i have an 89rs 305tbi. the problem i ran into is i am getting no starter action when i turn the key at all, although i can jump the starter with a screwdriver. the motor turns but will not fire. it seems like it is not getting a spark or there is some kind of ignition problem. is there a common problem that causes this?

 

Hello blackout89rs,

Welcome to the board. Just a couple of quick questions here to help get started solving your problem. Do you still have the pellet in your key? Does the security light come on and go out after two seconds or does it stay on or does it not come on at all?

 

key has the chip in it and the security light does not go off, it stays on the whole time the key is turned

 

Hello Blackout89rs,

You are experiencing a most common problem on your car. It is called VATS, the problem as you have described it is caused by either the contacts on the pellet in the key getting dirty or worn or the contacts inside the lock cylinder getting dirty or worn. Take some rubbing alcohol and clean the pellet in the key. Next take a thin piece of cloth and put a few drops of alcohol on it and drape it over the end of the key and insert the key in the lock cylinder just far enough that it reaches the contacts in the cylinder. Slowly slide the key over the contacts a couple of times and remove the key. Give it a couple of minutes to dry and then try to start the car. If you have an extra key, try to start the car with that one.

 

thank you, tomorrow im gonna put everything back together and try that. i ll let you know how i make out. if it doesnt work should i get another key made at the dealer?

 

What you could do if that doesn't work is get a uncut key of the same resistance value as your key from the dealer. Disconnect the two wire harness coming down the steering column. Take two thin wires and tape one wire to each side of the pellet in the key. Then take the other end of the wires and stick them in the connector with the purple/yellow wire and the black/white wire. Then use your old key to start the car. I mention this option so you won't go buy another key and find out that you then have to buy another lock cylinder and another key on top of that. You might also ask the people in the parts room at the dealership if they can cut you a brass key using your old key. If they can, go that route and do the test I mentioned above and start the car using the brass key.

 

tried cleaning off the key pellet and ignition, but it didnt work, so i tried to jump the starter again and it is not drawing full power to the starter to turn it over, the volts are jumping up and down. its not the battery cause its a brand new one.