VATS, PASSKEY I AND PASSKEY II

If your key does NOT look like the one pictured below please send me an e-mail.  In the e-mail please state what type of car that you do have so that I can let you know what part(s) you may need and also so that I can fix the link so that future uses with the same car as you do not get directed here.  If you were directed here by anybody other than ebay user "dskweres@aol.com" please send me an e-mail.  It took me quite a bit of time to put all of this together and it wouldn't be fair for someone to just take it from me. 

If your car is has a key like the one pictured above (with the little black "chip" in it) then your car is equipped with a General Motors™ anti-theft device called VATS™ (Vehicle Anti Theft System).

How it works:  There is a small chip in the ignition key called a transponder. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch it sends a code to the vehicles computer through a receiver coil mounted to the barrel. Once the computer has identified it as a valid key, it enables the starter and fuel management systems. Basically what this part does is "trick" the car into thinking that the key is actually in the ignition when in fact it is not.

How to bypass it:  In order to properly interface this or any remote start system with this car you will need to bypass this while the unit is in "remote start mode."  In order to bypass this you will need one relay ($5.00) and some resistors that you will be able to pick up at Radio Shack™ for about $1.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DOES NOT MAKE YOUR CAR ANY EASIER TO STEAL NOR DOES IT DECREASE THE LEVEL OF SECURITY THAT THIS "CHIP" PROVIDES.  If you do not bypass this the remote start will NOT work properly.  When you purchase the relay from me make sure that you note in the "additional information" field at the bottom of your order form that the reason that you are purchasing a relay is to bypass "VATS." The reason that I ask this is because the manufacturer of the remote start system does not include any type of directions on how to bypass it.  By you noting it on your order form It will remind me to included directions for you on how to bypass it.  Also please note that needing this part has nothing to do with the brand of remote start that you are purchasing as ALL BRANDS OF REMOTE STARTS INSTALLED IN THIS CAR WILL NEED TO BYPASS THIS VATS MODULE.  This price of $5 is by far the cheapest that you will find any where.  The only kit that Best Buy sells to bypass this costs $25.  As always if you have any general questions or specifics about a certain car please e-mail me.

General Motors, GM and Vats are all registered trademarks of the General Motors Corporation
Radio Shack is a registered trademark of the Radio Shack Corporation.  All rights reserved.
*The “On The Go Audio” name and the information contained on this page are both property of Dan Skweres and cannot be copied without the written permission of Dan Skweres and/or the On The Go Audio Company.  User accepts all responsibility.  This is only meant to be used as a guide.  Dan Skweres and the On The Go Company are in no way responsible nor liable for any damage done to any car or any injury suffered by any person, directly or indirectly, coming in contact with car, even in reliance on this information.  Last revised 3/2001.