'86 VATS

[Loren L.]

For the last 3 mornings, the '86 has refused to start. I get a solenoid click.
The first two days, it eventually started. Today it won. I assume two things:

1. Some other '86 owner has already tracked down and killed the inventor(s) of VATS.

2. That there is some pattern of diagnostics that will allow detection of the specific problem. Where do I find such?
Thanks in advance for any info that arrives before the start of the fire.

[Joe L.]

Re: '86 VATS

Loren------

A "diagnostic tree" for most electronics problems that ail C4, C5, and C6 Corvettes will be found in the factory service manual for the appropriate year. These manuals tend to be very model year-specific, so you need to use a 1986 manual.

[Loren L.]

Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

I wouldn't ask.

[Clem Z.]

send me your Email addy and i will scan you

how to bypass the VATS

[Jim T.]

Re: '86 VATS

Loren I have a 85, however if you are getting a solenoid click I believe it is not the VATS keeping your 86 from starting. Could be the brushes in the starter have worn down or perhaps turning the battery connector cable on the solenoid 180 derees to use the new half of of the contact would allow the 86 to fire off.

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

Loren-----

Unfortunately, the factory service manual for the specific model year is the only place I know of that one can find the "diagnostic tree" that you seek.

[Joe L.]

Re: '86 VATS

Jim------

Yes, I had missed that part of the Loren's original post. I agree. If the solenoid is clicking, then it's not the VATS sysytem that's the culprit. If it were a VATS problem there would be no solenoid click.

[Art A.]

Re: Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

Loren, if you e-mail me your address, I will send you a Service Manual. I know I have your address some where around here, but you know how that goes after 60.

BTW Joe they are NOT Factory Service Manuals, they were/are DEALER Service manuals.

Art

[Joe C.]

Re: Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

Loren,

I also have a 1985 (VATS begins in 1986). I agree, that if the solenoid clicks, then it's getting juice, so does not sound like a VATS problem. Pull the starter and bench test it.

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

Art-----

In the context that I use the term "factory", it connotes the fact that the service manuals are those published and copyrighted by General Motors.

The service manuals are not "dealer" service manuals, at all. They are not published or copyrighted by dealers and they are not intended solely for dealers. They are available to and intended for anyone or any entity that has a service interest in the particular GM vehicle. I'll bet that there are even copies of these manuals somewhere to be found at Bowling Green.

Also, the term "factory" when used to describe a service manual is commonly used to differentiate the GM-sourced service manual from the more generic or lesser-inclusive service manuals published by non-GM sources (e.g. Chiltons, Mitchells, etc.).

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Art-----

Another sad commentary I might add is this: one of the very last places that you'll find the GM service manuals (or, the CD or dealer-only online versions of same) used is at a GM dealer. GM dealer mechanics usually "tear into" a job without ever reading or following the service manual procedure. Or, they do research the procedure and then "do it their own way" or "short-cut" the procedure.

That's the reason for so may unsatisfactory repairs or "come-backs". This same problem has been going on for YEARS. It's absolutely the biggect reason that I fear returning a car to the dealer for warranty or any other work.

[Art A.]

Re: Joe, if I had a an '86 Service Manual,

Well Joe, I certainly did not intend to get into a pissing contest with you, I was merely trying to clarify what we at GM considered the usage of the Service Manual to be and it had nothing to do with the "factories". GM considers the PRIMARY usage of their service manuals to be a ready reference for the technicians at it's dealerships. If the technicians don't/didn't use them..........well that's another story.
I know that they are used by others outside of GM , but that is not why GM produced them.
If there are any in the assembly plants....factories....it is NOT because GM sent them their as a matter of course. There was no distribution of said manuals to the plants.
If the term "factory" is used to describe a service manual commonly used to differentiate the GM-sourced service manual then it is very misleading. A much better term would be simply, GM Service manual.

Art

[Chuck S.]

In A Pi**ing Contest...

I understand that pointing your weapon at a 45 deg angle will give you the best ballistic trajectory.