Let’s take a look now at a different type of auto security sys-tem, the VATS system. The General Motors Vehicle Anti-Theft
System, or VATS for short, was designed to reduce thefts of popular GM car models. Some of the cars using this system include Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, Allante, and Cadillac.
Since the installation of VATS in these vehicles in the mid-1980s, their theft rate has been reduced by about 70 percent.
This has also resulted in a lowering of insurance rates for these vehicles. We’ll look at the VATS system separately, because, at the present time, it’s the only security system routinely installed in vehicles at the factory.
The VATS system intimidates many mechanics and lock-smiths. You may even have heard people complaining about trying to service the system! However, you should be aware that if you know what you’re doing, the VATS system isn’t difficult to work with. In addition, since the system is in-stalled on expensive cars and it takes a little more time than usual to make duplicate and replacement keys, you can charge a nice fee for your services!
The VATS system the correct pellet is inserted in the ignition, the car will start.
If a key with the wrong pellet is inserted, the vehicle’s com-puter shuts off the fuel pump, starter, and powertrain for approximately four minutes.
There are 15 different VATS key blanks used with the system, and they’re expensive (about nine dollars each!). A locksmith will need to stock all of them, however, in order to be able to make replacements for customers. Each of the 15 blanks has a pellet with a different electrical resistance.
You can determine what resistance a key has by testing it with a digital multimeter or an ohmmeter (Figure 51). A digital multimeter can actually be set to function as an ohmmeter.
Either of these tools can be purchased through a locksmith or electrician’s supply catalog.
So, when you’re making a duplicate for a customer, you’ll need to first select the proper key blank. To do this, test the
FIGURE 50—A VATS Key
customer‘s key with cor-rect blank is the #3 by checking against you purchase or use VATS key blanks, always test each one before cutting it to double-check that it’s the right blank.
Because the blanks all look alike, it’s easy to make a costly mistake!)
Now, here’s the more frustrating part! What if your customer has lost the key? It’s a little more time-consuming to make a new replacement VATS key, but it’s not complicated. You could take any VATS blank, cut it to fit, and insert it to see if it works. However, each time you choose and cut the wrong blank, the car will be shut off for four minutes, and the ex-pensive blank will be wasted! The easier and faster way to find the right blank is as follows:
Step 1: Have an extra VATS cylinder, a code key cutting ma-chine, a standard (not VATS) GM key blank, and the 15 VATS key blanks ready.
Step 2: Disassemble the steering wheel to get to the lock, us-ing the procedures we described earlier. Remove the lock just far enough to read the code on it.
Step 3: Cut the standard GM key blank (not the VATS blank!) to match the code stamped on the lock. Set this key aside for a moment.
Step 4: Behind the steering column, a two-pin connector joins the VATS ignition switch to the VATS control module. Care-fully grasp the connector and disconnect it.
Step 5: Connect that wire to the extra VATS cylinder.
Step 6: Insert the first VATS blank into the extra cylinder.
Step 7: Insert the standard key that you cut to fit into the car’s ignition and turn it to see if the car starts.
Step 8: If the car starts, you’re done! However, if it doesn’t work, the car will shut down for four minutes. Wait four minutes, and repeat the test procedure with the second VATS blank.
Step 9: When you finally find the correct blank and the car starts, transfer the cuts from the standard GM key onto the VATS key. Remove the wire connection from the extra lock cylinder, reconnect the wire to the VATS module, and reas-semble the steering wheel. Now you’re done!
Using a VATS Decoder
A VATS decoder (Figure 52) is a device that can be purchased from a locksmith supply company. A decoder can be useful for any of the following jobs:
FIGURE 52—A VATS decoder is a useful tool that can perform several different functions.
Selecting a VATS blank to make a duplicate. To choose a blank to make a duplicate, all you have to do is insert the cus-tomer’s key into the decoding slot.
Decoding the correct blank from a vehicle. When no key is available to duplicate, follow the procedure we outlined previously. Disassemble the steering wheel, read the code on the lock cylinder, and cut a standard GM blank to fit the lock.
Then, connect the VATS decoder to the VATS module con-nectors. Turn the decoder’s switch to #1, and try to start the car with the standard key. If the car doesn’t start, press the four-minute timer on the VATS decoder. When the timing light goes off, try again by turning the decoder’s switch to #2, and so on. When you find the right key blank number, cut the new VATS key as before.
Checking for electrical problems. A VATS decoder can also be used to check for electrical problems in the steering col-umn or for problems in the VATS computer. The manual that comes with the decoder will explain these functions in detail.
Locking It Up! 6
Indicate whether each of the following statements is True or False.
_____ 1. All modern car alarm systems require hard-wiring within the vehicle.
_____ 2. A mercury switch is designed to measure the temperature inside a vehicle.
_____ 3. Alarm systems are standard equipment in most vehicles, and are routinely installed at the factory.
_____ 4. A glass-break detector “listens” for the sound of breaking glass and sounds an alarm when it detects glass breakage.
_____ 5. A digital multimeter or an ohmmeter can be used to test the resistance of a VATS key.
Check your answers with those on page 102.