The 1995 Chevrolet Camaro, a classic icon of American muscle, often brings with it the charm of older vehicles, but also some of their quirks. One common issue faced by owners of the ’95 Camaro is related to the Vehicle Anti-Theft System, or VATS. While not directly linked to whether your 1995 Camaro is OBD1 or OBD2, understanding this system is crucial for diagnosing starting problems. This article will guide you through understanding VATS in your 1995 Camaro and provide a step-by-step method to bypass it, ensuring you can get back on the road.
Understanding VATS and its Issues in 1995 Camaros
The Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) was designed to prevent car theft by disabling the engine if an attempt is made to start the car without the correct key. In 1995 Camaros, VATS works by embedding a resistor pellet within the ignition key. When you insert the key, the system reads the resistance value. If it matches the value stored in the car’s Body Control Module (BCM), the system allows the engine to start by enabling both the fuel supply and the starter.
Common problems arise when the VATS system malfunctions. This can be due to a worn ignition switch, a faulty BCM, or even degradation of the resistor pellet in the key itself. Symptoms of VATS issues include:
- No-start condition: The engine cranks but does not start.
- Security light: The “SECURITY” light on the dashboard may illuminate or flash.
- Intermittent starting problems: The car starts sometimes but not others.
It’s important to note that VATS is a separate system from the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. While the 1995 Camaro is OBD1, VATS issues will not typically be diagnosed through a standard OBD1 scan. Instead, troubleshooting VATS often requires direct electrical testing and, in many cases, a bypass is the most straightforward solution for persistent problems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bypassing VATS on a 1995 Camaro
Bypassing VATS involves tricking the BCM into thinking the correct key is always present. This is achieved by installing resistors into the VATS circuit, effectively mimicking the resistance of your original key. Here’s how to do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Resistors (with the correct resistance value – see section below)
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool and connectors (or soldering iron and solder)
- Electrical tape
- Digital multimeter (to measure key resistance, if possible)
Steps:
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Locate the VATS Connector: Underneath the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column, locate the VATS connector. It’s typically a small connector with a pair of wires – usually white/black and purple/white.
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Disconnect the Connector: Carefully unplug the VATS connector. You’ll be working on the wires that lead away from the steering column and towards the car’s wiring harness (BCM). The wires coming from the steering column side will be left disconnected.
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Prepare the Resistor(s): Based on the resistance value you need (determined from your key or using a kit – see next section), prepare the appropriate resistor or resistor combination. You may need to connect resistors in series or parallel to achieve the desired value.
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Connect the Resistor(s): Connect the resistor(s) across the purple/white and white/black wires on the harness side of the disconnected VATS connector. For testing, you can temporarily insert the resistor leads into the connector. For a permanent fix, it’s recommended to solder the resistors in place or use crimp connectors for a secure and lasting connection. Ensure the connections are well-insulated with electrical tape to prevent shorts.
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Test the Bypass: Turn the ignition key to the “start” position. The engine should now start without issue, and the security light should turn off. If it works, tuck the wiring and resistor neatly under the dash, ensuring it is secure and won’t interfere with pedals or steering.
Choosing the Correct Resistor Value
To bypass VATS successfully, you need to use the correct resistance value that matches your original key. There are a couple of ways to determine this:
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Measure Your Key: If you have an original key that works, use a digital multimeter to measure the resistance of the pellet on the key. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms) and place the probes on either side of the resistor pellet. This will give you the resistance value you need to replicate with your resistors.
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Use a VATS Resistor Kit: If you don’t have a working key or cannot measure the resistance, you can purchase a VATS bypass kit. Some kits, like the DEI 20402, include a range of resistors with DIP switches, allowing you to easily test each possible resistance value until you find the one that works for your Camaro. Rotary dial kits are also available for even easier selection but are typically more expensive.
There are 15 possible VATS resistance values used by GM. The table below shows these values and combinations of standard resistors you can use to create them.
By following these steps and using the correct resistor value, you can effectively bypass the VATS system on your 1995 Camaro. While understanding whether your 1995 Camaro is OBD1 or OBD2 is important for diagnostics in general, VATS bypass is a specific solution to address security system related starting problems, allowing you to enjoy your classic Camaro without the frustration of anti-theft malfunctions.
