I have inherited a 95 TransAm which has had an LS1 swapped into it. I don't know which year LS1, but I do know that the job wasn't professional. There are dangling loose wires all over the place, the EGR lines have been cut, etc. However, when I put the key into the run position and jump the starter solenoid, it cranks right up and seems to run fine for about two seconds before shutting off. I have discovered that this is probably due to the VATS system not allowing the engine to continue to run, and I would like to disable that system entirely the cheapest way possible. I know that I could send it somewhere to have the PCM reprogrammed, but I am doing this for a friend and money is very tight for her. I have also been told that I can bypass/disable VATS by grounding the VATS module, but I don't know where it is on this car. Does anyone know where the VATS module is on this car? Does grounding the module out really work? Is there any other way to disable this system?

Thanks in advance...

 

You disable it in the PCM.

 

Providing the VATS worked prior to the swap it will work if wired correctly. The body computer sends the fuel enable signal to the pcm. You can check out shbox.com for info on the VATS system.

 

Thank you sir for that!

 

Okay, I'm not getting a security light at all when I turn the key on. Assuming the bulb and wiring is good, does anyone know what that means?

Also, can anyone tell me where the Theft Deterrent Relay is located? Thanks...

Edit: found and bypassed the TDR. The car now cranks and runs for a couple of seconds via the key; now I just need to find a way to keep it running. It looks like my only two options are to either have the computer reprogrammed or to install a BCM bypass module. Is there any other way?

Edit 2: If the TDR allows the engine to start and the TDM allows the injectors to function, if the engine is running for two seconds every time before shutting off, is the VATS system at fault here? Would the engine run at all if it were? Maybe the reason the engine shuts off after a couple of seconds is due to some other problem. Anyone have any ideas?

 

there's no body control module in a 95 FYI.

 

Has the fuel sending unit and pump been upgraded?

 

If there's no body control module in a 95, is my only option to have the computer reprogrammed?

Edit: Sorry, I got BCM and TDM mixed up. Mine has a TDM, which I apparently need to bypass.

 

I don't know anything about the car's history, unfortunately. Does the LS1 require a higher capacity pump? If so, and assuming the pump hasn't been changed, would that even be an issue at idle RPM's?

 

The pump if healthy does not need upgrading. The reason it starts for 2 seconds is because the pcm sends one injector pulse but then if it doesn't see the VATS fuel enable it doesn't send anymore. Bypass the VATS which ever way you want to do it.

 

Yep, I've figured out that this is what I need to do, and I've already ordered the bypass module.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

 

Okay, got the module in, but I can't find the Theft Deterrent Module. Anyone know where it's located?

 

Center of the dash to the right of the radio