Ok, before you guys throw me to this thread and tell me to search VATS and such, ill just tell you I already have. The problem is that I know nothing about mechanics and/or electronics in cars. From what I have read my problem in some way is related to the security chip..but before I get ahead of myself here is my problem.

I have a 1996 Camaro, V-6. It runs great but every once in awhile won't start. I go to click over, no sounds just the security light starting me in the face. I don't know if its the chip in my key or the chip under the dash that is causing this, both look in decent condition. I can't afford to take it to a mechanic so I was hoping someone could help figure out whats wrong and help me fix it. Like I said earlier im gonna need the most basic terms in helping, but I will try my hardest. Please help me

 

Man...go search VATS you noob!

Sorry, I had to do that, now onto the good stuff. Check out these 3 pages in succession, the first one is general VATS troubleshooting etc. The next one is how to obtain the VATS resistor pellet value and the last is how to bypass the VATS resistor pellet.

http://shbox.com/1/pass_key.html

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#pass_key

http://shbox.com/1/vats_bypass.jpg

Hope that gives you some leads!

 

I don't know anything about this kinda stuff, but what I gathered from that first link, which was very informative, is that it has to do with my actual ignition key and that system, this whole time I thought it was the BCM(?) key under the dash. It seems like since I stick the key in the ignition and it doesn't do anything, but the security light stays on instead of flashing that im hitting that 3 minute shut down. Now does that mean my next logical step is http://shbox.com/1/vats_bypass.jpg ? If so how hard is that for someone who doesn't know anything..?

Also another question, in the diagram it shows how to test the cylinder, well I guess I have two questions. First how do I know my Pellet Code so that I can check the right resistence? And second, where can I find the meter thing, would an auto parts store have 1 I can use?

 

I found an OHM meter thing, but when i put the ends on both sides of the little metal part in my key i don't get any readings, am I doing something wrong?

 

You should just be able to touch them to either side of your key, it's just a resistor inside. Make sure you're getting a connection on both sides of the pellet, if you still don't get any reading that could be your problem. Do you have another key you can test?