This problem happens off and on alot in the past month. Some times my car doesn't start and I have to wait the 3 mine for the security light to go off. Other times the security light comes on while I'm driving. I have tried both my keys and cleaned them both and I'm still having the problem. Some times I have to turn the key 20+ times before it will start.

Since I have tried both keys I'm assuming it is a problem with the lock cylinder not reading the keys. Is this expensive to get fixed? Can I fix it on my own? Anyone else have this problem?

 

First thing i would like to say is that i did this on an 89 camaro, so i would research a bit in order to make sure this will still work (with airbags, ect.) The chip in your key has to do with the vats system. There are little wires in the tumbler that tend to break over time. They run down the steering column to a connector. Measure the resistance of that little chip in the key, and then inline a resistor with the same resistance into the connector on the opposite side of the steering wheel. (you will leave that connector disconnected. This will tell the security system that the chip is always the right one, and will let you start your car, but it will disable the vats system. If anyone else is positive this will work on the LS1/LT1, please chime in.

 

im not sure on how to bypass it. My car was doing this for about 4 months. Finally one day it failed to start totally. I had to tow it and get the lock cylinder replaced. I would recommend getting it replaced or bypassing it asap so that you do not get stuck somewhere one day like me.

 

AFAIK, that method still works. We just did that to our friend's '87 Corvette.....it would start sometimes, and not start sometimes.....but it's worked perfect since wiring in the resistors.

VATS is actually a good system, but GM needed to use heavier gauge wire, obviously, that can stand up over time. VATS not only disables the starting circuit, so you can't even crank the motor over, but it also shuts off the fuel pump, so that you can't just try to bump-start the car.

.....good system, bad parts. Either by-pass it, or replace the tumbler or the wires going to the tumbler.....whatever is bad.

 

My 1993 Z28 did the same thing. I took the key to the local Chevrolet dealer to get a reading on it, then to Radio Shack to get a resistor. I disconnected the VATS plug and crimped the resistor to the terminal. The mod took 15 minutes.

Problem solved - it never gave me problems again.

Greg

 

It is easy to repair yourself. Either do the bypass as mentioned above, or replace the cylinder.

To replace the cylinder you will need a GM lockplate compressor and a steering wheel puller. Both can be gotten at a auto parts store for around $25 total.

remove the airbag
Pull the wheel
remove the snap ring over the airbag coil and remove the coil be carefull to note it's exact position
remove the lockplate using the GM compression tool
remove the hazard button (1 screw)
remove the turn signal switch (3 screws)
use a needle nose plyers to remove the key alarm trigger
remove the bolt hold in the ignition cylinder
remove the cylinder

reassemble in opposite order... be really carefull to put the airbag coil back exactly the same way it was on.

 

Well, you could go through all that ^^^, OR...

 

Ignition cylinder.

I had to replace that last week.

 

I remember in school they were telling us that the computers programed for chips with a higher resistance were allways less sensative to dirt or any other kinds of resistance in the circuit.

 

easy to bypass, I had to do this on mine a few months ago. Couldn't figure out what it was at first for the life of me, but once I did, I dug up some old resistors I had from my electronics class in first year of college, soldered them together, and tapped them in. no problems at all. I believe there is a pic of the harness on Shoebox's web site

 

Thanks for the help guys

Do you have a link to that website?

 

Pic here, website in sig.

 

for you guys talking about disabling vats, pls think twice about it. I'm sure its a pain in the ***, but someone tried to steal my car a couple of weeks ago, and vats is the only reason i still have it. something to think about.