Hey guys, I'm at my wits end with this damn car. Last year it started having intermittent starting issues, sometimes it would take 3 turns of the key to get it started. Then, after doing that every few months it finally left me stranded at work.

Suspecting VATS, and ruling out the starter and other components, I replaced the ignition switch. It worked for about 2 months and it started having intermittent starting issues again. Well, it left me stranded at work AGAIN.

I figured THIS TIME it had to be the starter, so I replaced it today, and it still won't start. It still gives me a code 53 when I try to start it.

I'm at my wits end. The ignition switch is new, the key is new, the connection under the dash is secure, what on earth could it be? This is my only car and it's becoming a hugely unreliable. Any suggestion on what this could be and where I could obtain the parts to fix it?

 

let's clear something up since I don't know your level of knowledge...now when you say ignition switch, you're talking about the one that is on the steering column under the dash? or are you talking about the switch where you stick the key in?

 

Sorry, I meant the ignition lock.

 

it could be your ignition switch on your steering column... try tilting your steering wheel up and down to different levels see if that does anything...

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...here-89-a.html

fixed... pasted wrong link.. .

 

Isn't code 53 VATS for TBI cars?