OK, 2 problems.....
Problem 1) long story short....key got stuck in car, couldn't shut it off, had to kill it and disconnect the battery, starter is goin bad, replaced ignition (where the key goes), ruined alt (by disconnecting battery every time I stopped I'm assuming) so I put a new one in, now car won't start unless we push start it. Can't jump it and the key won't turn it on, but we can push start it. I got a replacement ignition switch from O'Riellys and they told me that it should work even though I have the VAT's system in my car. I can turn the key and the lights kick on and the gauges kick on and what-not, but when I go to start it, I get nuthin. I'm thinking its the VATS system, but it could also be my starter since it's been goin bad. I've been driving it to work and when I get there killing it.
Problem 2) When I would stop somewhere when my key was workin right, I would shut it off, go in, come back out, and car wouldn't start. I could jump start it, or I could sit for about 20 min or so and then it would start. Now what is the problem with this?

Any help on these 2 problems would be great, cuz it's my only vehicle and I have no way to get to work and then I'm screwed. If the questions don't make sense tell me and I'll explain better cuz right now it is 1 in the morning and I just got done putting in that damn new ignition thing, I had to create 2 new tools to do it with, and now I'm pissed that the damn thing wont start. Thanx.

 

Sounds like you have starter issues.

 

I'm thinking its a combo of the two, the first sounds like the VATS system, I believe there is a sensor in the ignition switch which reads the key. look in the tech art.'s I think there is one on bypassing the vats. second one sounds like heat soak on the starter, you may need to replace it with a new one.

 

I called a GM Dealership and they said that I have to bring in the the new key and the old key, then they have to get the code off my old key, program it into a new key, and cut it the shape of the new key for my ignition....sounds like its gonna be expensive , I do have a new starter sitting on the work bench as we speak, and I will get it in as soon as I find the time to. Thanx for the help guys.

 

my local dealer charged me about $20.00 for a new key. All they need is the value of the resistor in the key itself. What I saw was that they had 20-30 key blanks of different resistence, they just picked the one that matched my old keys value and reground a new one.

 

sounds similar to the problem i just got finished going through 4 weeks of hell trying to fix, I would check the cables that go to the starter first, to make sure they're good not worn or burnt and have good connection, if they're good chances are there's a short somewhere between the starter and the ignition switch, (which i ended up replacing as well, and you're right, it is a major BITCH) best way to figure this out, is to attatch two wires to the terminals on the starter turn the key to the on position and touch them together to see if starts, this is assuming that the starter, battery and alternator are all good, if that doesn't do it , then i'm stumped too, no answer on your second question tho,

 

Gotter all fixed, it was the lock cylinder. Got my key, 25 bucks. I guess there are several different types of VAT keys, I happened to have a VAT #_ and so they gave me a key w/ that value and then I got it cut to fit my new key. It seems to be starting correctly too, so I think that all my problems are solved....for now...