93 olds 88 royale prob

[JohnnyReb271]

ok I have a 1993 Olds 88 Royale with the 3800 motor. It has a full electronic screen under the speedo. When I try to start the car I get a message in the window saying "Please clean key and try again in three minutes" or something to that affect. Ok so I did that and it still wont start. That was almost four days ago. I have tried spraying it out with compressed air and even cleaned the key with cleaner. This car is for my business so I need to get it running as soon as possible. And the battery keeps going dead because I cant start it and the automatic leveler keeps kicking on.

[HotZ28]

Pull the fuse for the auto leveler. If it is trying to inflate, enough to run your battery down, you probably have leaking air bladders on the struts. You will eventually need to install new air assist struts to overcome this problem.

Now, on to the security system. Do you have a security light on when you turn on the key? Do you have another key to try? Can you measure the resistance on the resistor in the key? (Use a DVOM). Your symptoms indicate that the key recognition circuit is not reading the key resistor. Check the above items and post back. You may have to go the bypass route.

[JohnnyReb271]

ok I dont have a security light when I turn the key. Never did. No I dont have another key to try I dont even have door keys only one ignition key. But at the time I got the car I couldnt pass up the deal I was getting. But that was almost a year ago. As far as testing the resistor I dont have a DVOM nor do I have the money for one.. Truethfully I dont even know what one is. I dont know that much about fuel injected cars or computerized cars. But someone said something to me about a part for the ignition I think it was the ignition control module. Could that be what is causing this? The part is $165 and if that is not it or you if you can give me a cheaper route then I would much rather go that route. I would greatly appreciate any more advice or help you can give me. Thanks for the info on the leveler fuse.

[JohnnyReb271]

oh yeah and if there is a way to bypass it without screwing up the car then I will try that as well. Thanks

[HotZ28]

VATS systems motorage PDF
GM Vats System Bypass
Good Luck!

[Bassasasin]

I didnt think the car wouldnt start with a bad key but not run for more than a few seconds.. Perhaps yours is different.

DVOM.. Digital Voltage Ohm Meter... Radio shack or hardware store $10. They will read resistors. Radio shack may read it for free.

The trouble is you have to get the resistance value of the key its suppose to have..
A dealer will look up the code for the key from the VIN number for proubbly for free.
He could then sell you a working key with the correct resistor pill. If your key is a wrong value!
Perhaps you could bring it back in a reasonable time.

Key problems can arrize from getting static zaps blowing the resistor. Do you live in snow country? Wear nylon jackets? (Just a thought)

Good Luck