Hi, can someone please help. I have a '92 Pontiac Firebird 5.0 liter w carburetor. The car will not start, just dead silence when I turn the ignition key to the start position, and I believe the problem is with the VATS module but I do not know where it is located. I have a piece of junk Haynes manual which does not say anything about the VATS system. Can someone please point me in the right direction of where to look, a picture of the module itself would be helpful. thanks

i think this would help...http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

The VATS module is located on the passenger side of the car, on the back side of the dash. You need to take the entire dashboard out to get to it. Chances are the VATS module isn't the problem though. Most often the contacts in the ignition switch itself or the key wear out and cause an incorrect reading to be sent to the VATS. I would start with a new key if the resistor pellet in the key looks worn and then an ignition swtich if the key doesn't work. Hope this helps. God bless.



-Chvrlt283

Hi, I had to replace mine , although I have an 89, however its probably in the same place, the module is a pain to get to, the entire dashboard has to been loosened and 85% removed to get to it, because its in the center of the dashboard right under the windshield ( in the air vent), there is no way to get it out without pulling the dash forward, although if you remove the windshield you should be able to reach down and get it, (but I am unsure if this will work)., My mechanic(who owned my formula previously) bypassed it by running wires from the starter & then inside the car to a push button, because he didnt want to take the entire dash apart.
( now it could be that the wires attached to ignition have broken, should be easier that replacing the vats box)
Anyway I hope this helps

Found a link for a 91, I cant find my repair manual to take a pic of the page.
http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

Most likely culprit is the key reader or the key itself. Either way, you'll most likely be buying both.

Do yourself a favor and do the VATS bypass and be done with it.