Hey guys and gals, long time. I went to start my car the other day and the lights came on however would not crank. I had just drove the car and doubted fuel/spark gave out.
Long story short, it seems the wire from in the column that reads the key resistance is no longer reading. I tested the 2 white wires that are inside of an orange grommet with the key in the ignition and did not get a reading, according to some site I was looking at, i have a #14 key ?
Anywho, since I tested the key and was getting a reading, I took some wire and wrapped one key to two pieces of wire and plugged it in to the side of the white wires that go off to the computer ( I am assuming).
I took my spare key and was able to start the car and go home.

Is this a permanent fix/complete vats bypass?
Obviously it isnt safe to leave a key in the car, however does this sound like a popped wire in the ignition cylinder or bad cylinder?

I see some for sale on ebay for 20 bucks, could that work for me if it is the cylinder?

how difficult/ what is involved with taking apart the column?

I have put off taking apart the column and now it seems I have no choice- I was supposed to fix the issue with the column adjuster being loose and the issue with the lock mechanism to lock the wheel when the car is off.
Any advice is appreciated.Thank you.

 

yep you have a inexpensive vats bypass. could be in the lock cylinder or the wiring or connector. column is a common place for the wire to fail

 

Using the key inline is the same as doing the resistor VATS bypass. Having the key in the car would make me nervous as well, and I'd cut the key down to remove the teeth if it was to be made a more permanent attachment. But a Radio Shack resistor of the same ohms value is a lot cheaper than using the key.

 

Thanks guys. I think I am going to have to go ahead and change the cylinder as today when starting the car, the starter stayed spinning until I turned the key just a touch backward after starting

 

This could be due to a bad ignition switch, which is located on top of the steering column, closer to the firewall. Also, I saw no mention earlier of the security light on the dash being illuminated, which would indicate a fault in the VATS system or the key reader circuit.

 

I see, the security light was blinking when the car was not starting, however I didnt count the number of blinks or the length of time it was blinking. This looks like it is going to be a task to open the column up.

 

From my experience with VATS,
Once the first attempt to start the vehicle fails, wait 3+ minutes and re-start using the same key - engine starts.
The tumbler needs replacing - steering wheel comes off - attach string to two white eires from the connector - pull out tumbler - attach string to new wires - install new tumbler and wires.

Replacement tumbler is any GM dealer item with proof of vehicle ownership as a new key matching the original one is needed - gets the resistor value for the VATS module.

When you pull out the combo switch lever from its rubber socket - LIMIT the stroke.
Too far and the wires will be broken. #2 - replace all wires back into their respective clamps & holders - take picture for reference. If you don't - packaged smoke will be released from the column - don't ask how I know this...