my 1990 rs will start most of the time like a champ but sometimes the security light will stay on and the car will only crank and will not start and if that happens i will have to wait 3 to 4 minutes to try again and i will have to jiggle the key to start it. do i have to change the whole steering column? where should i start before the problem gets worse? thanx.

 

If you look into the ignition keyhole, you'll see on each side a very tiny electrical contact that engages the chip on the key when it's inserted into the switch. Sounds to me like one or both of these little 'spring-loaded' contacts no longer has it's 'springy-ness' (these are real technical terms I swear - just ask me ).

This happened in my wife's 1997 Z28. Eventually, it will get to the point where it won't crank at all. So, BEFORE this happens, either 1) get a new ignition switch from CarQuest for $60, install, and get new keys cut for the NEW switch with the OLD chip resistance, or 2) follow the tech article to disable the VATS system by splicing inline the correct resistor ($1.99 from Radio Shack).