alright i think i've narrowed down my problem, i just replaced the starter on my car now whenever i go to start it nothing happens. i have to turn the key once, nothing, then sit there for a second and the security light will come on, then a few seconds later it goes off and the car fires right up. i have those keys with the chip in them, anyone know how to fix this problem?

 

ok progress, if i wiggle the key around a little bit the security light eventually comes on for a few seconds, then goes off and it starts, come on anyone got any ideas?

 

The resistor (aka chip) in the key might possibly be worn. You can bypass the vats system or get a new key at the dealer if that is the cause.

 

key is fresh cut about 9 months ago, still could be the prob, im not sure, how do you bypass the system?

 

Figure out the resistance of the chip using a multimeter, then go to radio shack or something similar and get a resistor of the same value and solder it between the two thin orange wires under the steering column. That'll trick the system into thinking that the key is always present.

 

The pellet contact in the ign sw is going bad, VERY common. The contacts start to first fatigue then they will eventually break. You can bypass it if you want but be aware of one thing. If the car is in fact insured for theft, disabeling it can cause the insurance company to withhold any payment. Little known fact is that the VATS system is recognized by most carriers and discounts show up on your policy. Bypassing it puts you in contractual violation with them and thus they can refuse to pay if it's ripped off. Had this happen to a friend with a 'vette. Took him months to get paid for the damage after it was recovered. It's not a bad job to replace it. I just got done restoring mine and I worry more now about theft than when it was new. Keep those antitheft stickers on the window and the VATS working and she will stay around a little longer.

 

He's right. Bypassing it is not a good option. It may be cheaper in the short run, but costly later. Just put in a new cylinder.

 

Hi guys, newbie alert.... : )

I have this same problem on my old '93. I've tried my spare keys just to make sure it wasn't the chip itself - no good. I could try to bypass it, but I want to get more info on the "correct" way ....

Just wondering if there are any good links on how to replace the ign cylinder yourself. If there are special resistor values in the key's chip, are there special consideration in ordering the cylinder?

I imagine the computation is done outside of the cylinder itself, so my guess is "no".

Thanks in advance. Lots of good reading here !

P

 

I think the vats module is what checks the resistance in the chip.

 

That's correct. The cylinder is just the middle-man. If you want, I can email you with step-by-step instructions. I've done hundreds of them(literally).

 

Thanks for the responses !

Please email me at paulkelsey@earthlink.net.
Since you;ve done hundreds, can you tell me the going rate for
a new cylinder?

p

 

I just went looking for one cause someone tried to steal my car.

went to a local store, new lock/cyllinder for an 88 and older was like $25 CAD

I have an 89 (with a chip) and it was $75 CAD

replacing isn't all that hard... I'd be done by now if that's all I had to do... but I have to replace the collar... and all the bits that are on the other side of the column from the cyllinder.. since that's what got ripped appart.

 

Hi all. I'm back..... So my car is running for now... I ended up just bypassing the VATS altogether... One day when my kids are older, I'll replace the cylinder, and do it the right way ; )

Thanks so much to lockdude for sending very detailed instructions on changing out the cylinder. I'll use em some day...

For anyone else trying to bypass their VATS, I found alot of conflicting information between this posting thread, other threads, and the tech article here . Things like colors of wires, and exact descriptions of wire cluster locations are things that threw me off. Only after I combined all the comflicting info, checked the Hayned wiring diagrams, in addition to some instructions on replacing the ign cylinder, did I find the right set of wires (hint hint).

This may be because there are several ways to do it, or because the moderator doesn't like to allow detailed VATS bypass discussions (understandable).... but anyway, just a heads up

Now onto fun things, I gotta headliner and a cracked dash to repair ...

Thanks again,
p