Had some issues with VATS a year ago and I figured the pellet on the ke was just well worn. So I purcased another key and it worked great for about a year. Now I'm having problems again. I think it may be the contacts in the key cylinder going bad, but I want to make sure. I was reading Shoebox's site and this is what he said check:

The most common problem is the inability of the TDM[BCM] to read the key pellet. Things you can do or check:

Clean key
**Clean key lock cylinder
Try another key
**Check connection under steering column to key lock cylinder
**Prove wiring is good from key lock cylinder to connector under steering column (use a meter)

My question is how do you do the items that I starred in the list?

 

You can clean the lock cylinder with electronics cleaner.

There are two small wires that go from the key cylinder to the VATS module (or BCM depending on year). Connectors are under the steering column. Unplug connectors and use a meter to read resistance from there to the key cylinder with the key in it. It should be essentially the same reading that you get when reading the key, itself. This information is in a link within the guide.
http://shbox.com/1/vats_bypass.jpg

 

Ok, thanks. Do I just spray the cleaner in there, or is there a small q-tip I can stick in there?