98 ods 98 starting problems

It keeps giving me a message to clean the key and wait 3 minutes. Sometimes it will take a couple hours before it will start. Any ideas would be greatly appriciated. oops sorry guys a typo It is a 1991 OLDS 98. My bad!!!

If the vats is actually the issue here, they key, wiring or a vats module could be the cause, what message and from where do you get "clean the key".

it has an information center on the dash under the speedo. it is the same place it tells me when the oil needs changed or that I have a brake light or tail light out. where is the vats module. is there a proceedure for checking it? what does vats stand for?

The Vats module is the Vehicle Anti Theft System. Do you have a spare key that has the chip in it. My caddy did this and come to find out the chip in the key was Bad

Correct, could be.

I have 2 keys and both do the same thing. NO START and same message.clean key and try again in 3 minutes. From what I have been reading it is going to be the VAT module. what do you guys think? I need to know where the vats is located on my car too.

I almost doubt its the module..

The wires in the column to the ignition switch may have become broken... If thats the case than it will require the column to come apart to replace the ignition switch..

Have you talked to the dealer to see what the common failure is?

Well, it will start once in a while but mostly it wont. I can't locate the relay or the Vats on this vehicle (I don't even know what they look like)or where they might be located. I jumped a wire from the ignition switch starter wire to the solonoid and it will start while the engine is turning with the key turned to start, but as soon as I turn it back to the run position it dies. Does that give you guys any ideas? Help Please!! :banghead:

There is a way to by pass the broken wires in the key cylinder issue. Do a sight search for the procedure, this will eliminate the key cylinder as the problem.