
However, if the vehicle is equipped with a BCM in place of the VTD control module, the VTD relearn procedure may be required.
Vats ignition training code#
VTD control modules learn the ignition key resistance code upon initial ignition power-on following installation. Vehicles equipped with this type of VTD system require no additional relearn procedure when replacing any part with the exception of those models equipped with a BCM in place of a VTD control module. With the proper resistance code, the VTD module (or BCM) would then send a signal to the PCM enabling the fuel system and allowing the vehicle to run. When the proper ignition key is placed in the lock cylinder, the resistance code of the chip is read by either the VTD control module or BCM (whichever the vehicle was equipped with). When replacing an ignition key on this type of system, you must make sure that the new ignition key has the same resistance code as the original key.

There are 15 different resister chips that may be used on any given key type. The prominent feature of these VTD systems is the small resistive chip visible on the steel shank of the ignition key. The VATS and early Passkey systems utilize the PCM, resistive-chip ignition key and lock cylinder, and either a BCM or VTD control module to prevent unauthorized start-up. The second group identifies a security code issued by the lock cylinder, and the third type communicates with a transponder contained within the ignition key. The first group identifies the proper resistance code on the ignition key.

Each of these three groups of VTD systems shown in the schematics (Figures 1-3) has a unique way of identifying whether or not an authorized key is used to start the vehicle. The third group, the Transponder Key type, includes those vehicles that have the Passkey III systems (PK3 and PK3+) (see Figure 3). The second group, the Coded Lock Cylinder type, includes those vehicles equipped with the Passlock system (see Figure 2). The first group, the Resistive-Chip type, includes those vehicles equipped with the VATS system, (see Figure 1) Passkey system or Passkey II (PK2) system. An easy way to remember the three groups is to think of them as either the “Resistive-Chip Ignition Key” type, “Coded Lock Cylinder” type or the “Transponder Ignition Key” type. What this all means is that performing Theft Deterrent Relearn procedures will now become common practice when replacing a PCM, BCM, VTD control module, ignition key, ignition lock cylinder or instrument cluster in late-model GM vehicles.Īll of the VTD systems used by GM can be categorized into three groups. By 1998, only a handful of vehicles made by GM left the factory without VTD. General Motors started using VTD systems in the mid ’80s beginning with the Corvette. In other words, if the proper ignition key is not used to start the vehicle, the vehicle will shut down and the engine will become immobilized for a certain duration of time, usually from four to 10 minutes. This prevents an unauthorized start-up of the engine. While each manufacturer has its own way of incorporating VTD into the various models, the concept of “password sharing” among computer control modules within the vehicle is pretty common across the board. When dealing with these vehicles, driveability repair procedures may require one more step to be taken before handing the keys back to the customer, and that is a VTD/Anti-theft Relearn procedure.

Lots of time, money and patience have been spent solving a problem that shouldn’t have existed had the technician checked if the vehicle was equipped with VTD. Many technicians have blamed a newly installed aftermarket replacement PCM for a no-start condition only to find out later that the vehicle in question was equipped with VTD. These repair solutions will cover more than six-million vehicles on the road today.ĭavid Hirschhorn, Director of Brand Management

In a 45-minute webinar sponsored by CRP Automotive, the company that brings you Rein Automotive, we will cover six common cooling system repairs on BMW, Audi and VW vehicles. These solutions can simplify a repair and protect against future failures. These parts can create a win/win situation for your shop and customers when dealing with today’s vehicle’s complexity and longevity. Some replacement parts can be better than the original parts. It could be hoses, plastic couplings or water pumps. Have you ever noticed many European cars and SUVs no longer have coolant replacement intervals listed in the service information? This could be due to cooling systems requiring service or component replacement prior to that interval. Sponsored By CRP Automotive, the company that brings you REIN Automotive
