No crank/start + Code 53 = VATS problem yay!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood CA
No crank/start + Code 53 = VATS problem yay!
Of all the nights that a VATS problem has to occur, it was tonight, the first time I was racing my car at the track. Luckily I was able to get one pass in before it decided to not start on me. I ran the codes and got #53. The car will not crank, and while I try to crank, the security light stays on. Also, when I leave the key in the "ON" position, the "CHECK GAUGES" light is lit along with the "SECURITY" light.
I looked it up in the FSM and it said it could be the ignition lock cylinder, CCM, or one of the circuits is bad. So it seems to me like this isn't a simple problem of the key being dirty or the wrong resistance.
Anyone care to shed some light? Sorry for another VATS topic. I'm still learning its quirks.
I looked it up in the FSM and it said it could be the ignition lock cylinder, CCM, or one of the circuits is bad. So it seems to me like this isn't a simple problem of the key being dirty or the wrong resistance.
Anyone care to shed some light? Sorry for another VATS topic. I'm still learning its quirks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Always include the year C4 you are asking help for so we don't have to go looking for it. The security light tells me you have a VATS problem, that is, VATS does not recognize the correct value of resistance of your pellet in your ign key and probably because the contacts in the ign lock cylinder are no longer making good connection to the pellet. First wait 6 minutes (computer won't allow a crank for 6 minutes if the pellet is not recognized) and try your spare ign key which has better condition pellet contacts. Next, unplug the clutch safety switch (gear selector sw if auto) and jump the safety switch socket. Measure the voltage on the jumper when you attempt a crank. If you have 12v and no cranking, then you have a starter or battery connection problem. If you have 12v and no cranking, then remove the kick panel above drivers feet and find the 2 wires from behind the steering column that goes to a 2 pin connector and unplug. Insert your ign key and measure the resistance across the 2 wires from the steering column. They should measure the same as your pellet. If over 4% difference or over 13k ohms, you need a new ign lock cylinder which will have new contacts that make connection to your ign key pellet.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood CA
Always include the year C4 you are asking help for so we don't have to go looking for it. The security light tells me you have a VATS problem, that is, VATS does not recognize the correct value of resistance of your pellet in your ign key and probably because the contacts in the ign lock cylinder are no longer making good connection to the pellet. First wait 6 minutes (computer won't allow a crank for 6 minutes if the pellet is not recognized) and try your spare ign key which has better condition pellet contacts. Next, unplug the clutch safety switch (gear selector sw if auto) and jump the safety switch socket. Measure the voltage on the jumper when you attempt a crank. If you have 12v and no cranking, then you have a starter or battery connection problem. If you have 12v and no cranking, then remove the kick panel above drivers feet and find the 2 wires from behind the steering column that goes to a 2 pin connector and unplug. Insert your ign key and measure the resistance across the 2 wires from the steering column. They should measure the same as your pellet. If over 4% difference or over 13k ohms, you need a new ign lock cylinder which will have new contacts that make connection to your ign key pellet.
I will test the ignition lock cylinder resistance tomorrow. I looked in the FSM and it seems that the steering wheel needs to come off in order to remove plastic cover that goes over the ignition lock. Anyone care to give me a few pointers? Thanks fjb!
Oh, and when I measure the resistance of the key, do I touch off on the plastic looking part of the pellet or the tiny little piece of metal in the middle of it?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Your ohmeter probes must touch the metal tab on each side of the key. The resistor is connected between the metal tabs and the lock cylinder has two spring contacts that touch each metal tab to allow the VATS module to measure the resistance and compare it to the stored value.
