I have a 92 RS and am having problems with my security system. When I try to crank it sometimes it won't crank because of the security system. Am I the only lucky one or is there someone else who has experienced this problem? Please help. Thanks guys and gals.

 

If you're positive that it is the security system,then it's probably the VATS.Sometimes the contacts in the ignition cylinder for the resistor pellet get worn down. You can check the resistance of the pellet by placing an ohm meter across it and reading the resistance.Then get a resistor of the same value and place it in the VATS connector under the dash after you unplug it.There should be few other past posts that go more into detail about this.If you need any more detailed info,you can e-mail me.

 

I don't reccomend bypassing the system, because your car becomes vunerable to theft.

99% of the time, the wires going to the lock cylinder are broken. Your best bet is to have it properly fixed.

To learn more about VATS/PassKey, click on the link. PassKey

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
22# injectors,
JET AFPR,
Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass,
SSM SFC,
Boxed LCAs,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
KYB Shocks

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

When the ignition is turned on, if the security light comes on for about 2 seconds & then goes off, the VATS system is detecting the correct resistance value from the key, if the security light stays on, then the VATS system is detecting the incorrect resistance value, or, if the security light does not come on at all, then the resistance detection circuit (two wires from the VATS module to the contacts in the ignition lock tumbler) are open or shorted, or the contacts in the tumbler are worn or dirty.

Tim

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I would surely like to correct the problem in the proper manner but have heard it is quite onvolved and costly. By the way it does not occur all the time. And I purchased a new key about a year ago. GMtech your reply was quite informative thank you! Any further help will be unmeasurably appreciative. LONG LIVE THE F-BODY and good night.

 

Nice article, Bernard.

 

Thanks.

As for it being involving and costly, if you shop around, you can find the lock cylinder and key for less than $50. If you get them both from the dealer, your looking at about $80. It will require removing the steering wheel, and other components once the wheel is off. You will need a steering wheel puller, lock plate depressor, and a Torx bit (don't remember the size), most of which is usually rented at the part store chains.

Its not that hard at all. If you want hard, hell I retrofitted PassKey into my car. Try making an '87 steering column accept the PassKey lock cylinder! Good luck.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
22# injectors,
JET AFPR,
Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass,
SSM SFC,
Boxed LCAs,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
KYB Shocks
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

Thanks for the added info GM. I will look around and see what I find. I was looking at 97 Z today that has been wrecked. Thinking about buying the seats for my ride. I think they are a direct bolt up? Anyway thanks again man!

 

They are a direct bolt up.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
22# injectors,
JET AFPR,
Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass,
SSM SFC,
Boxed LCAs,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
KYB Shocks
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE