Let me start this off with I'm not a mechanic and I don't know that much about cars or wiring but I can fix anything with some instructions. That being said, I switched the dash from my 91 Camaro because the speedometer stopped working and my mechanic said the wiring was a mess and that it would need to be replaced. I found a 91 with the dash intact in the junk yard and I decided to just switch them because everything looked the same and I didn't want to mess with the wiring on mine.

Once I had mine out, I checked everything thoroughly on the two dashes and everything looked to be 100% the same so I went onward with the swap. Everything works in the car. All the lights, the radio, the speakers, the hatch, the gauges, etc. But the car won't start. When I turn the key to start it, it doesn't even attempt to start and the temp gauge goes up. When I release the key the temp gauge goes back down. I noticed that the Security light is on in the dash so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I rechecked all the wires and everything looks like it's hooked up right. I'm not sure what to do now. If anyone could give me a little advice or an idea of what to check first, I would be extremely grateful.

Thanks in advance!

 

Doing my research as best I can and I the security light has to do with the VATS system.

So, this system must be in the dash somewhere and by changing out the whole dash, I've changed this and I would need a key with this new resistance? Or I could find out which component this is and switch just that back over? Not sure but I can probably figure it out with enough research. Any suggestions are still appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Sounds like a VATS problem to me. Is it plugged in? there is a wire that runs down your column under the dash it is two small white wires but If i remember correctly it is covered in a wire loom. Also when you swapped the dashes out did you also swap the passkey box?

 

Passkey Box? I'm not sure but I would say probably. Where is it located?

Thanks for the response!

 

And as far as I remember, I plugged in everything in that I unplugged so it should be connected.

 

This passkey box sounds like it's the answer and I believe it's one of these two boxes. Which one is it?



This is a pic of the units in the dash I took out. Sorry, about the dash being upside down.

So, if I put the passkey box from the old dash I took out into the new one I put in, I should be able to start the car?

 

Yes, sounds like you swapped the PassKey (VATS) boxes with the dash. Oops.
It is the black plastic box at the very back of the dash (in the red rectangle in your photo).
The box matches the key you use to start the car. If it doesn't match, the security light comes on and the engine won't crank or fire.

Two basic choices you have:
1) pull the dash and swap the box
2) get a new key made which matches the new box (call your dealership to ask for price but it's not cheap, definitely at least $30)

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

Boxes? Is there another box I have to change over or should it work if I just switch over that one? Any chance I can switch 'em without pulling the dash again? Lol

Yeah, it's like $31. I had a spare made once. I know the guy who's name is on the stealership so he might cut me a break this time.

Definitely a big help though. Thank you so much for the info!

 

Yes, I assume you have two of that box. One in each dash. The old dash you pulled out had the old box that matches the old key from the old steering column.
Then you swapped in a new dash with a new box but you kept the steering column and the key and the box now doesn't match.

Sorry, the box is at the vary back of the dash, you gotta pull it.

Or just pay for a new key that matches the new box (will take some testing which key # you have).

Lou

 

Oh, I see what you were saying now. Then it looks like I'll be pulling the dash out again tomorrow.

Thanks again for the help!

 

Switched the PassKey box and the car started up with no problem. Thanks again everyone!

 

Great, thank you for posting back. It will help others in the future.