VATS Interrogator/Reader
Contents
1. ON SELECTOR switch to READ Then the red LED labeled KEY READER will light If the red LED does not light or is dim this indicates that the battery needs to be replaced 2 Set the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob to position one 3 Insert the key to be read into the KEY READER slot making sure that the key is inserted fully NOTE the key reader slot will accept both single sided and double sided VATS keys 4 If the green LED labeled KEY MATCH lights then the key has a resistor code of one If the green LED does not light rotate the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob until the green LED lights If the green KEY MATCH LED does not light this indicates that the resistor pellet in the key has been dam aged 5 The resistor code number of the key is shown by the position of the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob To check that you have selected the proper key blank insert the blank into the key reader slot without changing any of the settings on the Interrogator Reader If you have selected the correct blank the green KEY MATCH LED should light immediately Copyright 2013 Lockmasters Inc 1 2013 continued on next page salesinfo lockmasters com www lockmasters com 2101 John C Watts Dr Nicholasville KY 40356 VATS Interrogator Reader TT4004 continued from previous page Interrogating A Car Equipped With The Vats System Before you can interrogate any VATS system you mus2. Resistor Code Selector Dial Use only 9 volt alkaline batteries Any battery may leak electrolyte with age battery should be changed at least once a year Do not dispose of batteries in fire or attempt to recharge alkaline batter ies When changing the battery make sure that the selector switch is in the INTERROGATE position Accidentally reversing the polarity of the battery while the unit is in the READ position will seriously damage the device This is NOT covered by your warranty OVERVIEW OF THE VATS PASSKEY SYSTEM The original factory installed anti theft system used on GM passenger cars beginning in 1986 is known as either VATS Vehicle Anti Theft System or PASSkey Personalized Automobile Security System Both names refer to the same system Throughout this manual we will use the term VATS for simplicity The heart of the VATS system is a resistor pellet imbedded in the shank of the ignition key Each VATS key will have one of fifteen different resistor values When the VATS key is inserted into the ignition switch the resistor pellet is positioned between a pair of contacts located inside the ignition lock As the lock is turned the on board computer routes an electric current through the resistor pellet and determines the value of the resistor If the value of the resistor pellet in the key matches the value stored in the computer s memory the computer allows the car to start If the value of the resistor
3. VATS Interrogator Reader TT4004 Thank you for purchasing a Lockmasters VATS Interrogator Reader Your Interrogator is a carefully engineered solid state device designed to give you years of trouble free service Please read the following instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with the features of the Lockmasters Interrogator before using Be sure to save these instructions for future reference Important Safety Information As with any tool safety precautions should be observed during handling and use Before connecting this device to any vehicle please consult the vehicle manufacturer s service manual Follow all vehicle safety precautions carefully Many vehicles equipped with VATS PASSkey are also equipped with an airbag Follow all manufacturers safety precautions relevant to the airbag BEFORE using the Lockmasters Interrogator Reader High temperatures can damage the electronic components within this device Do not store your Interrogator Reader anywhere that temperatures may exceed 125 degrees F Do not store in direct sunlight or near hot appliances such as radiators or stoves Do not immerse in water or clean with harsh solvents Function Selector Switch Do not attempt to disassemble your Lockmasters Interrogator Reader Opening the case of your Lockmasters Interrogator Reader will void your warranty There are no user serviceable components within See warranty information for service pro cedures
4. pellet does not match the value stored in memory the car will not start and a timer will prevent the car from starting even with the correct key until a predetermined penalty period has elapsed The Lockmasters Interrogator Reader is designed to allow you to conveniently feed the on board computer any one of the fifteen resistor values and to determine the value of the resistor pellet in a key for duplication The Lockmasters Interrogator will also allow you to check for a damaged resistor pellet and perform tests for faults in the ignition lock contacts or wiring For more information on the VATS system see VATS MADE SIMPLE DVD that was included with your interrogator TT4004INSTPDF 800 654 0637 Fax 859 885 1731 Key Reader Slot LOCKMASTERS INCORPORATED Steering Column TECH FTR IN Wiring Test Lead INTERROGATOR Interrogation Lead Compartment for 9V battery is located on the underside of the Interrogator Reader Always observe battery polarity when changing battery Reading A Key The key reader can be used with or without the test probes connected to the Interrogator Reader IMPORTANT if the test probes are connected to the Interrogator Reader the con nectors at the ends of the test probes must NOT be connected to each other This will prevent the Reader from reading the correct resistance value TO READ THE VALUE OF THE RESISTOR PELLET IN A KEY 1 Set the FUNCTI
