QuestionI have a 96 Cadillac sedan deville half the time it will start right up and the other half of the time it won't even try. When you turn the key sometime all the dash lights, head lights, dome lights come on but it's like there is no power to the engine and it won't even try to turn over, just silence. The only way you could get it to start was jiggle the key around in the ignition. I have been told this could be multiple things from an ignition switch needing replaced, the tumbler, something being caught in the column, the oil pump, a solenoid, or the alternator. What would be the most logical reasoning, and where should I start to try to fix this? I can't get the car to start at all now, even with jiggling the key.
AnswerHello,
Don't listen to what you have been told. The ignition lock has a harness with two very thin wires that break internally and go back together jiggling the key, tilting the column, etc.
Call around to local alarm stores and ask if they have the VATS bypass kit. They can install an inline resistor and bypass the steering column VATS wiring all together. Will cost you about $60. If you have the lock changed at the dealer, the current price is $700.00.
I never designed this VATS junk and have dealing with have been dealing with it for the last 25 years! Very common GM problem!
Good luck!!!
