VATS Question

[KFoster]

At least I think it’s a VATS question. I bought a bypass for the ignition a while back and installed it. My problem persists though. Car will crank fine. Then when I shut it off, it may or may not crank back up. Doesn’t trip the starter solenoid or anything. Security light will come on then go off without it cranking or trying to crank. Then leave it for a while and it will crank just fine. So, I still can’t trust this thing. Would like to park it at Walmart with the keys in it. Any ideas? I would like to totally and permanently disarm the VATS. If someone steals it, fine. I can’t use it as it is.


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[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by KFoster

At least I think it’s a VATS question. I bought a bypass for the ignition a while back and installed it. My problem persists though. Car will crank fine. Then when I shut it off, it may or may not crank back up. Doesn’t trip the starter solenoid or anything. Security light will come on then go off without it cranking or trying to crank. Then leave it for a while and it will crank just fine. So, I still can’t trust this thing. Would like to park it at Walmart with the keys in it. Any ideas? I would like to totally and permanently disarm the VATS. If someone steals it, fine. I can’t use it as it is.


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I wonder if this is the infamous clutch safety switch which is mimicking a VATS issue. A lot of us have had this bypass done due to the "Starts run fine, shutoff then wont start for hours"


Look up clutch bypass in the search there is a lot data on this. GC

[KFoster]

I appreciate the response. I guess it’s hard for me to think it’s that even though I have read so much about it on here. Rather not bypass it is one issue. I would think it would either work or not, why would the switch not go out entirely? My fist corvette. Owned several and worked on a bunch of mustangs and I’ve never seen a clutch switch problem. Probably a dozen or so Camaros with no issues, but that’s more limited. Guess it just makes me think it’s not that. If it wouldn’t crank at all I would think clutch switch.


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[mhobtr]

Originally Posted by KFoster

Would like to park it at Walmart with the keys in it. Any ideas? I would like to totally and permanently disarm the VATS. If someone steals it, fine. I can’t use it as it is.


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I'm right down I-65 from you in North Shelby County. If you are going to throw it out, let me know and I will come haul it off for you.


Seriously though, I installed the bypass relay on mine and the starter isues are no more. Have you checked the terminals at the starter to be sure they are clean?

[KFoster]

Yes. Starter was good when I painted the intake. I’ll look into the bypass. Would rather disable VATS first if that is possible.


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[Dynomite]

Seems to me it be a sticky solenoid related to heat as you stated "doesn't trip the starter solenoid" when turning the key on a hot engine.

The only item in that starter circuit that gets hot is the starter itself including the starter solenoid. And this issue is definitely related to Heat.

It could also be the coil that creates the magnetic force to pull the Solenoid closed. You should be able to hear a click when you turn the key if the Solenoid moved into contact position. If you do hear a "click" then it be the Starter Solenoid Points which is a normal restoration item when I do a "Top End Restoration". I always check the freedom of movement of the Starter Solenoid also and clean the Solenoid and cylinder in which it moves

I would not "disable" Vats or disable anything as a fix. (That is not a restoration...…... kind of like solving the Power Key lack of function by eliminating the Secondaries)

I DO eliminate the TB Coolant function as that really has no usable function as I do NOT drive the Zs in cold (icy) climates when it is 15 deg F or colder.
Post 192 - Injector Housing TB Coolant Blocking

I DO install the Starter Relay on all Zs (except 95') to cure the possible low voltage (do to Starter Circuit deterioration or low battery voltage over time) to the starter Solenoid.
Post 52 - Starter, Starter Relay, Wiring Harness, Battery, and Plugs Tricks

You can HOT WIRE the Starter Solenoid to see if that is an issue going direct (purple wire) from battery to Starter Solenoid (Key off and in neutral).

Remember the Zs are very easy to push start in second gear in emergencies

[mhobtr]

In the first post you said " I bought a bypass for the ignition a while back and installed it."

What did you buy?

[KFoster]

VATS code 12 security override system. $31. You check the ohm of your chip in your key and then order the bypass harness with the correct resistance. It installs easily. It thinks the chip in the key is always making contact.


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[mhobtr]

Sooner or later all Z owners have to deal with the low voltage issue in the starter circuit.

Installation of the bypass relay will eliminate that.

I wrote a long dissertation as to why but then figured it was too boring and no one would be interested, so I deleted it.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by mhobtr

Sooner or later all Z owners have to deal with the low voltage issue in the starter circuit.

Installation of the bypass relay will eliminate that.

I wrote a long dissertation as to why but then figured it was too boring and no one would be interested, so I deleted it.

I would be interested in any technical discussion/dissertation you may have.....I always learn something

I have deleted many technical posts when I see no comment/response or lack of interest but I give it a chance
There are many that look and learn but do not say anything