projec89formula

hi, i got and 89 formula 305 tbi, it wont start, put a new battery in it and changed the anti-theft ralay, when i turn the key i hear a click and the fuel pump, the click isnt the starter, i had read some post on VATS, which is why i canged the relay, the security light come on and stay on after i turn the key, im at a loss for ideas, please help!!

projec89formula

can anyone help
I left off some info, a while back we had to change the water pump, got it changed, went to gas station, came back went inside came back out tostart the car nothing happened.

blackphoenix

Hello. I read your post. Did not get a chance to read your VATS problems, but I am familiar with 89 Formula "security" problems. Purchased 89 Formula 4 years ago as I was driving away the guy said "Oh yeah sometimes she don't start" thinking nothing of it drove it all the way home with no problems from NJ to about 2 hrs into PA. Got her home and shut her down. tried starting her a few minutes and the security light came on. After researching found I had ignition key with no VATS code so the car would literally start when she wanted to. Believe it or not a key for one of my other 3rd Gens started the car MORE then the ignition key. First do you have a VATS code key? Even if you have a VATS code key it is possible the resistance is worn & the car may not be reading it correctly. If your key looks warn & it is a VATS code key try getting a new one made to see if it helps. Also in between starting your car it takes sometime for the VATS security system to "reboot" itself. Do you have factory door key? I had door key made b/c it was suggested to me when you use door key it can sometimes help with the VATS. GM can still make door key with VIN # they are still on file. There are 15 different VATS codes. There is no written documentation of which code is to which VIN. Pontiac has kept no records & trying to find it is impossible. If you know somebody who has a GM Interceptor from my understanding they are able to find the resistance & decypher your code so you could find it out. It can cost up to $300 and in my area only found one person who had the knowledge to do it. I spent hours & days researching & finding out everything I could about the VATS & it is a pain. Since I have gotten rid of my Formula I found there is a fairly simple way to bypass VATS through steering wheel. I never found out exactly what it was since I no longer have it but know it is possible so do not loose hope. I lost hope after car sat in garage for 4 years & I realized I did not have time or money to do the work it needed. It was a sad day to see her go. Hope this may help. Good Luck. Shenna

projec89formula

thanks for the reply, the key i have doesnt look that bad, i have both keys, im actually gonna double check the starter, cause we only tested it with a screwdriver, i have read about VATS and it seems to be a common problem, thanks you for your suggestions that gives me options to try, but i have a problem with the green stuff. so im gonna try the less expensive parts first.
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blackphoenix

Although your VATS key may look good the resistance may be bad in it. My suggestion to you is if you only have one VATS code key they cost about $15, get another one made so you have a back up key & you can make sure your resistance in your key is not worn.If I was you I would get a new key made b/c it is always good to have a spare it is only $15 and it does not require any labor hours on your parts. Then you know that it definitely is not your key. It is impossible to tell the resistance from the key to be good or not. When you get a new key made ask what your code is. If you do that & still have problems you can take the starter out & have an auto parts store check it for free. Maybe a solenoid is bad or there is dead spot in it, but again I would try getting another key first. Good Luck. Shenna

FYI When my VATS system would act up it would click & not start either with the SECURITY light on. I hated that damn SECURITY light. the fuel pump would kick on too but the car would just not start. You could also try disconnecting your battery, reconnect it then try to start it again in 5 minutes. Hope you find whats wrong with it.

royslsbry

sometimes the wires in the start switch for the vats gets broken if you have an ohm meter you can test the resistance on your key find out what its and the put it in the switch and go down to the bottom of the column there should be a orange wire that plugs up at the bottom unplug it and check the resistance there and it should match ur key if doesnt its the wire in the column check this first.

projec89formula

thanks black phoenix and roy, gonna try key first, then go from there

royslsbry

i dont think the key is the prob that liitle chip on its a rsistor and vats allows for some plus and minus in resistance unless its gone from your key doubt the key is problem

projec89formula

im gonna try all suggestions i get anyway, plus its good to have a spare.thanks, if the keys dont work ill check those wires