Well, I have a new start enable relay, tested the resistance of the chip in my key and matched it to the wires at the start enable relay and the orange and black wires coming out of the lock cylinder, and I STILL have this intermittent start problem. What should I do next or where should I look next to diagnose the problem.

BTW, the car is an '89 GTA. If I can just solve this problem then I can finally start doing some mods to the car. This is the last major bug left to fix since I have bought the car. Appreciate any help as always.

Peace

 

When you have this intermittent problem, what does your security light do? Also, do you by any chance have an aftermarket alarm system installed or perhaps a remote starter?

 

Okay,

As far as I know, there is no alarm installed on the car or aftermarket remote starter. In all the paperwork I have on the car (including the original window sticker so its alot of paperwork ) there is no indication of either of those things being installed. BTW, the car was purchased with 121,000 miles on it.

The security light does stay on when the key is turned to the "on" position (I know that it is supposed to go out after 2 seconds I think). Like I mentioned above I have tested the resistance across a couple of spots that I think you actually advised me to do in a previous post (a couple of months ago). All the resistance figures across the key chip match up to every wire I have tested. I will say this - it is starting to get cold where I live (down to the 40's at night) and frosting - not sure if weather has anything to do with it. Thanks for your help trickster. BTW, I did find the relay that the two dash wires plug into and how that mounts onto the passenger side under the cover piece - thanks for the help.

 

Well there are a couple of scenarios that come to mind here.
1. either the contacts on the key or in the lock cylinder or worn and dirty.

2. VATS control module is on the way out the door.

3. light blue wire from VATS control module to pin "B6" of ECM might be broken.

If you want it, I have the schematics for the VATS system for an 89 camaro that I could send you. The system should be similar.

 

please do.

Regarding the VATS control module; where is that located. Should that be the issue, is this a part that may be purchased from an auto parts store or a dealer only part?

Thanks again tricks.

 

I will send you the schematics tonight when I get off work. The Module is located on the firewall beneath the defroster vents on the drivers side by his right knee. I will also include a picture of it.

 

Thanks Trick. BTW, I just tried to start the car (middle of the day and its about 70 degrees outside) and it started right up. Now, last night (it was about 38 degrees), both times I tried to start it (about 5 hours apart from each other) it did not start. So, I am wondering what the weather factor may be.

Again, thanks for getting the pics. You really make owning a third gen a pleasureable experience. I can't imagine how alot of folks would figure stuff out on these cars w/o this website.

Peace

 

Well!!!!, Now its 5 pm and the sun is down and the temp dropped and guess what???!?!?!?! It won't FREAKIN start!!!

And this time the security light DID NOT come on. Well, looks like I am hitchin; a ride home. Hope the temp thing might be an indication of something. At least I know what my after work project for the week is