Every once in a while when I start my car I turn the key and nothing happens. The security light comes on and I cannot start it until the light goes off. Then it will start right up. Anyone know what the problem could be?

 

If your key is dirty the chip inside of it won't be makin good contact with trhe VATS thingy in the ignition switch, and letting it read a higher than normak resistance makin the car not start.


Just an idea.

hope it helps.
-Ted

 

But after the light goes off it starts right up every single time. Even leaving the key right in the ignition.

 

It could still be the key, or it could be the ignition cylinder itself, or it could be the VATS module itself.

It'll be hard to diagnose until it gets to be a more persistent problem and you can try some different things.

 

Mine does that once in a while. Ive found that if you put the key in and turn real real fast, it will do it. So I just put the key in, wait a half second, then turn. Maybe if you do it fast the computer doesnt have time to read the key.

 

This maybe a stupid question, but to measure the resistance of the key do you just probe on each side of the pellet?

 

You put the one of the meter leads on one side of the pellet and the other meter lead on the other side of the pellet while the meter is selected to "Ohms" and you'll get a resistance reading of the pellet (resistor).

 

Mine has twice done this. In my case the security light flashes and the car won't start.

I merely took some light sandpaper and filed (one swoop) the top layer lightly to get any contaminants off, that might be tricking the ignition cylinder reader into thinking it was a different key.

This has worked twice, and its obvious what the issue is.

Now is the time to clean the key and determine what code number it is (combo of resistance values that make up a code between 1 and 15). Once you know this, if your key ever fails you can get a new key cut, WITH the proper value.

IF you do not know, it becomes tricky if you can't properly read the key. You cannot reprogram the VATS module. You CAN bypass it, with a resistor of the equal value of the key. (They VATS module reads a RANGE to compensate for a key getting dirty).

 

I would say that if it continues giving you a problem it may be time for a new key.

My secuurity light was coming on and than going off I checked the width of the chip with my new spare and there is quite a difference. I am using a new key and my security light has not yet come on again.

 

Try it with your spare.