My '91 is equipped with VATs, and the ignition key of coarse has a "chip" in it. The steering column on the car is loose and I believe that one of the wires that is affiliated with either the chip reading, or the ignition switch is crimped, because I have been having tempermental problems with the car not starting occasionally. When this happens, the radio and lights come on, but the car will not crank.

I bought a new steering column that came with an ignition key (chipped), and I had both the new key and the key to my car tested with an ohm meter. One key read a 6.0 and the other read a 6.1 on a 200K scale. Is that difference within the tolerance of the VATS system, or is the difference large enough I'm going to have to change out the ignition cylinder in the column and use my old key?

My other question is, if the new key is not compatible with the ohm reading for the computer, can I leave the new steering column in tact and swap the whole thing in, or do I have to literally swap cylinders before I put the new column in? I have heard opposing opinions on this, and would like to know the absolute truth about the issue. I'm wanting to know if the car will start with a new steering column that has a different ignition cylinder and key with a different ohm reading than the old key and ignition cylinder. I guess the underlying issue with this is, is the chip in the key read by the cylinder in the column, or is it read by the ECM?

 

The column in the car is loose and in need of rebuilding but you already have a replacement column ready to go in..? Why not just swap them and find out? Takes about the same amount of time to swap a column as is does to replace the key cylinder. Put the good column in the car and go to the next step if it doesnt start.

Good luck

 

If I can get it all done the first go-around I'd be much happier.

 

Okay, if you're worried about it not starting, swap the OE key cylinder into the good column then you'll rest happy. Either way, there's bound to be some down time.

Good luck

 

Then my other question is, is there anything else I'd have to do besides switching cylinders to make the computer recognize the old key in the new steering column?