Ok so turn the key, fuel pump comes on, all lights etc are fine. Engine doesnt crank however.

If i jump the main power feed to the starter over to the small solenoid it turns over instantly.

I'm thinking it is a fusible link or ignition switch? Are there any relays to check?

1989 5.0 TBI by the way.

 

Does your car have V.A.T.S [vehicle anti theft system] if it does it will have a sm chip in the key does the security light flash or stay on? If it dosen't have vats ck neutral safety switch or relay, purple wire.

 

It does have VATS. The fuel pump primes, but I don't think that the VATS system controls this, corrrect? I will check to see if the light stays on. It should stay on for a few seconds then go out correct?

Is there any way to bypass the VATS system?

The battery and starter are both new, voltage drops very slighty when you turn the key to start, from 12.6 to maybe 12.4 volts.

 

did u check ur crank fuse? in ur fuse box i belive its 3 amps

 

There is no easy way to bypass it I will tell you that if it is a vats problem that the wires in the back of the ignition lock cylinder break off I have replaced several of them. also some modules, I believe that the wiring from the switch is yellow to the relay on the right side of the dash under neith, then yellow to the neutral safety switch where it turns to purple to the starter. check to see that you have power from the relay. the module is under the left side of the dash above the gas pedal and a beach to change.

 

VATS only cuts off starter cranking.

 

The tech article mentions plugging in a resistor to bypass the Vats system. Are you saying this won't work in my case? And does Vats also control the injection or spark at all? A bypass to the starter solenoid is easy enough.

 

In addition to disabling power to the starter, it also disables the fuel injectors.

To mhaskell,

Does your security light come on when you turn the key. If it doesn't, that is a good indication that one of the wires going down the steering column from the ignition lock cylinder is broken.

 

Forgot your car was injected. ya you could put a resistor in line but be careful because cheap resistors change resistance with temprature causing the same problem. This is the reason that remote starts sometimes have problems in vats systems. Better to spend a little time to repair it properly than to hack it up just my opinion good luck

 

I agree 100%, but the car is in my friends garage and I need to get it into mine,soon.

 

I'll check the light tomorrow. If it doesnt come on a wire is broke in the column, what if the light comes on and stays on?

 

Then the lock cylinder is having trouble reading the correct resistance in the key and may be corrected by cleaning the key and cylinder contacts with a little alcohol.