Since my last post in electronics, I rewired the starter completely, made sure all my connections were perfectly snug, and not too tight like last time, everything works, and the key turns on everything again.

Now I have a whole new issue. I installed a new ignition cylinder to replace the wires for the VATS system and since the new keys haven't been chipped, I bypassed it using resistors, the security light turns on and off as it should. I also replaced the ignition switch that sits on the steering column. Could either of these be stopping power to the ignitor wire that goes to the starter?

Second problem: I can't shift the car into neutral to push the car out of my yard since I replaced the Ignition Switch. I turn the key on enough to get the radio to turn on, and I can't push the plunger down on the transmission, no matter what.

I'm at a total loss here and I don't know what my next move should be.

Any help is appreciated.

 

The key has nothing to do with moving the shifter, unlike new cars. It sounds like something is jammed in the shifter preventing it from moving. You'll have to open up the console to investigate. You might also get under the car and check the linkage too.

As for no power to startup, it could be the neutral safety switch. I had one go out and the car would not start period. Bypassed it and I was back in business.

You should also double check the resistor you installed with the pellet in the key to make sure they are in fact the same.

 

The shifter would never shift unless the key was turned before I started doing all of this work to it, that's how I got it on the tow truck. I'll check to see if something is jamming the button later tomorrow.

I was hoping it'd be the NSS because i've heard those things on these cars are notorious for going out. I'll try that next.

The bypass for the VATS system has worked thus far, the security light turns on and then off right after I turn the key, signaling that it's working.

 

Seeing how your shifter is "jammed" and you don't have power to the purple wire at the starter, that sounds like the same problem causing 2 symptoms. NSS is mounted in the counsel attached to shifter. Sounds kinda like you fix one you'll fix the other also and yes there is a shifter lock mechanism that needs to be looked at. HTH!

 

Really? My car doesn't have to have the key at all to move the shifter. I do have a B&M Megashifter, but even with the stock one it would move with no key. Weird. Sorry for the confusion about that.

 

did u push the brake pedal as you try and shift from park with key in? I changed the column switch on mine a few years back and remember having to follow the book to make some adjustments chasing the same problem...

turned out i needed to snug my positive battery cable with a longer bolt on my 91.. had the click click click click click click click turn issue...