98 Custom, Chip in key going bad?

[imidazol97]

For VATS problems, the two little wires from the lock cyclinder are in a larger plastic cover that looks like a single wire and can be replaced at the connector at the base of the steering column with a pack of resistors of the right ohm rating that you solder together in series. This is easily done and alot cheaper than labor time and parts to replace the lock cylinder.

It does bypass the security system however. But you don't need a resistor in the keys anymore. A shop that installs alarms bypasses the VATS all the time if you don't want to do it yourself.

Also if you're getting the security light flashing after key insertion and having to repeat to engage the starter after the three minute wait, or if you're getting the light coming on and going off while driving, you may end up where I did with a constant security light but the VATS system doesn't block starting. It has gone into a failure mode where it believes it no longer is reading resistant or operating correctly and simply quits working. I've read of people cutting the two wires from the key cylinder while the motor is running which causes the same failure mode for the theft deterrent module and sets the code where it doesn't try to block the starting motor anymore.