Ok, my 89 won't do anything when I turn the key. Can jump the starter at the selonid(sp) car will turn over but not fire. I think I found the two wires for the vats system under dash along column, two white wire in orange jacket. Am I correct in assuming that I can unplug these wires and check for resistance to see if Its working? Also can I check the key resistance by reading across the pellet?

 

You are correct in your assumption that you can check the resistance value in the key by using the two wires with orange sleeve and the key in the lock cylinder. You should first check the resistance value on by reading across the pellet. If you get a different resistance value or no resistance value measuring through the wires you have a broken wire in the steering column.