I have a 1988 GTA with a no crank issue but I do not have a security light even coming on i have checked all fuses any one experience this no security light at all situation

 

The starter enable relay under the driver’s side kick panel is easy to access. The large gauge yellow and large gauge green can be checked for power while cranking.
you wouldn’t have a security light if the relay fails or isn’t being grounded by passkey module.

 

i will try that and see what happens thanks

 

My 1988 FireBird Manual does not show a VAT System...

Can you confirm that your Instrument Panel Cluster has a Security Indicator Light?

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...-did-they.html

 

Thank you.

 

On the started enable relay jump the outside wires with a spare cable on mine the 2 outside thick cables are yellow and green, if you jump these cables and still no crank leaving the cables in make sure your neutral safety switch is plugged in and is working. I redid my interior carpet and forgot to plug in my neutral safety switch and wanted to start the car and it would not crank at all thinking something else had failed, luckily I remembered about the safety switch and seen it wasn't plugged in, plugged it in and car fired right up. Hope this helps you out.

 

it has a resistor in the key and a vats fuse in conv center

 

Did you check the semi-hidden convenience center where the flasher and few other fuses are located? It's in a tight spot under the hush panel headed towards the center console and has a tab on each side that releases to allow access, VATS fuse is buried on the bottom and hard to see. I noticed when that fuse is removed no security light.

 

So I replaced the starter enable relay and still no security light and no crank I am going to check the wiring next that goes to the starter enable relay

 

? The relay was faulty

 

I do not believe the starter relay was the issue but I replaced it anyway and still no security light and no crank

 

where is the voltage loss ?

 

With no Security Indicator ON...
There is the possibility that the issue is NOT related to the VAT System...
But it totally still could be!


Just to try and rule out one of the easier avenues to pursue...
I still recommend giving the Starter-Motor a "Big Ole Whack!"

Ya Know... Tap Tap Tap... Tap aROOOOOOOO!

And see if she Cranks.

 

can someone answer a question for me. on this 88 with 5 speed do you have to have the clutch pedal depressed for the car to crank or can the transmission just be in neutral for it to crank

 

This is for 92, but I would assume the 88 has a clutch switch

https://austinthirdgen.org/storage/d...nT_starter.jpg

 

I have jumped the starter enable plug. I have power coming in and going out. I have replaced the starter and still will not crank anyone have any suggestions at this point

 

In short what exactly have you done to the car?

 

The car originally had no security light and no crank I have checked all fuses including the vats fuse to believe the vats module is bad so I am attempting to bypass the system starting with the starter enable relay. The starter it self was bad. I determined this by hooking up a remote starter switch. The car has sat for many years

 

You say "No security light"....

Does this mean it never comes on, at all?

If it never comes on, and your 100% sure you've got a good VATS fuse in the (in) convenience center, AND a good bulb in the security light, most likely your VATS module has gone T/U....

I say this because when you first turn the key to the on position (without going right to the start position, just turn the key from off to on) the security light is supposed to come on for a second or two, as it "reads" the key resistance, and then shut off. If your key was bad (or the connections that contact the key's resistor) the light would come on and stay on.

 

I also have an 89 Firebird that is in working condition, so I’m no stranger to the key and
the security light. This one just does not ever come on.

 

If you jump out the VATS starter enable relay, and buy and install one of these for $25, that will eliminate the VATS issue once & for all....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/381931751842

(The standard disclaimer applies; I am in no way affiliated with the item I linked to, it is presented as an example only of one means of slaying the VATS demon)

 

I have jumped the starter enable relay wires and I have replaced the starter. I still get no crank, so there must be another switch I am missing that will allow the power to go to the starter. Does anyone have any idea? This is a five speed car?

 

There’s a Clutch Pedal Position switch on your clutch pedal. Keeps you from accidentally starting the car without having the clutch applied. Make sure it’s plugged in and if it is, next make sure it’s working, getting power

 

voltage tested at all spots of the circuit?