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2000 firebird wont start


Justin1011
08-16-2008, 12:06 AM
i have a 2000 firebird 3.8L when i insert the key and turn it forward to the run position all the lights and guages come on as they normally would but when i turn it forward to start it all the guages go dead and nothing happens its like the starter isnt even getting any power to it, but what puzzles me is it will do this randomly some times it will start if i try it again in five minutes , sometimes i will have to try for a half hr to start it or it will start every time the first try and the problem will reacurr randomly. if anyone has any ideas as to what may be causing this please help me out.

thanks, justin

Genopsyde
08-16-2008, 02:59 AM
sounds like a VATS/Passkey malfunction to me. that's the little chip in the key if you didn't know. try cleaning it with alcohol.

Justin1011
08-16-2008, 03:04 PM
i have tried cleaning it already and it did nothing so i went to the dealer and got a new key made it worked fine and then out of nowhere the problem came back. so im thinking its not the key.

5046adam
08-17-2008, 04:20 AM
it's prob ur ignition cylinder the wires are screwed up just do a bypass with ur old key and never worry about it again.

Justin1011
08-18-2008, 09:17 PM
could you please explain how to go about bypassing it with old key?

happygirl49221
12-26-2008, 04:51 PM
My sisters car is a 2000 Firebird and it is having the same problem and wont start. I would like to know more about the key and ignition thing myself. Going crazy here !:banghead:

poormillionaire2
12-26-2008, 08:51 PM
Here's some information on Passkey and the VATS system. You can bypass it with the same resistor that's in your key or a similar one. Or you can get a plug-and-play module to bypass it, which is what I did.

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

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