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.
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 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.
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 FUNCTION 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.
VATS Interrogator/Reader
TT4004
2101 John C.Watts Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356
800.654.0637
•
Fax 859.885.1731
[email protected] • www.lockmasters.com
Copyright © 2013 Lockmasters Inc. 1/2013
TT4004INSTPDF
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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.
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.
Function
Selector
Switch
Resistor Code
Selector Dial
Key Reader Slot
Compartment for
9V battery is
located on the
underside of
the Interrogator/
Reader. Always
observe battery
polarity when
changing battery.
Steering Column
Wiring Test Lead
Interrogation
Lead
