QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1995 buick lesabre and the steerig collumn is broken . My boyfriend got mad cause I would let him use it and he pulled the shifter all the way down to drive while the car was parked without a key in the ignition . A mechanic told i need a whole new steering collumn . I got it and he replaced it . The car still wont start . Then he said a relay switch , replaced it , still wont work . Can you please help me . I dont have money or time to pay him to keep on troubleshooting cause every time he does something im getting charged but the car still wont move . Please help me
VATS key
ANSWER: Hi Crystal:
I'm sorry about your car.
It sounds like the problem you have may be related to the VATS system. This is a security system that prevents the theft of your car. Before we go any further, I need to know if your key had a little black chip on it. If so, don't lose the original key yet!!! We'll need it.
If you feel more comfortable and for time sake, feel free to call our 800 number to discuss the correct procedure from here.
1-866-294-0095
www.stolenandrecovered.com
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QUESTION: yes it does have the little black chip on it . We went to the junkyard and got a new steering collumn and it came with a key
but the original is still in my garage and I still have the key
AnswerOK
The only problem you have now is the chip on the replacement column is sending a wrong message to the computer. You need to take both keys to a dealer or a locksmith. Have them read the chip on the original key and tell you the number it reads (1-15).
Once you know that, purchase a blank key with that same numbered chip.
Take the replacement key from the installed column and have them copy the key cuts onto the newly purchased blank. The blanks cost about $25 each.
You are creating one new key that will turn in the replacement column lock, but with a chip matching the original key to talk to the comoputer.
Once you do that (and if the column installed was any good), the car should start
Good luck
