Last friday i was getting ready to goto work went out car wouldnt start, Lights worked all that stuff, Gauges went up when i turned the key no start, tried jumping it no luck. I waited about 30 mins tried again and started fine. It started fine about 6 more times. then dead will not start but doing the same thing as when it wouldnt start before. Now i looked into the VATS bypassing but im kinda nervous and its not clear to me what to do. Could someone give me Step by step Instructions with a little detail. Part of me thinks im making to big a deal about it. But anyway PLease help. I greatly appreciate anything you can do. Thanks again
91 Firebird.
Thanks! Kyle

 

Since it is an intermittent occurrance, I would suggest you take a look at the metal contacts on the key and see if they are worn. It could also be the contacts inside the ignition lock cylinder getting worn. Try using another key if you have a spare one available and see if this helps any. As for as waiting 30 minutes before retrying to start the car, you really don't have to wait that long. you can try to start the car after waiting about 5 minutes. That is how long it takes for the VATS control module to reset after a code response failure (worn key contacts, worn ignition cylinder contacts, bad wire)

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hi,
I had a similiar issue and it turned out to be a faulty starter.
My car would not start..not even make the clicking ignition noises...and it would happen Intermittently....check your starter before anything else.

Tommy

 

Thanks for the replies, The bummer part is i dont have any other keys, and the wierd thing is the starter was replaced about a month and a half ago. The contacts inside the lock cylinder thing look kinda worn. Like the copper has worn off. I really need the car to start, My girlfriends parents towed to their house but are now getting kinda upset that im leaving it there. The car has given me so many darn problems im about ready to just send it to the junker. Do you guys think its worth a try to Bypass vats just to at least get it going? Or ? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

You can probably start the car by wiggling the key in the ignition cylinder while trying to start it and getting a new cylinder and key after you have the car moved.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yeah ive tried that also.. Ive just put so much money into this car it makes me sick. Such a bummer to have a problem like this. I guess ill have to run to RadShack and pick up a resistor and see if that will get it to start so i can goto the Dealer and get it fixed. Im scared to think what their going to charge me. The really crappy thing is i was going to sell it or trade it in. I need a more reliable vehicle and it seems like every 2 weeks this car craps out.

 

If you have any mechanical skills at all, it is really not that hard to change out the ignition lock cylinder in your car. A new one is about $50.00 and a new key is about $25.00. They will read the code off your old key and code the new key with that same code. If you need it, I can send you some information on how to change the ignition lock cylinder out yourself. Maybe your girl friends father will help you just to get the car out of his way.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yeah i would appreciate that alot. 75 bucks i can handle Would you also mind letting me know where i need to get the parts or the best place to get them ? Thanks again for your help!