I just bought a '91 RS V6, and I'm still getting used to it. Tonight I went into the grocery store and came out to find my car wouldn't start. I knew it wasn't the battery because all the lights and wipers and everything else worked. I noticed a light that said security (I think it was on the speedo). I looked around the car to see if there was anything clear to help me, but I couldn't find anything. I had my chilton manual in the car, and thought I might be able to find something in there about it, but I didn't find anything (checked under security, theft, anti-theft and anything I could think of). Eventually I got the car started (my girlfriend tells me its because she told the car she hated it and the car was trying to show her up...). I am still at a loss trying to figure out what set it off, and, more importantly, how to get the security light off if it comes on again in the future. Anyone able to help?

 

It's the damn VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). There is a resistor in your key and if your VATS doesn't get a good read on it, the car will not start for about 5 minutes. You can then try it again.

Do a search and you'll find it's been covered many, many times. There are instructions to diasble it, and tp bypass it.

I soldered a resistor in mine and had a aftermarket paging alarm installed.

Good Luck

 

its the VATS...the exact time that this systems disables the ignition is 3 minutes...the ignition lock cylinder could be faulty or there might be a wire that connects to the engine lock cylinder thats is disconnected or stripped(due to the fact that third gens are 20 yrs old)...there is a way to disable the system do a search on the board Im sure youll find something..but Id recommend tracking the problem and getting the VATS fixed since it does somewhat give you security against your car getting stolen...in the meanwhile hope that it cranks on the first try or wait three minutes to start it up again...

 

on a 89 v6 car you can bypass the relay but cutting the 2 thick wires and butt connecting them. probably the same for you. it's around the kickpanel with 4 green and yellow wires going into a black square thing. on a v8 car vats will disable more than the starter like the fuel injectors, but on a v6 it should just be the starter