E38 still won't start after a VATS delete

Usually one of three things: the VATS settings weren't all turned off, the starter checks are still on, or the E38 isn't actually getting a complete write.

Last updated November 2, 2026

Work through it in this order

1. Turn on the Advanced view. In VCM Editor, Edit > View > Advanced, then close and reopen the tune. The VATS items are in the OS tab and don't show without it.
2. Disable every VATS item. Most E38 files have two (VATS 1 and VATS 2) in the OS tab; some have three. There's also a starter-relay check under System > General.
3. Disable the starter checks in both the OS tab and System > General.
4. Write Entire with a fully charged battery (at least 11.5 volts, ideally on a charger). A calibration-only write won't apply these changes.
5. Don't count on hiding the codes. Setting the VATS or immobilizer trouble codes to "No Error Reported" only stops the code from being stored; it doesn't make the computer allow a start, and owners who tried it on this problem report it didn't help. Re-check steps 2 and 3 instead.

If it still won't crank

• Prove the starter circuit, safely. Only with the transmission in park or neutral, the parking brake set, the wheels chocked and someone who knows how to do it: briefly power the starter solenoid directly. If it cranks but won't keep running, the computer is still cutting fuel (keep working the tune steps above). If it cranks and runs normally, look hard at the starter-enable wiring and relay next.
• Leave the starter-enable circuit loaded. The E38 watches its starter-relay circuit. Wiring an external starter relay is fine, but keep the factory relay, or a resistor that stands in for it, on the starter-enable output, or the engine may not run (code P0615).
• Different OS or VIN in the ECM? HP Tuners' Write Entire doesn't write every segment on an E38. If the computer came from a different vehicle and its other segments don't match, have it programmed with GM's service tool first, then tune it.

EFILive does the same job with its VATS-disable patch (pick the anti-theft type, apply the patch, then a full flash; on 2008-and-later operating systems also set the starter-relay option to Not Used). After that first full flash, calibration-only writes are fine.

More: VATS delete: what it is and how to do it.