Hello everyone I have a problem with my car that is a ghost in the machine. I went to start the car and no click in the starter nothing. I tried for ten min no luck. later that day it started just fine 40 or fifty times over 2 days then it happened again. I noticed that if it sits for a while it will start fine. I also noticed that the security light stays lit when the problem is present. I have a 91 firebird 305 tbi with vats. I am pretty sure that the security is the problem but I am unsure how to test this system. any help would be appreciated. Thanks to all.

 

I have the same problem.
The apparent cause is from the pellet 'reader' in the ignition switch (key cylinder). The microscopic wires eventually fray/break. Consider this a warning of eventual terminal failure

There is a time delay before you can restart the car as well if the VATS doesn't 'see' the correct resistance from the key at start.
It's like 90 seconds or so that you have to wait to try to restart the car. .

Just friday I was stuck trying to leave work. Upset is a nice description of what I was

Easiest solution is to bypass the dammed thing and be done with it which I will be doing next week when I get a free moment.

What good is a security feature that keeps you from taking your own car .. That's just my opinion though..

 

Loved the last paragraph, LOL!~!~!

 

so whats the easiest way to bypass VATS? with out reflashing the computer or anything. is there a module? I see LT1/LS1 modules on Ebay for 25 bucks, would those work on my 89 2.8?

 

First off I in no way shape or form condone doing this, (insurance companies get a little upset). To fool or by pass vats first you need a digital multimeter or DMM to check the resistance in your key pellet. Then just unplug the connector from the lock set located under the drivers side dash along the steering column and plug in a cheep resistor from radio shack thats the same resistance as the key pellet. Tape it all up and your done.

 

right. Im hitting radioshack tomorrow.

 

For those of you about to do the bypass: can you take and post a few pics of the process? You know, what the bypass resistor looks like, where the connector is on the column and what it looks like etc.? I'd like to do the bypass, as well.