91' RS 305,

Car was running normally, then one day this week I turn the key and got nothing, not even a crank/click. Replaced the starter ($60, it was rusted/covered in oil anyways) and still nothing.

Researched these forums and found the start enable relay. Shorted the large yellow and large dark green wires and the car cranks! But doesn't start... As far as I can tell there is no security light / error. Original keys, tried both sets.

Do I need to short the smaller two wires as well?

 

Here's a starter troubleshooting guide: http://www.austinthirdgen.org/index.php?pid=38

 

Could be bad ignition switch, bad neutral safety switch, or a break in the purple wire running out to the starter.

 

The starter is working now that I've bypassed the relay, but the engine isn't turning over. Wondering if the ECU is cutting off gas or something.

A/T by the way.

 

Sorry - I read that, brain dead here.

Might be a VATS issue then. VATS cuts out the starter circuit, AND disables the fuel injectors. The VATS module sends a signal to the ECM to tell it it's ok to fire the injectors. Might need to bypass your vats:

https://www.thirdgen.org/vats
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

I've isolated the problem down to the VATS module (no security light, car cranks, etc.). I'm planning on bypassing it since a new module is $300+. I've done some searching around and found there are modules to give the ECM the clock/voltage it needs to start the car. I know some basics on electronics and could rig one up myself. But...

Could anyone help me figure out what kind of signal I need to get to fake a VATS "OK" on my 91' 305 TBI? I've read 30hz / 5V but I want to be sure first.

 

Why not just do the resistor in the steering column wires and be done, quick and easy and cheap $2 in parts?

 

The resistor method won't work because the VATS module is toast; it's getting the right resistance but it's not sending the OK to the ECM.

 

To anyone following this and having similar VATS issues, I found this thread. I'll make a signal generator and try it tonight.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...-please-2.html

 

O I C - gotcha.

 

Went to radio shack and got the stuff to make a clock gen (about $10) and a couple extra resistors just to try the ignition trick for ***** and giggles... it worked.

Just so nobody gets screwed like I did for a week, even if your security light isn't working, try the resistor trick first!

Thanks for your help camaronewbie