Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 11/14/2007

Question
Hello, i have a 2001 Pontiac Trans am, It was working great, one day we turned off the car and went to lunch. We got back in the car and went to turn it over and it wouldn't start, it wouldn't even make a noise. We had the starter tested and they said it was bad, we replaced the starter and the car still wont start. So we looked it up in Chiltons and it said something about the anti-theft system. I was hoping you could offer me some advice? Is there anyway to manually reset the stupid thing? I miss my car....
Thanks :)

Answer
Unfortunately, this vehicle has a the VATS key
based engine disabling system, and it's currently
engaged. The ignition does not recognize
the chip in your key any longer.

A bypass is required to circumvent.
If left unchecked, it will lock down the fuel injector
rail (as it has now), and you will need to
tow it in to GM for evaluation, and resetting.

But, if you want to just remove this system
from the equation entirelly,
I suggest the PLJX bypass kit to get around
this VATS (VEHICLE-ANTI-THEFT-SYSTEM)
issue.

This VATS Bypass Module is designed to momentarilly
allow the engine to remote start by sending a proper
coded pulse to open the fuel rail passlock injector
cut off circuit.

The output from an alarm/remote starter
would then shut down the pulse, once it has detected
the engine has engaged, and preserve the integrity
of the passlock system.

That is it's designed purpose.

However, in your case, this input wire on the PLJX module,
instead of going to a momentary ground pulse from
an alarm/remote starter,
would go to a constant chassis ground, through
the bypass module, grounding out the VATS.
The VATS would then always be bypassed as long
as that wire is chassis grounded.

I can not speak about a damaged VATS system,
like if a thief has destroyed it, because I do not
get into this part of GM'S security application.
But as a happy coincidence to installing
after market remote starters, this does work on bypassing
passlock in most all GM vehicles we've run into,
including your year GM vehicle as well.

Also, this is a self learning, resistor sensing
and adjusting module. Once the VATS wires have been tapped,
you would press the program button to learn,
and it does. The car should then allow start
with any hardware store key.

Hopefully, it will on yours as well.

You might want a car alarm installer to do this
for you, the fair rate being around 50. to 75.
for labor.

Regards,

Robert Martin-ALARMTEK/CEO
Master Technician
Mobile Security Electronics
www.PASSLOCK2.com