replaced steering column now car wont start. - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

poppa843 · 10-15-2009, 03:36 PM

I changed my steering column two days ago and now I turn the key and get nothing. I had a new key made at the dealer so I doubt its vats. Is there any wires that could have been damaged and cause this. Also I already put a new ignition switch on and that didn't help. The car turns on all the acc and radio but nothing at the start position

camaronewbie · 10-15-2009, 10:03 PM

Did you change out the VATS module, or just the column? Sounds to me like you swapped steering columns, but you didn't get a key made for the NEW ignition switch with the VATS resistance from the OLD key. You'd have to have the OLD key's resistance value for the pellet for the NEW column key (or for the new ignition key if you put in a new ignition).

poppa843 · 10-16-2009, 12:20 AM

Yes I had a new key cut at the dealer with the old resistance.

vetteoz · 10-16-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppa843

Yes I had a new key cut at the dealer with the old resistance.

You need to unplug the VATS connector on the column and check with a DVM to sse if the chip in the key is being read when key turned on.
May have bad connection or damaged wires

poppa843 · 10-16-2009, 02:04 AM

I needed it fixed fast so I had it towed to my teacher's shop.

poppa843 · 10-16-2009, 02:26 AM

But now that u mention it the vats wires might be damged becausei tried the key that came with the column and got nothing so if the new key with the right resistance chip gets nothing too then the new key isn't sending the signal to the ecm. I wish I would have thought of that before having it towed

poppa843 · 10-16-2009, 04:23 PM

got it back today. the little rod that connects the cylinder to the switch needed to be changed out. thanks for the help