i bought a gta from someone that could not get it to run! it has been sitting for 4 years they broke the coulum and the ignition out..the key was broke in half.. i changed the coulum and had a new key made to fit the vats set up .. i learned the new key ,and tried to start the car and i have nothing !! i jumped the starter and it cranks ,but when you turn the key i have nothing,,changed the neutral safty switch,and the relay at the kick panel.and even tried a working ecm ,you hear the fuel pump kick on ... anyone have any ideas? i tried everything i could before i posted this thread,,googled the crap out of it!! here is the car

try this - it may be a fusible link and i think i am attaching the correct page in pdf form. look at fus link and it will show the column and row where they are located.
if anyone did work and did not disconnect the battery you can get a short and fuse one - melt it in half.

also check to see if the vats reader in the column by the key is working and if there is even a vats module by the fuse box. if there is then you should at least get a lights going on and the check engine light will go on - i think that is it.
do a search of VATS and fusible link for info from people a lot smarter than i am, but dont tell anyone i admitted to that.

good luck

you can try grounding out the starter relay, that will override the cranking circuit of the vats system. If that works then you know there is still a vats issue, either the key, ignition lock or module itself. Hope this helps.

Thanks i will try in the morning..
And thanks for the quick response both of you.....

all the lights come on like they should ..but when you turn the key to start..
it no go

Any progress?

Btw, before you throw away more money on random parts, try this troubleshooting article to find out WHAT is wrong with the starter circuit:
http://www.austinthirdgen.org/index.php?pid=38

Since you already verified that the starter itself can crank, you should have no trouble finding the faulty component with just a test light.

Hope this helps.
Lou

I think I'm having the same problem with 89 Camaro. Everything works (lights, music, blinkers, security light) except just randomly, usually once I'm already somewhere in town, when I turn the key... nothing happens. Usually if I just wait a few minutes (5-20) it will decide to crank right over and light up, but sometimes it takes longer. Totally inconsistent though. Driving me nuts! I need to be able to rely on my car for work, etc.

My 91 Z does the same thing, mine has a problem with the VATS decoder in the ignition lock cylinder. The wires get brittle and break off or just develope bad connections. When your car will not start, is the security light constantly lit as long as the ignition is on?

Its all good now...finally got some time off of work to d=ck around with it some more..
the neutral safety switch was not in the correct spot,,,kicked right over...
best 1,000 bucks i ever spent ... 91 green gta with 80,000 orig miles..
Thanks for all your help!!!

That was a score bro. Post some pictures? Whats all modified on it?

unmolested car!! just an ram air hood and a flowmaster,and k&n filter.
5.7 car..i guess it is one of 508 made in the color green that year...

my avatar is the the car bought!

This is the other 91 , 5.7 headers w/test pipe to flowmaster custom prom slp runners slp cold air intake k&n,
4th gen 17 inch speedline wheels,3.42 rear from a 4th gen 4th gen leather seats...I will take some more pics this week end of them both...

Thanks guys

Yes it is. I really need to get some time off so I can dig into this problem