Hello everyone, yes we are new to Camaro Forums. So far we love it, there's a lot of info on here. We bought a 97 RS last year for $850. The guy we bought it from tried doing his own exhaust......to say the least a blindfolded monkey could've done better. After having a shop redo the exhaust, and replacing almost every engine sensor, the car finally ran and drove. However it now has some electrical issues. The dash goes dim when you turn the headlights on, the P/S window only operates from the D/S switch, and only one front turn signal operates. Now for the weird part: while Alex was overseas during the summer, something happened to the car and now it won't start. Alex came home and started troubleshooting it. The starter is fine, so we think it has something to do with the VATS. Can anyone help us out here? We would greatly appreciate it.

 

If the starter cranks the engine it is not a VATS problems, as the VATS prevents the starter from doing anything. A VATS problem will also light the "Security" lamp. VATS disables the starter and injectors, but does not disable the ignition. If the engine cranks, check for spark, check the 2 injector fuses, check fuel pressure.

 

Thanks for the info, Pete. We replaced all the fuses when we replaced the sensors. And there is good spark on all 6, and there is fuel getting to the injectors. The injectors function properly. Would the DRL module have anything to do with this? Alex jumped the low side of the starter solenoid and it turned the engine over. When we put the key into the ignition (almost) everything lights up, and the dinger does its thing, however when we turn the key to start the engine NOTHING happens, but when you let off a relay clicks. So we are just a bit stumped.

 

Is the security light staying on? Try jumping the nuetrel start switch if it's an auto or the clutch position switch if it's an automatic. But if the security light stays on then you'll have to bypass the vats system.