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Send PMBrooklyn, IA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2011
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1989 White Coupe w/Red interior
How many have had problems with the VATS system? It was frustrating the 1st time as the car just refused to start. i was with the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club outting and it was my 1st time with them for a BBQ run to Iowa City---jumped into the car and turned the key ANd NOTHING! One of the club guys told me about the VATS system and how it can stall on the C-4s. I even tried the add-on swtich to override the anti-theft system but it didn't work. Ended up replacing the whole key switch on the column and new keys with new chips.
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Send PMLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 2191
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
many people have had problem with vats system. there are numerous posts here and if you google it (or any other search engine) there are articles to tell you how you can bypass the vats system. also many corvette suppliers have a bypass cable that you can get and they will tell you how to find out which one is right for you. just found this tip out about a month ago. if you go to a shop that installs remote starts they can make you one as they have to bypass it for the remote start to work.
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I am dealing with that very issue right now. Have the car at the Chevrolet Stealership to repair/replace the system as needed. There is nothing more frustrating than getting in your car all stoked up for a great ride and nothing happens.... The difference with mine right now is I am not sure if it is the VATS or the selenoid on the starter, as when this happens to me, I can jump the car and it will start (And yes I have checked the Battery and alternator and ruled them both out).... So I have given it to the Stealership to find the exact problem for me..... Can't wait to get it back.....
Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg
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Send PMBrooklyn, IA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2011
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1989 White Coupe w/Red interior
Thats like the bypass switch I tried and was frustrated when the car did not start after about 5 starts. But since replacing the switch and key AND the mechanic noticed that the + bolt on the battery was loose and the threads were not making good contact. he replaced the + bolt and ever since no problems with the start. i had horror thoughts about being in a filling station and then the car not starting. Good luck w/yours. Thanks.
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Of course...... the stealership called me today and .... What Else.... the car is cranking every single time and they can not reproduce the problem..... Doesn't that just figure.... 
Trooper 2011-06-20 17:28:11
They have ruled out the VATS because I am able to jump it when it acts up.... They say that if it was the theft system Jumping it wouldn't do anything. So I told them to go ahead and replace the starter... Thats when I found out that GM no longer makes a starter for this car (1990 L-98), so now it's off to the Auto Parts for an after market starter.... This is sooooooooo much fun!!!!!!!!! 
I think my fun meter is about at red line and it's time to shift to another gear.....
Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg
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Well it turned out to be the starter and the wiring. Apparently 21 years of heat have taken their toll on the wiring harness around the starter and the selenoid. So after a new starter and new wiring I should be good to go for awhile. Alright now, time to cruise......
Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg
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Hello Trooper.. I too have had the same problem you are having.. I could jump it off and it would start. even replaced the battery and cables.
It ended up being the starter.
It ended up being the starter.Be the first to like this post
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[QUOTE=XLR8]Hello Trooper.. I too have had the same problem you are having.. I could jump it off and it would start. even replaced the battery and cables. It ended up being the starter.[/QUOTE]
It ended up being the starter.[/QUOTE]
Yea, there is nothing more frustrating than heading out for an evening of fun, getting well into the trip, and tehn BOOM your stranded.... and pissed.... and mad..... and frustrated. . And then in the end it turns out to be something as simple as a starter and a few old wires..... BUT, I am sure glad it was something that simple. 
. And then in the end it turns out to be something as simple as a starter and a few old wires..... BUT, I am sure glad it was something that simple. Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg
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Lifetime Member
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Send PMModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22737
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The old starter(and wiring) just wasn't able to carry the amperage/voltage needed to crank the engine. Boosting it gave it more "ooomph", and allowed the starter to spin.
I think the wiring used on the C4 cars was a big step backwards from the earlier days....the wiring just doesn't seem to stand the test of time as well as it should, imo.
Glad ya got it runnin, anyway!
I think the wiring used on the C4 cars was a big step backwards from the earlier days....the wiring just doesn't seem to stand the test of time as well as it should, imo.
Glad ya got it runnin, anyway!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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