Cadillac Repair: Car not starting- monitor reads theft, VATS, unstealable

Question
I have an 99 cadillac deville and its reads "theft system problem car may not
start" the car is not starting at all. I have power but it just wont start so, how do
I go about this situation? Thank you

Answer
Hello Steve,

You should have the GM VATS (resistor pellet in ignition key blade).

Without looking at car, impossible to diagnose however, this system is plagued with inherent problems and since this system was first introduced by GM in the 1986 Corvette, it is antiquitated junk! More problems for the owner than it is to steal.

The resistor pellet in the key when inserted into the lock goes to two contacts from wires moving down through the steering column. These wires are very small (Like old telephone wiring). The wires break inside the plastic insullation somewhere inside the steering column.

There are only two options for repair where you still have the system functional. One is to go to an automotive locksmith (half the price of a dealer and the same exact parts) that has a tool known as an "Inerogator" or an ohm meter to read the key resistance value. He then needs to disassemble the steering column enough to replace the ignition lock assembly with the wiring harness.

The other option is to repair the break in the wire(s), but you will run into a no start condition again.

To diagnose this as being a problem, you can try diffent things like tilting the steering column in different positions and rotate the lock to see if the engine starts.

Another way is to take an ohm meter and place one lead on one contact inside the ignition lock and the other lead to the junction block under the driver's side dash at the firewall located by the kick panel. This 2 wire harness is easy to identify. It is two white wires inside an orange sheathing. You are looking for continuity. If there is no reading, you have a broken wire--very,very common!!!

You could also have a bad VATS module.

Now, you can get rid of any problem with the VATS by bypassing it altogether rather simply and cheaply. The problem with bypassing the system is that if the car is stolen and you have comprehensive theft insurance coverage, chances are real good that your claim will be denied because according to a good share of the "forensic locksmith experts" that work for the insurance companies, examining your car to determine how the car was last operated, they will state these cars are "Unstealable."

The insurance personnel in many cases are always looking for a reason to deny a claim and most are ignorant as to the operation of this system.

I know this because I serve as an expert too, but I commonly represent the insured/defendant is such cases. Funny, the know everything locksmith experts only work for insurance companies and almost always find in favor of the insurance client they are working for.

Now, I will tell you how to bypass this so-called "Vehicle Anti-Theft System", but not on this forum. Write me personal email at robo14@aol.com.

I also suggest that you install a HIDDEN starter disable toggle switch, so the vehicle is not easily stolen. You can bet old cars are stolen all the time!

Rob