ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - View Single Post - dreaded relation between wontstart and suicide

Z Factor · 09-09-2005

Chances are it's the "VATS". Try cleaning your key with contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol if you don't have any contact cleaner. Believe it or not a simple fix like that can work. Also check your clutch safety switch by jumping it.

What year is your ZR-1? Depending on the year you could have a PKE so there are three inputs to trigger the disable input - either door lock cylinder or the PKE. If you're passively disarming your alarm with the key fob it should be triggering this. Additionally, the secondary alarm was a fuel cut off, so it should start then stall, not refuse to start at all.

There are many misconceptions concerning this system. The VATS is the special ignition key that contains the resistor pellet, this pellet connects to the VATS module which allows it to: 1) Signal the ECM. 2) Close the starter circuit. Without a signal response from the VATS module, the ECM will not allow fuel injection or starter operation. VATS is not connected to the alarm system, so it is active even if the alarm system is defeated, or if the car is left unlocked. The two main components of the system are the ignition key with resistor pellet and the VATS decoder module. The pellet in the key is just a resistor, it will be one of 15 specific values. The ignition cylinder has contacts that connect between the two sides of the ignition key pellet. Wiring carries this resistance value to the VATS decoder module, where it is compared to the value stored in the module. If they match, the car starts. If they do not match, the starter circuit and fuel injectors are disabled. A timer (approximately 4 minutes) is also activated if an improper resistance is read. Each time an attempt is made during this delay period, the timer will be reset. So it is important to wait at least 4 minutes before another attempt is made. The VATS Bypass Modules that you see in the Corvette catalogs cost anywhere from $30 - $50. Add to that shipping and sales tax where applicable and youâ€™re looking at $35 for a resistor that you can pick up at Radio Shack for under $1! Another problem with the bypass modules is that you have to know what code value (1-15) to buy. That means you'll have to go to a dealer that can use their VATS Interrogator. If you take a multi-meter and measure the resistance between the metal contacts on either side of your key, you can buy a resistor of this value at any Radio Shack store. Â¼ watt will do. Then remove the hush panel above the drivers foot well and find the two white wires from behind the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector and unplug the connector. With your key in the ignition, measure the resistance across the white wires. It should be the same as your pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new ignition tumbler which has better contacts that mate with the pellet. You can temporarily bypass VATS until you can get the new tumbler installed by connecting a 1/4 watt 5% resistor the same value as your pellet and from Radio Shack. Disconnect the two-cavity connector at base of steering column with two black wires in the female end and one yellow and one brown wire in the male end. Your newly purchased resistor goes into the male side of this connector, so you'll need to crimp a couple of female pins to the resistor legs. If you insist on purchasing the VATS bypass from one of the Corvette catalogs, again measure the resistance of your key pellet and compare it to the code chart to find your code. It is also possible to reprogram the PROM to ignore the VATS signal, however I do not recommend doing that. Most car thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition. If you bypass VATS you are circumventing one of the best ways to protect your car from amateur car thieves. There is a reason Corvette's are not stolen that often compared with other cars, and it's primary deterrent is the VATS. So if you are having trouble with VATS, it would pay to find out where the problem is instead of permanently bypassing VATS.

BTW- I recommend against committing suicide, so incase you are thinking about it call 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433).

09-09-2005	#4
Z Factor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: S. Florida Posts: 2,647	Chances are it's the "VATS". Try cleaning your key with contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol if you don't have any contact cleaner. Believe it or not a simple fix like that can work. Also check your clutch safety switch by jumping it. What year is your ZR-1? Depending on the year you could have a PKE so there are three inputs to trigger the disable input - either door lock cylinder or the PKE. If you're passively disarming your alarm with the key fob it should be triggering this. Additionally, the secondary alarm was a fuel cut off, so it should start then stall, not refuse to start at all. There are many misconceptions concerning this system. The VATS is the special ignition key that contains the resistor pellet, this pellet connects to the VATS module which allows it to: 1) Signal the ECM. 2) Close the starter circuit. Without a signal response from the VATS module, the ECM will not allow fuel injection or starter operation. VATS is not connected to the alarm system, so it is active even if the alarm system is defeated, or if the car is left unlocked. The two main components of the system are the ignition key with resistor pellet and the VATS decoder module. The pellet in the key is just a resistor, it will be one of 15 specific values. The ignition cylinder has contacts that connect between the two sides of the ignition key pellet. Wiring carries this resistance value to the VATS decoder module, where it is compared to the value stored in the module. If they match, the car starts. If they do not match, the starter circuit and fuel injectors are disabled. A timer (approximately 4 minutes) is also activated if an improper resistance is read. Each time an attempt is made during this delay period, the timer will be reset. So it is important to wait at least 4 minutes before another attempt is made. The VATS Bypass Modules that you see in the Corvette catalogs cost anywhere from $30 - $50. Add to that shipping and sales tax where applicable and youâ€™re looking at $35 for a resistor that you can pick up at Radio Shack for under $1! Another problem with the bypass modules is that you have to know what code value (1-15) to buy. That means you'll have to go to a dealer that can use their VATS Interrogator. If you take a multi-meter and measure the resistance between the metal contacts on either side of your key, you can buy a resistor of this value at any Radio Shack store. Â¼ watt will do. Then remove the hush panel above the drivers foot well and find the two white wires from behind the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector and unplug the connector. With your key in the ignition, measure the resistance across the white wires. It should be the same as your pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new ignition tumbler which has better contacts that mate with the pellet. You can temporarily bypass VATS until you can get the new tumbler installed by connecting a 1/4 watt 5% resistor the same value as your pellet and from Radio Shack. Disconnect the two-cavity connector at base of steering column with two black wires in the female end and one yellow and one brown wire in the male end. Your newly purchased resistor goes into the male side of this connector, so you'll need to crimp a couple of female pins to the resistor legs. If you insist on purchasing the VATS bypass from one of the Corvette catalogs, again measure the resistance of your key pellet and compare it to the code chart to find your code. It is also possible to reprogram the PROM to ignore the VATS signal, however I do not recommend doing that. Most car thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition. If you bypass VATS you are circumventing one of the best ways to protect your car from amateur car thieves. There is a reason Corvette's are not stolen that often compared with other cars, and it's primary deterrent is the VATS. So if you are having trouble with VATS, it would pay to find out where the problem is instead of permanently bypassing VATS. BTW- I recommend against committing suicide, so incase you are thinking about it call 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433).