i have an 89 305..when i turn the key to the on pos..everything comes on..i have load tested battery..its good...i can jump the starter and it will turn over but not start so im guessing its the key switch but i just replaced it about 6 mnths ago just want to get some other opinions before i tear the column apart again..

 

You need to find out what is missing first. Fuel, spark, or compression. Unless you dis something evil to the engine, I wouln't worry about the compression part. So see if there is a good spark, and see if fuel is getting to the cylinders. Injected or carbed?

 

well i need the key to turn the car over first..i know it will run when i get all the fuel and spark and comp going..but its injected..

 

So when you hot wire the starter, the motor is turning over and firing? I think that's the main question. and i don't blame ya for not wanting to pull the column apart, i just had to do that to rekey my car. not fun. i guess, i would suggest too, if you know the starter will jump and the motor will fire properly, did you verify there's no cut lines going to the starter? or any that maybe ya missed if you replaced it recently? but i would start at connections. they're usually the easiest to see and fix. I'm kind of a novice though, but it's the same with computers (the field i work in) always check connections first then work your way up systematically.

 

If when you turn the key to START and nothing happens, just SILENCE, and you have a CHIP on your key, chances are the key reader is bad or the wires going to it broke.
IF you have a CHIPPED KEY ( LITTLE BLACK AND SILVER SQUARE CHIP JUST BEFORE END OF KEY) Google VATS BYPASS and you will see how to bypass for like a Dollar.
Of course you will need OHM meter to read resistance of your key first.
Super simple if that is the problem. Good luck

 

Along those lines, is the security lamp coming on when you attempt to start?
If the VATS is causing your problem, the car won't start even if you can got the engine to crank. The VATS, besides keeping the engine from cranking also shuts down the injectors. So, if you can get the engine running by jump starting, you have some other problem besides VATS.