QuestionI went to start the motor,I got nothing.all accessories work OK. Solenoid test from ignition to solenoid,no power.checked all fuses,relays,wiring,etc.all OK. Cleaned cylinder and keys with contact cleaner,no good.battery,wiring circuits OK. Did no work recently on any thing electrical.If it is Pass key,Cylinder, decoder module,or related issue,which is most likely to be the cause. Respectfully&Thankfully, Ray.
AnswerHello,
The VATS is anti-owner not anti-theft! My opinion on this system after working on it since 1986-2005 is that not only is it ineffective and antiquated, but problematic as well.
I always use this analogy about this garbage in which GM defrauded consumers into thinking this was an effective system against theft. If you had a computer from 1986, how good would it be now?
This system has mamaged to get innocent insureds denied on their theft claims. In fact, I am going to court in the next couple weeks to testify, in which the insurance company stated the vehicle equipped with this system was "unstealable."
Now that I have this out of my system, I will assist you.
You may want to tilt the steering column up and down to see if the engine will start. There is no sense in replacing the over priced ignition lock assembly and harness, because it will just fail again.
Measure the resistance in the ignition key with an ohm meter. Once you find the resistance value, get a resistor within 10% at Radio shack. You can also go to your local alarm store and request a VATS bypass kit. This package comes with every alarm set up for remote start, so they should have many of these kits handy. Basically, what it is, is all 14 resistors with the chart describing colors and values.
Once you get the resistor for your vehicle, I suggest going to an auto parts store. Buy a toggle switch and a 10' roll of 12 guage wire, electrical tape, wire ties and butt connectors.
Once back to where you can work on the car, remove the black plastic hush panel (hides lower dash area). You will find two 7/32 head screws. Remove. At the rear of the hush panel, close to the firewall, you will find the other two hush panel holding fastners either 10 mm head or wing nuts screwed to a stud. Remove hush panel. This will give you full access under the driver's side dash.
Looking up at the steering column, you will see wiring harnesses coming out of the bottom of the steering column. You are looking for 2 very small diameter white colored wires in an orange sheath. About 3" from the steering column, cut these two wires. Take each end from the car side (not the steering column side) and connect the proper resistor on each end. Once connected with a connector, tape both ends towards the center of the connector to keep the connection tight.
The VATS-PASS KEY or whatever you want to call it is now bypassed and sees the proper key each time you go to start it.
It was very common for these wires to break inside the steering column.
Now, you have created a problem for yourself however, because there is no starter deterrent any longer.
Your steering column can be defeated in 30 seconds with a screwdriver by breaking the left side of the steering column. I repaired thousands of these.
Now, take that 12 guage wire, hold both ends together and cut in half. Strip all 4 ends. Attach each end to your toggle. Take your electrical tape to both wires to almost an end making a harness.
Find the start wire going to the electrical ignition switch on the top part of the steering column under the dash. You can catch the harness running under the steering column. You can use a test light and rotate the ingition lock cylinder to start. You will have power only in the START position. Most start wires were purple on this model, but if you don't see purple, you will need to try a yellow wire in the ignition stich harness. Do not probe the big yellow wire that runs by itself!! You will see labels on the wire I am refering to and it is for your air bag. Stay away from that!!!
Once you find the start wire coming out of the ignition harness, cut. Strip the ends. Hook each end to the harness you made. After connected, tape wiring. Use wire ties to attach your harness to the factory harness. Make sure your harness is secure. Find a hidden, but accessible place to put your toggle. Use your imagination! You can run along door sill and secure it towards the back part of the driver's seat, kick panel etc. Must be hidden though!!
You will find engine will start, but if toggled won't start. You can drive the car and flip the switch. The engine will not start until you toggle though.
Wire tie any excess of your harness. Reinstall hush panel.
You may think that old cars are not stolen. Actually they are stolen more. They blend in and they are easier to steal.
Good Luck,
Rob
http://www.autotheftexpert.com
