So as I'm going out to pick up a pizza I seem to have got struck by the Vats issue that these cars have. When I put the key in the ignition I did not get a security light that comes on and turns off as normal. Only the brake light comes on when I try to turn the key. Is this what happens when vats fails due to anything stopping electricity from going through the resister embedded in your key? I should expect that my security light will not light up at all?

A few things about my car
> Vats can not turn off my fuel pump, I have a separate wire powering it
> Vats cannot disable my injectors, I switched to a carb
> Vats CAN Disable my starter, I have left the wiring in original configuration
> The security light will come on if I push the key in tightly and the car will start, but each time it works may be it's last.

I have a question about replacing the lock cylinder from local parts stores. After checking with three stores it seems that it is common for them to carry the vats cylinder with a key cutting template. Three stores have told me that I will need to go to the dealer to get the key. I find that to be retarded! I have found one Pepboys in my life years ago that sold the lock cylinder with two keys but has that changed? My guess for a reason behind this is that if they sold the keys, and a person knew there were only 15 possible resistors, one could get their hands on every resistor out there to make stealing cars easier. Personally I'd just do the research and buy the resistors from Radio Shack, saving a ton of money. The cylinder + key combo was roughly 100 dollars at the time. 1500 dollars to have a set of all resistors is not my first pick lol.

Anyway, how can I get a key today with one run? I may need to leave the car running in the parking lot with the club on the steering wheel. If it were a local parts store this would be fine. My only other choice is to pull the wheel and try to repair the old vats system. I'm sure something came loose or is worn out because I can push the key in tightly, get a security light and start the car if I'm lucky. I only want to try to start it like that once more.

 

You don't have to get a key from the dealer - you can get them at any ACE Hardware, probably Tru Value as well. You need to have the NEW key made with a key that has the same pellet resistor value as the OLD key - so you need to take an old key and the new key template with you. $25 at ACE.

BUT - you can disable the VATS from the starter circuit if you like as well - just dig out the starter enable relay from under dash, remove the relay from the socket, and run a jumper wire from the yellow wire to the dark green wire in the relay connector (use a decent guage wire for jumper). Then, the relay is disabled, thus VATS is out of the circuit. The relay is usually under the black goo covering the panel hole where the hood release is. Good Luck!

 

That sounds like a good idea to do in the short run. I'll need to start my car a few times while going out to get a new lock and key. I'd like to do the repair because a little extra security is nice. We cant really blame vats for failing when the gear is 21 years old lol and who knows how many times they key has been used. Thanks for the info.

 

U can also ohm the key and go to radio shack buy the only resistors u need for couple buks. Saughter them together. Unplug the cylinder under the column and plug the resistor in