What does VATS mean or stand for.?

Question

I am tring to replace or modify a ignition switch on a 94 Lumina and was told something about changing the VATS. Does anyone know what that is or how to do that?

Answer 1

Vehicle Anti Theft System. If your key has a black pellet built into the shaft, that's the VATS resistor pellet. The key cylinder has contacts built into it that measure the resistance; if the vehicle computer doesn't see the right resistance value it won't allow the starter to crank.

If you still have the old key, you can measure the resistance in the pellet and have a key cut for the new ignition cylinder that uses the same value resistance pellet as the old. A locksmith should be able to help you with that.

There are also instructions you can find online for permanently bypassing the VATS system so you can use an ordinary key to start the vehicle.

Answer 2

Vehicle
Anti
Theft
System