Cadillac Repair: theft system, volt circuit, antiquated system

Question
keep getting starting disabled on my read out... It is a 92 seville with the 4.9 will a low batt cause this?

Answer
Hello,

I suppose anything is possible. The VATS is a very low tech anti-theft system. It operates by seeing the resistance in the chip embedded in the key. In other words, 12 volts is not needed to operate the ignition. The resistor depending on the one in 14 will have various voltage of less than 12 volts to get the engine to crank. Resistance just means instead on one key having a 12 volt circuit, the resistance of the resistor of the key will change the starting circuit at the ignition to something lower. This is the only system hard wired in through the ignition lock with a harness that runs down the steering column and to a reader box.

The most common complaint on this antiquated system is that "engine starts at times." The wires commonly break in the steering column inside the outer insulation of these very thin wires. The system was used from 1986 to 2005 on many models. In the electronic world such as computers being obsolete is three months.

If there were a problem in that harness the dealer would have no problem charging you $500 plus to replace lock and keys. Locksmiths using the identical components charge half and in reality is easily bypassed.

The uninformed and ignorant at the insurance companies will deny these theft claims because according to a forensic locksmith (not a thief) they are impossible to defeat.

As for your question I suppose an old battery could effect your situation, but I can not state that as a fact. If you think the battery should be changed, change it and see if you have the same problem.


Good Luck,

Rob