5. t The Penalty Period varies from car to car However if the timer is working cor rectly waiting three minutes between starting attempts is sufficient Many people rec ommend waiting four minutes between starting attempts just to be safe Determining the exact penalty period of a particular vehicle requires a working key VATS SYSTEM TESTS Vats Fault Test To determine if VATS system is malfunctioning 1 Determine correct key code See READING A KEY 2 Connect TEST PROBES to matching connector of VATS wire located below dash 3 Set Function Selector switch set to INTERROGATE 4 Set Resistor Code Selector Knob to correct code and attempt to start the car If car starts fault is in steering column If car does not start fault is downstream of steering column refer to vehicle service manual Steering Column Test To determine if contacts in lock or steering column wire are malfunctioning 1 Connect STEERING COLUMN WIRING TEST LEAD to matching connec tor of VATS wire located below dash 2 Set Function Selector switch to READ 3 Set Resistor Code Selector Knob to correct code for the vehicle and then insert the VATS key into the ignition and rotate through all positions The green KEY MATCH LED should light 4 If the green KEY MATCH LED does not light or lights intermittently as the key is turned replace the lock Copyright 2013 Lockmas
6. t first make a working mechanical key This can be done by obtaining the key code number or by disas sembling the steering column For more information on steering column disas sembly see Tech Train video 553 GM STEERING COLUMNS 556 Airbag STEERING COLUMNS VOL 1 or 568 Airbag STEERING COLUMNS VOL 2 Warning if you are working on a car equipped with airbags follow all factory diag nostic procedures for the airbag before interrogating the system Failure to follow factory service procedures can result in an accidental deployment of the airbag and or personal injury or death Once you have a working mechanical key you can use the Lockmasters Interrogator to interrogate the system in one of two ways METHOD 1 Without the TT 4002 VATS Bypass Adapter 1 Remove the screws securing the hush panel to the lower edge of the dash board and locate the VATS wire leading from the steering column into the wir ing harness 2 Disconnect the VATS connector and attach the matching leads from the Lockmasters Interrogator Reader 3 Set the FUNCTION SELECTOR switch on the Lockmasters Interrogator to INTERROGATE and set the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR to the desired setting NOTE Resistor value 1 is not used on vehicles built in 1989 or later and resistor value 1 was never used on vehicles equipped with double sided VATS keys 4 Attempt to start the car If the car starts the resistor value stored in the com pu
7. ter s memory is shown by the position of the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob 5 If the car does not start turn the ignition switch off and set the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob to the next value you wish to try and wait until the penalty period has passed 6 Attempt to start the car If the car does not start repeat steps 5 amp 6 using all resistor values until the car does start METHOD 2 With the TT 4002 VATS Bypass Adapter 1 Insert a working mechanical key into Bypass Adapter 2 Connect the test probe from the Lockmasters Interrogator Reader to the Bypass Adapter 3 Insert the mechanical key Bypass Adapter combination into ignition lock 4 Set the FUNCTION SELECTOR switch on the Lockmasters Interrogator to INTERROGATE and set the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR to the desired setting NOTE Resistor value 1 is not used on vehicles built in 1989 or later and resistor value 1 was never used on vehicles equipped with double sided VATS keys 4 Attempt to start the car If the car starts the resistor value stored in the com puter s memory is shown by the position of the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob TT4004INST 5 If the car does not start turn the ignition switch off and set the RESISTOR CODE SELECTOR knob to the next value you wish to try and wait until the penalty period has passed 6 Attempt to start the car If the car does not start repeat steps 5 amp 6 using all resistor values until the car does star
8. ters Inc 1 2013 800 654 0637 Fax 859 885 1731 LOCKMASTERS salesinfo lockmasters com www lockmasters com INCORPORATED 2101 John C Watts Dr Nicholasville KY 40356
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