You guys are the experts. Can I just switch columns on a vats car and get it started. I have a chance to buy a car that has a lost key and then the owner tried to change the siwtch and screwed the original column up. I junked an 89 and it had a nice column in it. If I can, I would like to use it.Do I need a new swiych and a new key? Do I need a new ecm key and switch. Give me an idea on how to fix this . I can get the car cheap.

 

it would work without a doubt if you disabled vats.

otherwise you would have to buy a new switch/key for the ecm to work

i'm not an expert on this though...

 

how would i disable the vats?

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=remove+vats

first, read the first and last reply on this link.

vats works by measuring the resistor chip in the key. by putting a resistor across the two wires that the key would connect to - you can disable it. However, you need to have the correct resistor. Since you dont have the key it will make this a little bit different.

Search the forums for removing vats and you should be able to find more information and wiring diagrams.

 

There is a box for vats under the dash you just need to swap it and the ign cly, or the whole column. But an 89 column is only good for an 89 car unless you do some cutting and pasting because its the only year with vats and no air bag.