What do I need, a Cylinder or a Switch?

[happydog500]

When I turned my key, nothing happened. I followed the advice from this site by putting a radio shack resistor(s) on the two wires coming down from the steering column.

It worked, so I was told that it is the "VATS Reader."

I was getting ready to buy a new ignition cylinder, when I realized my key cylinder works. The part I need is the reader. Not sure what comes with the cylinder, I found there is a "cylinder" AND a "switch."

I was told the switch is way in the steering column.

Can anyone tell me what I need to get it back to original so I can take the resistors out and have it back to stock security?

My car is a 1997.

Thank you,
Chris.

[Blue Bowtie]

Evidently, the VATS system is reading the resistance correctly (the resistance YOU connected) so it is functioning. The problem lies between the place you installed the resistance and the ignition key blank resistor pellet.

This might help:

VATS/PassKey System

[Mickey#1]

The "reader" are contacts built into the ignition lock cylinder.
You'll need to get 2 key blanks that have the same resistance as the current key. Those blanks will have to be cut from the key that comes with the new lock cylinder.

[happydog500]

Originally Posted by Mickey#1

The "reader" are contacts built into the ignition lock cylinder.
You'll need to get 2 key blanks that have the same resistance as the current key. Those blanks will have to be cut from the key that comes with the new lock cylinder.

Wow, this is good information! I finally get it now.

One thing tho. If the "reader" is, "built into the ignition lock cylinder", how come I have to match the pellet? Wont the new key be matched to the new ignition cylinder?

Thanks for the replys,
Chris.

[HotZ28]

Wont the new key be matched to the new ignition cylinder?

Yes, the keys are matched to the new lock cylinder but not to the existing TDM! This is why you will need new key blanks with the correct resistance for the TDM, matched (cut) to the existing key that came with the new cylinder .

Basically, this is how the system operates;

With the key in the ignition, the resistor pellet touches contacts in the lock cylinder. The contacts in the lock cylinder are wired to the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM), which reads the value of the resistor to identify the key.

If the resistance reading is correct, the TDM will send a pulse-width modulated signal to the PCM, which will enable the fuel injectors. Once the key is turned to the START position, the TDM notifies the Theft Deterrent Relay (TDR) and allows power to reach the starter solenoid. If the TDM does not recognize the key pellet, it thinks a theft attempt is taking place and it will go into anti-theft mode.