'91 RS - I know real slow - 160k miles - stock and the paints falling off. But the real problem is she does not start - sometimes?
Lights work, radio plays, the battery seems good. I've jumpered around the trans lock out. The key switch seems ok. The starter is good and not temp. sensitive. Where do I look next?

 

Do you have VATS?

 

Yeah, could be the ignition cylinder is going, or the chip on your key is not connecting, or is worn.

 

what's the vats for?

 

Mark,

A '91 SHOULD have VATS. (Vehicle Anti-Theft System).

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B-Dog,

I presume the engine won't even crank, correct? What does the "SECURITY" lamp do while you are trying to start?

 

VATS - is the chip on the key part or all of it?
I don't know what the security lite is doing - but the next time it wont start I'll pay attention.
If it is the chip on the key - what's the solution?

 

The chip on the key is only part of VATS. If the chip is bad, you have to either find the resistance value and add a resistor to the system,(search the archives you should find how to do it) or youll have to get a new ignition cylinder which will come with a new key. By the way VATS= vehicle anti-theft system.