PCM will allow the car to start and run.
How do I bypass the vats security system?
1:528:00How To Install A Vats Bypass Module! Bye, Bye VATS Key - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis wire out and then at that point if you were replacing the whole ignition you would want to popMoreThis wire out and then at that point if you were replacing the whole ignition you would want to pop in the new ignition wire. But in this case we're going to be using. The that's bypass module.
When did GM start using vats?
In 1986 General Motors introduced the Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) on the Corvette. This system quickly made its way into many other General Motors vehicles as a standard feature. The VATS system can be easily identified by looking at the key.
How do I program my GM vats key?
GM VATs RelearnInsert a master key (black head) into the ignition switch.Turn key to the “ON” position without starting the engine. ... Wait for 10 minutes or until the security light turns off.Turn key to the “OFF” position for 5 seconds.Turn key to the “ON” position without starting the engine.More items...•
How do I reset my GM anti-theft system?
How do you reset the Chevy Silverado's anti-theft system? Insert the ignition key, put it in the on position, attempt to start the engine. With the key in that position, wait ten minutes. The security light will blink and go out.
How do I reset my GM anti-theft?
Turn key to the “ON” position without starting the engine. Security light should turn on and stay on. 3. Wait for 10 minutes or until the security light turns off.
How do I reset my GM theft deterrent?
0:502:16How to reset theft deterrent on gm vehicles (Gmc, Chevrolet, Cadillac ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart. Turn the key off try and start it again it did not. Start all right. So and then again itMoreStart. Turn the key off try and start it again it did not. Start all right. So and then again it will illuminate.
How do I bypass GM vats without a key?
1:142:52GM VATS Ignition Key Bypass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe easiest way to install the bypass resistor is to cut the wires leading into the steering columnMoreThe easiest way to install the bypass resistor is to cut the wires leading into the steering column about 16 inches from the connector.
How do I bypass Chevy vats?
1:295:29How To: Bypass a GM VATS System w/out the Original Key - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you have to do is simply unplug this I can get it unplug. All right then you can cut thisMoreSo what you have to do is simply unplug this I can get it unplug. All right then you can cut this wire. From under the dash. And simply pull it out what I've already cut.
How do I install GM vats bypass module?
8:2011:34Doing a bypass module on an older vehicle GM VATS Passlock or ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo install the model 791 to a bats or passkey system locate two wires in an orange or sometimesMoreTo install the model 791 to a bats or passkey system locate two wires in an orange or sometimes black vinyl tube. Coming down from the ignition switch.
History of the GM VATS
We started to see VATS-equipped vehicles beginning in the 1980s. The systems are easily identified by the "resistor" mounted in the metal blade of the ignition key. There are fifteen different resistor values available. In order for the engine to start, the correct "resistor" must be read by the VATS control module via the ignition lock cylinder.
What the Warning Light Means
It is normal for the warning light to be on during bulb check and off when the engine is running, with no message displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC). When the system detects a fault, the warning light will illuminate or a message will be displayed on the DIC, depending on the model.
Common Problems
By far the most common problem with the VATS system is broken wires in the steering column that connect the ignition lock cylinder to the under-dash wire harness. The proper repair is to replace the ignition lock cylinder, which comes with the wires that snake down the steering column already attached.
What is a VATS key?
General Information. The Pass-Key, Pass-Key II, or VATS, as it’s called in earlier GM vehicles, uses a resistor mounted in the key blank to confirm that the correct ignition key is being used to start the engine. Many people call the resistor pellet a “chip” due to the common misconception that it is some sophisticated digital circuit ...
Is GM a chip?
Not quite. It is not a “chip” of silicon as is customarily used for integrated circuits, but merely a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a desired electrical resistance. GM mixed about fifteen different resistance values in their pinning codes to add another factor to make vehicle theft more difficult.
Is VATS decoder reliable?
The connector at the VATS decoder module is generally reliable, and the connection at the start enable relay is also relatively safe from interference and reliable. However, all connections should be checked when diagnosing the system since any connection can fail or add resistance to the circuits.
What system did GM use to detect if someone was trying to steal my car?
GM used two strategies to determine if someone was trying to steal the vehicle. The early systems used the first generation PassKey system. Then GM changed to the PassLock system.
How does a pass lock work?
The PassLock system works when the lock cylinder moves a magnet past a Hall effect sensor.
What happens if a car is yanked by a lock cylinder?
If the code is correct, the PCM will allow the car to start and run. However, if the thief yanks the lock cylinder, it removes the magnet as well , so the sensor can’t detect the magnet movement.
Does GM have anti theft?
GM has used a variety of anti-theft systems on their vehicles. When you get a no start, intermittent start, or start then die, you should first determine which GM anti-theft system you have. Then diagnose the anti-theft system before you start replacing starting components. A tell-tale sign that you’ve got an anti-theft problem is ...
