I actually solved this problem along time ago but thought I should share it with you guys anyways. As we all know VATS is a pain sometimes. My car wouldn't start at all. It's a 5spd so I tried push starting it, nothing. Tried jumping it, Nothing. Tried to bypass the system with the fat purple wire under the hood to the starter, nothing ( In case you don't know what I am talking about i'll tell you in the other post. ) So that left me to start messing with the VATS system. First thing I did ( I don't know why I did it, just had a feeling ) was took the key and tumbler out. Bingo, the wire had snaped off, so it wasn't reading the key. Bought a new key ( same resistance as the old one ) and tumbler, and the car started. I was so happy that was the first thing I checked. A few weeks later a friend of mine had the same problem. Car wouldn't start at all. I told him to check the key and tumbler. He said since his is a 93 and mine was a 91, that he doubts it would be the same thing. He ended up taking it to MY MECHANIC and that was exactly the problem. He spent two weeks tearing apart his car. So be sure to check that, if you have VATS.

 

Congratulations on finding and correcting your problem. This is a common occurrance on our cars and has been posted on numerous occassions. Glad to see that you are up and running again.

 

I just tried switching out my lock set with the VATS wire on it. Got everything hooked back up, turned the key and ....nothing. It wouldn't do anything. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks!

Phil

 

Is your security light coming on and staying on until you release the key or does it come on and go out after two seconds. Are you getting a trouble code? Also, did you get a new key with the same resistance as the old one?

 

The security light doesn't come on at all. The key that came with the new lock doesn't look like the old key. There is no little "chip" thing on there. How can you tell the resistance of the keys? Thanks!

Phil

 

What has happened is that you just bought the new VATS lock cylinder and the brass key that came with it. You have to buy the key with the pellet separately and have the coded key cut from the brass key. If you have the old key, take it to the local dealership and have them cut you a coded key with the same resistance value as your old key. Here is how you find the resistance value of a key with the pellet. With a multimeter set to OHM's apply the probes to the side of the key as shown.

 

That ROCKS! Thanks for the help. Gotta admit I was getting a little peeved. Thanks!

Phil

 

You're welcome Phil and welcome to the board.