Stealthy-One

hey I am having an issue with my 89 RS. If I am just making short little hops around town it starts and runs just fine. But if I drive a distance, as in over 70 miles if I shut off the motor when I go to re-start it a few mins later the security light comes on, and my starter will NOT turn over. No click, nothing. If it sits a while adn cools down it will start just fine.

Im thinking it is an issue with VATS (since the security light is lit) or possibly heat soak locking my starter up.

Any Ideas? Please?

Thanks

Mike

Dale

iTrader: (12)

since you said the security light is coming on, then I am agreeing with vats. If you didnt say that I would say the starter.

There are several ways to get around vats. But first clean your key with rubbing alchoel (sp) and get a can of compressed air and blow the keyhole out.

Stealthy-One

I saw some VATS Bypass modules on Ebay, are those what you are talking about as far as getting around it? Ive tried cleaning the key and lock, but no luck. Im a bit worried as the Ignition Cylinder can be puled out about a quarter inch. Im hoping this dosent have anything to do with it... But I think I really want to Bypass the whole VATS thing. If I am really worried about someone taking my car, Ill just be careful where I park.

So how do I get around it?

Mike

Dale

iTrader: (12)

the vats bypass on ebay is a ripoff, or is for the 4th gen cars.

I've not bypassed mine, but I know its easy. You would possibly be better off in the electronics section, or using the search button. I know I've seen it discussed on here, just not in the v6 section.

Stealthy-One

yea tried search but came up with about 25 pages. any way I found an answer in the shape of a 23 cent resistor. gonna go to radio shack tomorrow and get one. then try t hack my ignition to put it in.

TomP

I don't think you needed to do a search.. there's an article in thirdgen.org's tech articles (remember that section?), off of the main page, about VATS diagnostic/bypass.

At least you know if you can't start your car, then nobody else can!

greenirocz

Exact same thing happened to me 3rd Gen. What you need to do is go get a voltage tester and find the resistance of the chip in your key. Hold the needles on both sides of the chip and find out in ohms what the resistance is. After that go to Radio Shack and find the matching Resistor.

Underneath the dash there is a White and Yellow (I believe) Wire coming out of the steering column -

The VATS system is basically identifies the key with the correct resistance in that wire module. If it matches... It starts. If the key gets dirty - or contact go bad, etc. - the car will not start. So basically what you are doing is fooling VATS to thinking the key your using is correct - even though sometimes they change.

Wire the new resistor into the wire and VWALAA! The car will start.

I had TONS of trouble trying to get my car to start - and I eventually just called a guy to swing out and fix the whole problem for $60. He came in with a little black box and he just turned a dial until the car started. Then took the proper resistor and soddered it in.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...tors-help.html

That was my original post - read it over and see what everyone was telling me. I have some pics in there as well.

Good Luck!

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

I've never known an '89 to have VATS. :-?

Dale

iTrader: (12)

I dont know what year they installed it. All I know is my 91 has it

Gumby

If it is just a "Resistor" in the key then that would explain why it happens on loger trips. The "Resistor" in the key is over heating???
Probably running constant current the whole time the key is on making it go wacky on ya when you go to leave?

I dunno for sure but if its time related, its probably heat.
Can't ya get new keys?

Dale

iTrader: (12)

gumby, mine would act up only during the winter time, got a new key n fixed it.

In the mean time, I had to hold the key in my hand for a few, breath on it and wipe mosture off, etc. Air temp will change the resitance in them pelets.

Stealthy-One

well I got most of it solved... If I run it a while (hour +) and shut it off, if I try to restart within a few mins the Security light comes on. But it will now start. turns out the wire the jackass used to wire in his little remote start button was about 16g wire, and tapped off a fuse in hte underdash fuseblock. I re did the wiring fot the button using 10g wire from battery to a 40 amp breaker with in 4 inches of the battery, then continuing 10g wire to the switch and then down to the starter. Fires up all the time now.



Mike

TomP

It's always fun to find a mess from the previous owner, huh? Glad to hear you got it going again!!