96 Monte Carlo z34

[pitfa55]

Here's a good one. Just picked up a loaded 96 monte z34 w/ 65000 miles. Had been sitting for a while but is in great shape.
When i turn the key to the "start" position the horn goes off but the starter will not engage at all . Could it be related to the anti theft mod? I have checked the fuses.
The car is also throughing p0160 (map sensor) and p0300 (misfire). Hmmm, ya think they are related??

[maxwedge]

Does it have an AM alarm/cutoff system, no the codes aren't the issue.

[pitfa55]

Not sure what you mean. Is there a way to sut down the radios anti theft?

[pitfa55]

I have tried a reset fix which required leaving the ignition switch on for twenty mins, then trying a start. It didn't work.
My coment on the two codes I gave was: where those two codes related to each other? Not the non start.
I tried to google "AM alarm/cutoff system", got nothing for the fix. However, I saw a comment about finding the "gm reset" methods, but no link.
Hope someone out there has a solution.
Thanks

[maxwedge]

Do you have an aftermarket add on alarm/ cutoff? Also does the security lite stay on when it won't crank. Do all the other accessories work with the key on? it is possible the wires in the column for the key cyl are broken, this is common. That requires replacing the key cylinder.

[pitfa55]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Do you have an aftermarket add on alarm/ cutoff? Also does the security lite stay on when it won't crank. Do all the other accessories work with the key on? it is possible the wires in the column for the key cyl are broken, this is common. That requires replacing the key cylinder.

No aftermarket alarm, Security lite goes out when in run position, all other accessories work fine. I have no idea if the wires are broken at this time.

??

[maxwedge]

Ok heres what can be done, assuming it is the vats , check the resistance of your key chip, then go to radio shack and by resistors that match the key, remove the lower column cover, there is a 2 wire connector, very small white wires coming off the bottom of them column, jump the resistor you made up into the body side of that connector, this eliminates the key circuit for the vats. BTW, did you try jumping the starter directly and see if it starts, this isn't just a starter problem is it?

[pitfa55]

Yes it will start if I jump across the starter. How do you get the resistance off the key?

[maxwedge]

If it starts doing that it is not the key, the starter would turn but not start. Now you must go into the start enable relay portion of the vats, this get more complicated, you may want to get a factory shop manual or search for diagnostic trouble tree for the vats, make sure you have voltage out of the ign switch in the crank position before you go any deeper, maybe the vats is not the problem.