Cadillac Repair: 1996 Deville Theft System, digital gauge, gauge cluster

Question
I have a '96 Deville. I replaced the digital gauge cluster. Before the replacement, the car never failed to start. Since the replacement, the gauges work, but the car will not start and the system informs me that the "no start" is due to the anti-theft system. I've checked every connection and fuse and everything is okay, there. I disconnected the battery and turned the headlights on to ensure I discharged all the power from the system, in order to reset the computer. Still no start. The original owner's manual explained that the system has a decoder module that reads the chip in the key for the ignition system. My question is, would that module be in the gauge cluster and need to be saved from the original cluster? Or, where might it be located? Do you have any other insight or suggestions?

Answer
Hello,

I assume to change the cluster you dropped the steering column.

The VATS anti theft is junk and is anti owner. As much as it appears to be high reck, by 1990
it was already obsolete.

I am thinking you have a broken vats wire in the steering column. Real easy to check. Under the dash on the drivers side of firewall there is a bulkhead where all the wires from the steering column meet. You should see 2 very thin white wires in a orange sheath. Hook an ohm meter lead  to one of those wires. Take the other lead and put against one of the 2 contacts inside the ignition lock cylinder. This will be where the resistor pellet in rthe key touches those contacts. Check. Both wires for continuity. Chances are about 9 out of ten kyou have a broken wire in the ignition lock harness. $500 repair from dealer- $250 from locksmith and a little over $100 for an alarm store to bypass.



Rob