First off I have a 91 Camaro RS with a 5 speed manual transmission and 305 V8.
Its problem is that it does not always start. When I put the key in and turn it to the position right before cranking it over the security light will come on. It then either goes off after a few seconds or stays on. If it goes off I can then turn the key the rest of the way and the car will start. However if the light stays on the car wont start. I then have to wait 3-5 minutes and try again. Sometimes it will take me 3-4 tries after trying and waiting to get it to start again. When the light stays on and the car wont start I do get a code 53 which deals with VATS. Also when I do get the car started it runs fine with no problems.

Having said all of that my problem is with VATS right?
However I cannot figure out exactly what is wrong.
Is it possible for the resistor in the key to go bad? If so what would it do?
When I use my multimeter to read the key it does not usually give me one solid value. Is that normal? What it usually gives me is somewhere between 3.6-3.9. Do those reading sound like something I should be getting.
ACcording to the chart here: https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system do my reading mean my key blank is #1?

If anybody has any info and can help please post.
If you have any suggestions or need more info on somthing please post and ask. Also I am deffinetly looking to just bypass the sytem if I can especially if thet is the easiest and cheapist solution.

 

just checked my key it reads 1.5.I have the oem gm manual but is for 1990 im checking that code right now to see what it could be

 

my manual mite not be the same because code 53 for 1990 is for high voltage at ecm input pin,17.1 volts or higher for more then 2 seconds to set code 53

 

Is your key reading consistent or is it wavering around some?

My book has this listed also but VATS is also listed as a possible problem with 53. I have searched these forums quite a bit and it seems like 53 is usually VATS.

 

My friend works for gm and told me that there used to be alot of problems with dirt and dust in the ignition that would cause the same thing to happen,I would start there or just by pass it all together.

 

ohm out the key across the resister. then put it in the ignition and unplug the orange vats wire coming out of the bottom of the steering column and check it there. i had the same problem and it turned out to be the switch. i soldered my spare key thru a hidden toggle switch and to the wire connector going to the computer.