The theft deterant module has 2 preventions built into it. One will prevent the starter from cranking the engine and the other will shut the fuel injectors down. If it cranks part one of the theft prevention passes the key resistor check. When the ECU rechecks for the correct key resistence once the engine fires and it doesnt get the correct reading it shuts down the fuel injectors and the engine will die. If the engine fires and quites it could be a key/resistor problem. The resistor is built into the key so if you have another key thats the simple check. Remember it cant be a copied key you had made because it wont have the resistor built into it. GM used 10 differnt resistor values in their keys to curb theft.

 

Thanks for the reply. We are still wrestling with this problem. The car cranks fine but just will not fire. If it does start it continues to run. However, this morning a mechanic said they discovered that raising or tilting the steering wheel seemed to affect the problem. With the steering wheel raised a bit the car usually starts so maybe it is a wiring issue in the steering column or the ignition switch itself. Whatever, it still is not fixed as of right now but at least I am learning more about auto repair.

 

there are actually 15 different resisrors that are used for passkey ranging anywhere from 402ohms - 11800 ohms. i believe there is access to the two wire at the base of the steering wheel, it should have a shield around them, could be orange or white. one wire will be white/blk and the other one ppl/white. i was going to suggest you check the resistance of the key pellet and install it at the jumper, but notice you said it acts up with the tilt steering. it may be one of the two wire at the swivel point of the tilt steering. does your security light come on for 5 seconds and then go out? does it come on at all? you if it is dependant on where the tilt steering is you most likely have a wire broken inside the insulation of one of the two wires. in that case you would have to replace the ignition tumbler whick you can purchase on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...033&rd=1,1

 

Thanks, I will check and let you know. I appreciate the help.

 

We replaced a plug-in starter relay located in the larger fuse box and so far the car starts. Thiswill be the second timea relay has been replaced inless than a year. Previously no dash lights, etc would come on.This time everything powered up but the car would not fire. Whatever; after nearly a week of tracing things down I hope its fixed.

 

I have a 94 3.8 with the same problem, how can I get into the swivel protion of the steering wheel? and can I by pass the wires at the base of the steering colum without affecting the security system? I had my key checked and the tech said the key read fine and he mentioned the security systemis likely toturn off the fuel pump. Can youadvise.

 

Since we replaced the relay module ($30) the car starts fine. One of three large relays modules under the hood near the fuses.