My car is somtimes starting sometimes not. I can get nothing and 5 minutes later have it start right up. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. It just does this on and off.

I changed the starter, but that doesn't seem to have fixed it.

Could it be the ignition switch? Or does anyone have any other ideas of what it might be?

 

Probable it's the VATS. Vehicle Anti-Theft System. I'm having the same problem. If the system fails to recognize your key it will prevent the car from starting for about 5 minutes. Then you can try again.
My started acting up when I had an alarm system installed. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.

 

Hmmm...I hadn't thought of that. My anti-theft device hasn't worked since I bought the car. I was thinking about the key though. Thanks for the tip.

 

Hey Guys! I found this bypass module on eBay. If anyone wants to know how it worked out let me know. I'm putting in my order today! This problem will make you freakin kErAzY! Here's the link: eBay Motors: GM VATS or PASSkey II Bypass Module For LS1 and LT1 (item 220012624484 end time Aug-07-06 10:46:09 PDT)

 

I would be interested in your results.

Cheers,
Richard.

 

Yeah let me know how it worked and hard to install.
Thanks

 

OK, I received my bypass module on Sat. I fooled with it all weekend. The first thing you should know is that when you go to purchase the module there's a 90% chance you'll need the Dual Frequency bypass module. Older model GM cars (3rd gen's.) with VATS used a 30hz and below signal to the ECM. So spend the extra 10 bucks. I installed my module on a 1989 Trans Am GTA. You'll need to connect three wires. The module comes with directions, but here it is in a nutshell. You'll need a signal, power, and a ground wire. There's several places to tap in, but the easiest thing to accesss is your ECM module behind the passenger side map pocket. For an 89the signal wire was pin number B6 (dark blue wire). I was able to get my power from A6 (pink/black) which is the Ignition power wire. And, a ground from pin A12 (black/white) which is the system ground. For the power and ground you can just tap in, but for the signal wire make sure you severe the connection coming in and replace it with the modules signal. This way you don't have two seperate signals coming into the ECM. I'm including a picture for reference to the pinouts. More are available for other years @: Chevythunder

One more important thing to remember is that the module will only bypass the part of VATS the enables your fuel injectors. I would also recommend bypassing your starter (cranking) enable relay. It can be found behind the drivers side kick panel. There's several reccomendations on bypassing it but... save yourself some headache. Once you open up the casing on the relay you'll see a small metal contact point. It barely moves. Just use a zip tie to hold the contact point together so it's always enabled. My car won't fail to start at all anymore. But sometimes the security light will just stay on. I have plans to yank the bulb. So for $30 bucks and a zip tie, you can completely disable all your VATS headaches. Hope this rambling helps.