searched for a while and couldn't find a deffinate answer.... I was wondering if when the vats is having an issue if the starter will crank over at all.... my other 91 RS is having starter issues... will crank over sometimes and sometimes it won't crank at all. It starts fine when it cranks over but now the cooler weather is here it seems to be not wanting to even crank over sometimes.... it just does nothing with the turn of the key. So if the vats system is going out or whatever will the starter even engage? This will determine if its a vats problem. If its not vats then could it be a poor ground on the starter? Its only a few months old. How do you get proper ground to the starter? The only other thing I can think of is the ignition switch is going out.... any help is greatly appreciated. I hate dealing with starter issues....

 

I had a huge run in with the Vats issue. Tell me some things
- When you turn the Key does the Security light come on?
- When you turn the key does it crank at all, if it does it is not
VATS
- How old is you battery
- How cold does it get where your at
- When you turn the key does it automatically return to run
from start; does everything feel smooth when you turn the key



Vats is directly involved with giving the starter relay a signal to start; it also tells the computer it is OK to fire the injectors
I emailed you some documentatin directly out of the GM manual I got off this site plus some posts I saved.

There are small wires running from the lock cylinder to the vats connector in the ciolumn; most of time the insulation on these wires wears and exposes the wire and sometimes breaks it all together

Let me know. I think I can help.

 

Well first its a 91 rs and I am not sure if it has a security light....I know my formula does though. But don't recall seeing one. No it won't crank at all if you wait for awhile it will eventually start. Battery is fairly old but its always cranked strong. It gets around 20* to 40* here in the winter. Yeah the ignition as far as turning the key is smooth and the return is fine as well. It just doesn't like to start sometimes and I have to wonder if the Vats is messed up or what.... Its got a few month old starter in it....

 

83350Z, do you think you can email me some of that documentation and old posts? I'm trying to help someone trace down a similar problem which seems to be VATS related.

Thanks.

 

92Blue, check your email

BigJohn, let me know when you have tried some diagnosis
also try this
- Make sure the contacts on the key are clean, rub with your finger or use some kind of good cleaner
- You should have a security light; if it is not coming on when you turn the key then I'm 99% sur eit is a VATS problem
- The reason it would work after trying to start the car then letting it sit could be the short I mentioned in the other post. After turning the key if the VATS doesn't does get the resistance value it needs it will not let the car start for 4-5 minutes.
- I seriously doubt you have a starter or battery problem.

Ley me know...

 

I meant "Let me know...."

 

Thanks man... I will when I get around to it.....its the holidays...