E38 / E67 VATS disable guide

[GMPX]

Hi all,

Seems to be a number of people having problems with VATS on the E38, it's getting too confusing to keep track of all the different threads so I feel it's time to make a new thread that will become a sticky for future reference.

So far we have people saying they can apply the VATS patch and the engine will fire right up. Others, no matter what they do the engine will not fire.

I would like to get a quick summary from people that have got an E38 (or E67) running outside of a GM platform to post up what they have done (aside from the VATS patch). Did you need to put a relay on the starter output? Was it a manual or auto program? Things like that.

Once we have some definitive answers I'll edit the thread and make this a sticky.

Cheers,
Ross

[ScarabEpic22]

Ross, maybe add to your original post what OS they're running too? That seems to make a difference...

(Feel free to delete this)

[gmh308]

12607218 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 3)
12612381 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2)
12619078 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2)
12624402 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2)
12614088 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current (added 3/23)
12617631 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current
12628990 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current (depends on platform OS is used on - some do not require crank relay current).

[Redline Motorsports]

Ross,

Can you better explain what happens when the VATS patch is applied?

HT

[GMPX]

Sure, the ECM goes through many routines to determine if the vehicle can start or not. We still allow the ECM to try to figure out if it's ok to start, however, where it reaches the decision point of start ok or no start we simply force both options to start ok.
So even if the ECM has determined the engine cannot run when it goes to disable the spark and fuel it is forced back to the ok to start condition.
Well, that is the theory behind it anyway, I am getting the feeling that as the years progress there might be other new checks the ECM performs that we might not be bypassing. Look at the summary by OS from gmh308.

Cheers,
Ross

[gmh308]

Added 12614088.

[GMPX]

The ones that you listed as 'start on second key on', is this just the initial start after applying the patch and flashing or is this for every start afterwards?

[gmh308]

The ones that you listed as 'start on second key on', is this just the initial start after applying the patch and flashing or is this for every start afterwards?

Just ran these through again and they start first key on. That was with a warm engine and stoich set at 9.8 for ethanol. Maybe it was a cold start fueling issue in the past that just looked like no start initially. And it was only on cold boot/flash that they kicked on second key on. Subsequent starts AOK. Will try the cold start tomorrow if time.

[gmh308]

12607218 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 3)
12612381 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2)
12619078 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2) See Note
12624402 - VATS patch only required (OS default is VATS Type 2)
12614088 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current (added 3/23)
12617631 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current
12628990 - VATS patch + VATS Type 2 + Crank Relay current

Note:

12619078 - depends on what vehicle the overall calibration is for. Some require crank relay current (Chev Truck), some dont (G8/VE/Middle East Chev).

[VEGASROBBI]

As a side note; I just installed a 2009 Silverado 5.3 in a Jeep JK. I was fortunate to have got the engine compartment fuse block with all the relay's and fuses.

I applied the Vats patch and powered the starter relay trigger as the ECM does - no start, code P0615.

I simply left the Chevy starter relay in place and powered the starter solinoid from the Jeep starter relay and it starts every time. It appears the ECM monitoring of the starter relay trigger must remain unaltered.