89 Firebird not turning over

[Digital-101]

stumped again guys ..

my 89 firebird 5.0 will not turn over ... all dash lights work .. battery is hot ... headlights bright ...

checked EVERY fuse that exist on this car .. and yes they are every where ..

removed starter .. tested old starter with battery cables .. old starter worked .. replaced old starter with new starter anyway ..

replaced old key ignition switch with new one (yes ..the dreaded steering wheel removal) ... still .. not a bump .. twitch or flicker .. nota sound from my new starter ..

replaced that iginition switch thingy .. you know .. that switch mounted on side of steering colum under dash .. and adjusted its position "perfectly" ...

still nothing ! .. could use an extra brain er two here guys .. anybody like to take a guess at it ?

[GTP Dad]

Try a remote starter switch to see if it will start that way. It is possible you have a wiring problem in the starter circuit. Check the connections at the starter as well. If there is a fusable link then it could have burnt and you are not getting power to the solenoid.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by Digital-101

stumped again guys ..

my 89 firebird 5.0 will not turn over ... all dash lights work .. battery is hot ... headlights bright ...

checked EVERY fuse that exist on this car .. and yes they are every where ..

removed starter .. tested old starter with battery cables .. old starter worked .. replaced old starter with new starter anyway ..

replaced old key ignition switch with new one (yes ..the dreaded steering wheel removal) ... still .. not a bump .. twitch or flicker .. nota sound from my new starter ..

replaced that iginition switch thingy .. you know .. that switch mounted on side of steering colum under dash .. and adjusted its position "perfectly" ...

still nothing ! .. could use an extra brain er two here guys .. anybody like to take a guess at it ?

Yep, I know exactly what the problem is. It's the VATS system. I had the exact same problem with my '89 Formula and did basically what you did except I replace the ignition with the correct code for the VATS to work.

You said that you replace the ignition. Was that the switch or key? Try to test the starter wire under the dash. I think it is either yellow or purple. Should show 12v when you crank it. I still want to bet on the VATS though.

[Digital-101]

wow .. the more i learn about this "VATS" or "passlock" system the more im convinced thats where the problem is ...

as i mentioned .. i replaced the ignition switch 'mounted under dash on steering column ... and also the key switch 'Ignition Lock Cylinder ..

i now notice that the new 'Ignition Lock Cylinder does have the two small wires (one white / one purple) wrapped in the orange tube .. but .. the key that came with the new 'Ignition Lock Cylinder does not have the "resistor pellet" as did the original key for the old ignition lock cylinder .. although the counterperson at my local advance auto assured me it was the right part for my vehicle ..

can this be right ?

there is a great article located here on this subject ..
http://www.usautomotive.co.uk/tech/Anti-theft.asp

[Digital-101]

BINGO !

VATS it is .. called my local locksmith .. had'em come out and messure the resistance of the key pellet on my old key .. cut me a new key with the proper key pellet resistance and vuala ! .. veroom veroom !!

lol ...

thanks for the insight gentlemen