QuestionI have a 1991 Cadillac DeVille, and about six years ago the passkey started acting up. I took it into a shop, and they gave me an estimate that was way above what I was willing to pay, so I asked around to see if there was another way to fix it. Someone recommended that I take it to a local guy who worked out of his garage. He circumvented the passkey thing by putting a resistor in, and charged me like $20.
I began having the same problem (car not starting, have to wait five minutes) intermittently, until recently it stopped starting altogether. I'm assuming that it's a similar problem to what it was, maybe the resistor wore out or something like that. I'm at school now, and can't have the same guy look at it again. I asked a shop about it and they wouldn't touch it after I explained the situation. How do I go about fixing it, and what sort of tools might I need? I've never taken apart a steering column before or anything like that. I really need to get the car working, but at the same time my funds are very limited and the car isn't worth much so I either need to do it myself or find someone who will do it cheaply.
AnswerHi Jonathan:
If indeed you are experiencing the same issue, the connection for the resistor (that the mechanic installed) may be coming loose. If he didn't solder it, that can happen.
We have recently uploaded pages and a description of how to bypass the VATS system on GM vehicles that have the chip on the key. They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/VATS.pdf
I hope these instructions help you. If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply email us on our "Contact Us / Order Parts" page and we will get back in touch with you personally
Good luck
Doug
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
