Hey all -

I have a 93 TA that's been acting up - sometimes the car starts right up, other times the security light comes on and it won't crank. I wait until the security light goes off (couple mins), try to start it again and sometimes it works.

Lately, this process has become less and less reliable. I had my ignition switch replaced as well as the locking mechanism - and just got an ordinary key. Worked great for a couple days, then back to the same ol bs.

My mechanic says I need to replace the pass key decoder module (VATS related) but it's like $320 from the dealer. Haven't been able to get my hands on a working used one =/

So, I've been doing a little research online and it seems as if I can bypass all that crap for much cheaper than buying a new decoder module. The data I found was really incomplete, I was hoping somebody could give me some solid answers. Any advice?

 

It sounds like you needed a new lock cylinder or repair the wiring in the column that attaches to the lock cylinder. The turning action of the cylinder bends and breaks the wires over time. But if you don't want to do that measure the resistance of the pellet in your orignal key. Then find a combination of resistors that match. Then under the dash at the base of the column find the 2 small wires usally in a black or orange sleeve not the yellow sleeved ones. Wire the resistors in series to the wires coming from the harness not from the column. And then your car should start.