Hey Guys,


I have a couple of questions concerning the vats system in our cars. I've read many posts about this topic and have come to realize that my ignition lock cylinder is worn down. Once in a while(more often that not!), the security light will come on when I try to start the car, and it won't start. After the light goes out, it usually starts. The other posts mention a bypass for this system. I bought a multimeter, and checked the values on both the key and for the lock cylinder. The value is 887 ohms, which is the vats #4.

Now here are the problems. The first is finding a resistor with that value. I called 3 different radio shacks and 2 independant dealers, and none of them had anything close to that value. What else can I do? Can I combine lower value resistors to get to the value, and If so, how? The second question is how to do this. I'm not that familiar with electronics. So any pics or walkthroughs would be appreciated. I also don't have a soldering iron, so that is out of the question too. Sorry for the novel here, but I'm tried of sitting in parking lots for 10 minutes waiting to start my car. Thanks for all the help in advance. I appreciate it.


Jamie

 

Sounds like a question for shoebox. I laughed when I saw "mod virgin" in your sig! That's pretty good.

 

You can simply solder resistors together in a chian end to end to obtain the 887 ohms needed. Be sure to insulate the whole length of the chain of resistors with electrical tape or shrink tube, and check the resistance before putting it into the car.

Radio Shack has a wide assortment, so just buy whatever you need to make the total, such as 500 + 250 + 100 + 25 + 10 + 1 + 1 = 887. The resistors are really cheap, so you won't spend more than a few dollars total.

I have a total of six or seven, and managed to get the exact resistance indicated by the key. Really, all you have to do is get within the range they specify.

You can buy a soldering gun for cheap ($10) at Radio Shack.

The wire to use comes out of the steering column above the brake pedal. You have to remove the plastic panel under the dash to get to it. The wires have an orange (NOT yellow - that's the airbag, and you don't want to touch the YELLOW wires) sleeve over them. There are two gray (I think) wires inside.

I cut off the plug on the steering column side of the harness, and then soldered the resistors to each side. Then, I plugged the whole mess back in. It works perfectly, and all it cost me was about $15 for resistors and the soldering gun.

BRAD

 

Look at the chart on my page. Any resistance between the high and low values should work. Buy any combination of resistors that will add up to the value range. Chain them together. Find the VATS connector to the key cylinder under the dash. Unplug it and attach one leg of your resistor(s) to one wire and the other leg to the other wire on the side going away from the column. Test and then tape up and secure the connections.

 

Is there a certain wattage that I need, or will any type do?


Jamie

 

I would imagine ½ watt ones would be fine. On their website, Radio Shack shows a 680 ohm. Add a couple 100 ohmers or a 220 to it and you should be right there.

 

Thanks for all the help, guys. I'll just hit up radio shack and grab a couple resistors to stack. I am in your debt.


Jamie

 

FYI: You don't have to get it exact. As long as you are withing 10% you should be good

 

Isn't there a simple way to just bypass this? I want to eliminate my keys and just install some toggle switches...

 

If you have editing software you can turn the vats off.

 

If you still need the VATS #3 resistor, I have it!

Send me a PM.

 

Thanks Johnny-Z-Man, but it's actually a vats #4.

 

Please don't confuse things. That is not the key pellet bypass that this thread is about. That module is for people that don't have a VATS module at all and need the signal sent to the PCM to turn on the injectors.

 

why would you want to do this? it makes it easier for someone to steal your car.

 

True, it does make it easier to steal, but I'm also a big fan of being able to start my car too.