QuestionQUESTION: I picked up a used '99 Deville a week ago and it ran great until today. Only around 50k miles. I took a few trips in it today but tonite, it just wouldn't start. Lights are all on so I think the battery is ok, although the service engine soon light remained on. (It never came on when I drove the car.) But I just get one click and then nothing. I didn't see any of the service codes come up that everyone seems to refer to in this site. I tried jumping it but that didn't help. Is there a way to access those codes to see if a diagnosis can be obtained? Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi,
There could be many things, but possibly a bad starter or a problem in that Junk factory installed anti-theft system known as PASS Key or VATS.
If you say it clicks once, it may very well be a starter. If possible, try tapping on the starter case and see if it will crank. If it does, you know it is starter time.
Unless there is a message to wait 3 minutes to start on the dash, there are no other on board diagnostics to detect a starting problem and the check engine light is for emissions and if not on while running, there is no problem there.
Rob
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QUESTION: Thanks. You were on the money. I just got a call from my mechanic indicating it was the starter. But reading this website and your comments re: PASS Key or VATS, I must say that constantly worrying about when disaster might strike is going to take much of the joy out of driving an otherwise low mileage, nice riding used car. Is there any maintenance or measure(s) that can be taken to prevent the PASS Key or VATS failure in the future? Based upon your numerous comments on this theme, it seems like it's just a matter of time before it goes bad. Are you aware of the percentage of Cadillacs that experience this problem? I'm surprised no one sued them like they did for the 8-6-4 engine...
ANSWER: Hi,
The 368 ci 4-6-8 was a great engine as long as you made it run on all 8 by disconnecting one wire under the hood. In fact, it is the only engine Cadillac made that was not subject to a factory knock or failure when overheating.
There is no maintnance to the VATS. System came out in Corvette in 1986 and slowed theft for a year. GM used this junk until 2005 in the Corvette. Kind of like still using an eight track or a computer from 1986. Cadillac quit installing VATS in 2000 and went to another junk system known as the PK III transponder and for years a duplicate key with the correct electronic code could be duplicated in 9 seconds with a cloning machine that could do hundreds of vehicles for less than $200 to anyone on the web.
All this anti-theft junk does not prevent theft, but it will get you denied on a theft claim if stolen.
All you can do is bypass the system and install a hidden starter disable. It costs about $130 to do it and I can walk you through it. The use of simple hand tools and a VATS bypass resistor pack with some wire, tape and connectors.
I can be contacted at robo14@aol.com
You chances of VATS failure are guaranteed. It was planned by GM. Don't even believe that any manufacture can or will stop theft, but they are there to sell parts and replacement cars.
Rob
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QUESTION: Rob,
Thanks for the prompt response. I'll reach out when I get the car back (they have to set up a claim under the warranty I bought...thank goodness the starter was covered.) Since I'm not mechanically inclined at all, I may ask the repair guy if he's familiar with your procedure. I hate to bug you further.
AnswerHello,
GM will not bypass the VATS and very few know how to do it. I have walked little old ladies through this and boy were they proud!!!
When you are ready to do it, contact me at robo14@aol.com.
I have lots of patience and am very articulate. After all I have to explain to juries as to how to steal cars (LOL)
Rob.
