Ok, here is the problem. Sometimes when I go to start my car, I turn the key and the car wont start. The stereo and dash all come on but no start. If I turn the key on and off several times, eventually it will start.

I think it might be the Vats. So I measured both of my keys and they read 832 ohms. I unpuged the vats plug and measure it and it reads 833 ohms. These values dont fall within the range on the key chart, but they all match eachother so Im not sure if that is the problems. I was thinking of bypassing the VATS anyway, whether thats the problem or not. DO I need to get two resistors and splice them onto the two wires going into the VATS plug or do I just use one resistor.

Also, if any of you think this is not the problem, I could sure use some suggestions.

Thanks,
Scott

 

If the security light is not staying on, it's not the VATS. Could be the ignition switch (and I don't mean the part that you stick the key into). The switch is on the lower part of the column. Could be some other things too, but more troubleshooting would be necessary. There are some wiring diagrams on my Tech Page. The Passkey diagram will be slightly different for a 1997, though.

 

Shoebox, Ok, so I just went outside to check and see if the security light stays on or not and naturally, it is starting every time now. I guess I need to pay attention to the security light next time it wont start. If I want to go ahead and bypass the VATS now anyway, I understand that I can just unplug the vats and put a resistor in the dash side of the plug and that is it. What resistor will I need since my keys are reading 833ohms but that doesnt fall within range on the chart on your website. Could the problem be that the chips on my keys are bad?

Thanks Shoebox,
Scott

 

Looks like you are closer to pellet #4, allowing for meter discrepancy. Anything in the high/low range should be ok.