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91 Firebird - Dead, no power at all after VATS problem

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Old 04-15-2007, 10:55 AM
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91 Firebird - Dead, no power at all after VATS problem

I had a problem yesterday with my VATS system. When I disconnected the plug under the dash that goes to the key (orange wrapped white wires going to black/white and purple/white) and checked it with my ohm-meter while turning the key, I read 0ohms, an open circuit. So, I found 4 resistors that add up to 11.8kohm, twisted them together, and held them in place under the dash to bypass the key. The car started perfectly and ran for about 10 seconds until I turned if off. Then I went inside and soldered the resistors together and plugged them back into the car. I then attempted to start the car again. The starter breifly spun, it sounded almost like 1 compression cycle, and then the car went dead. Everything is dead. Lights won't even turn on. Pulled out the resistor and checked it and it somehow went up to 13.0kohm after the soldering, which is out of the 11.3-12.3kohm range needed. So I got new resistors and soldered them together and checked it this time, 12.0kohm. Well, everything in the car is dead so I can't even attempt to start it now. Any ideas as to what could be wrong here?? I thought the VATS system had some kind of lockout after an incorrect resistence measurement, but I thought it was only 3-4 minutes. This happened yesterday and it's still dead.
Old 04-15-2007, 11:02 AM
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Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: 91 Firebird - Dead, no power at all after VATS problem

Check your battery connections.
Old 04-15-2007, 11:50 AM
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Re: 91 Firebird - Dead, no power at all after VATS problem

I reached under the car and checked the positive post on the starter solonoid. No voltage to ground, and it actually reads little resistance to ground. I think something may have grounded near that post. Is there a fusable link between the battery and the starter solonoid post?
Old 04-15-2007, 12:01 PM
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Re: 91 Firebird - Dead, no power at all after VATS problem

Also, there is no resistance between the two large posts on the starter solonoid.
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