Lost vats keys
 

Lost the keys to the damn car everything’s open I just can’t start it... if I don’t find the keys and without going to a dealer or 3rd party vendor, anyone have any suggestions on how to bypass this? Maybe installing a remote start or a push start? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated
1995 lt1 z28

Re: Lost vats keys
 

The end of this article tells you what you must do to do away with the VATS:

4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech-PassKey/VATS

Re: Lost vats keys
 

if I bypassed the vats with resistors and unplugged the ignition switch and installed the push start ignition directly to the part that plugs into the ignition switch (instead of splicing wires in a lower spot) wouldn’t that work?
also disabling the steering wheel lock

Re: Lost vats keys
 

Yes.
Since you don't have the key, you will have to try all combinations of resistance until you find the right one. The actual ignition switch is on the lower part of the steering column, under the dash. You will also have to deal with powering all the things the ignition switch does as normal function. It does more than just let you engage the starter. Depending on how you proceed, your car could become extremely susceptible to theft.

Re: Lost vats keys
 

Best thing to do is check with a dealer and see if they can replace the key. Probably cheaper and less aggravating than going with a whole new switch and push button setup.

As Rob (Shoebox) is pointing out, the place where you insert the key is only a lock cylinder, not the ignition switch. The ignition switch is at the base of the steering column, and is operated by a rod connected to the lock cylinder. The two wires from the lock cylinder to the VATS Module are only there to allow the VATS Module to read the resistance of the pellet in the key.

The ignition switch is much more complicated, and takes significant amount of rewiring to replace it with a push button for the "START" position, and provide a switch (or switches) for the "RUN", "ACCESSORY", and "BULB TEST" functions.

Rob also has the wiring diagrams for the ignition switch if you want to dig into it:

http://shbox.com/1/starter_charging_95.jpg

http://shbox.com/1/ignswschematic.jpg