security lockout

I have a 99 Eighty eight and we were having trouble for a few weeks. It wouldn't always start but after a few minutes and a few tries it would start. Checked the starter, brushes looked bad so fixed those (also changed the fuel filter). car seemed to work fine for a few days then acted up again. Whenever we tried to start it the radio and lights would come on but it wouldn't try to turn over. Checked the battery and it's good. So now we have noticed the security light blinks so it is the pass key II system, we can not for anything get the car started. When we jump the starter to the battery it starts and runs for a second, then it shuts down. So we think the security is shutting down the fuel injectors. What is the next step? The keys seem to be fine, should we change the ignition switch? I have read that there seems to be two wires that often break, we were told to mess with the tilt wheel and see if it will start then, but that didnt' work. My biggest frustration is that now my Olds silhouette security light has started to come on. This has a Pass Key III system. So am I going to start having problems with it now too? I can't handle have 2 vehicle sitting and not running do to security issues. I would like to say my vehicle are well mantained. The local Dealership doesn't seem to help much, when the 88 had running/ emission problems they sold us an $80 gas cap that fixed it for a month, then changed the fuel regulator(I think that was what it was called) and problem solved.

:banghead: I broke down and had my brother come and look at the car. Since my husband and I weren't sure how to fix the problem. My brother came and checked that yes the starter works and it is definately the security, the light continues to blink while trying to start it. My brother tried a few things and couldn't figure it out for sure so he left to talk with someone else about it. He said that there is some sort of a resistor we can put in and fix it but I'm not sure where to get this or if this is something I can do myself or not? I am somewhat mechanical, my husband is not very mechanical, however my brother is Mechanical but he is over 2 hours away and has a new baby. My husband often laughs when we talk about things like this because he thinks back to the time I changed the radiator while he was away and the people in the parts store looked at me in my husband's coveralls with Makeup and hair done and said "Your going to do what?"
I am trying not to be a big pain to my brother and was hoping maybe someone could help and give me an idea as to if the resistor will work or if it is in fact that the two wires are broken or what the first thing is that I should do. We have also talked about change the Ignition, but I don't know what the resistor costs, I've priced the ignition. Guess I'm not sure where to start or if I can do this without my Brother. I don't really want to take it in to the shop (who has offered to tow it in and diagnos the problem however they can't say exactly what that will cost until after they try and they have ripped me off before which is why I generally try and use a different dealer, but can't afford the towing cost to the second place). My husband is so frustrated with the idea that it's just the security and we can't find a way to disable it.
Please Help? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I have to do a similar bypass around the security system, but the problem is still too intermittent for me to do it now. I don't know where exactly the resistor would be need to put in, hopefully the wiring for that circuit is downstream enough to be under the dash where is more accessible.

Resistors are extremely cheap. All you need is a simple one that can be purchased in any electronics store, even Radio Shack (way in the back). They are a commidity that is in just about every piece of electronics made. You need to make sure you get one with the correct resistance. They are not all the same, so you will need to measure your key. I would think that the people at the electronics store would do this for you (maybe not at Radio Shack) if you don't have a multimeter.

You are far from alone with your problem. Here is some information that might help you. But after installing the resistor in the security system and having it work for a few years, my problem with it returned and this time I have had to completely disable the security system by making a pulse generator to replace the OEM system. I also bypassed the "start enable relay" to allow the starter to crank without interference from the PassKey II in my '95 Olds 88 Royale.

The system now works but some of the components you need to work with are difficult to get to, and require removing all the underdash modesty panels as well as the glove box and right footwell kickpanel which hides a fuse/relay center.

http://pageperso.aol.fr/sdgreyefdbv/section+technik/Understanding+GM+VATS+code+46.htm

http://fp.enter.net/~rockcrawl/passkey.html

There are other sites that deal with this, try Googling using "555 timer vats" and "bypass vats".

I saw readymade bypass modules on EBay, but you might need to contact the manufacturer to find out which one you need for your particular car. There are also companies selling remote starters that sell resistor sets for the ignition circuit. They are fairly inexpensive, but much higher than buying just the resistor you need from Radio Shack. Any locksmith or GM dealer can insert your key in a machine that reads the resistance and let you know what resistor you need.

Good luck.

hopefully the wiring for that circuit is downstream enough to be under the dash where is more accessible.

Yes the resistor can be installed underdash and not up in the steering column. The first URL I posted will help some, and there are several others you can find by Googling using "vats bypass" or similar wording. Don't use the quote marks for the search.

Well, my brother came and fixed the problem and the car is running. I am very excited about that, but disappointed to think that the problem might come back. Hopefully the problem will stay away until after we run the wheels off!! That would be nice. I think seems to be a real problem with the pass key II, and maybe that's why my 2000 has a Pass Key III system which so far seems to be a little easier to deal with. Hopefully. Thanks to both of you for your information, I hope the problem stays fixed. I like my olds, it makes a wonderful work car and 3 car seats fit in the back, BONUS. Thanks again