VATS failure?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
VATS failure?
Occasionally, the car (99 vert) will not start. When I turn the key to the start position, the dash goes dead. Pulling the key and a five minute wait usually solves the problem. Is this a bad key, ignition switch or both? I had hoped it was something to do with the column lock bypass, but that install did not help. Any suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
Re: VATS failure? (Jake the Snake)
Possibly just a dirty pellet on your key, you may try clean it with alcohol, or try using your other key for a while to see if that helps. It could also be the actual ignigtion switch, although besides a total failure or a visit to the dealer I'm not sure how you would be able to tell. Good luck in getting this solved. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
Re: VATS failure? (Miaugi)
I had the same problem. Car appeared dead when trying to start it and the security light would flash on the dash. It started doing it once a month, then got to the point where it would do it at least 3 to 5 times a week. In my case it was a bad ignition switch as cleaning the pellet on the key, or using the spare key did not solve the problem.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
Re: VATS failure? (Jake the Snake)
So far the spare key has gotten me thru for the past 2 days, but I will clean the contacts and hope. Jeff what did the ignition switch replacement cost?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
Re: VATS failure? (Jake the Snake)
It was about $300 for the replacement at the dealer. I think the part is $150 or so, but I think you may have to reprogram the BCM so I am not sure if you can do it yourself.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,030
Likes: 9,788
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: VATS failure? (Jake the Snake)
Another problem that can show up is if the key gets wet the car may not start. When getting in the car from the rain I always make sure the key is dry before putting it in the ignition lock.
Bill
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Re: VATS failure? (Jeff Jeff)
It was about $300 for the replacement at the dealer. I think the part is $150 or so, but I think you may have to reprogram the BCM so I am not sure if you can do it yourself.
It goes like this turn on the key for 11 min. w/o starting the engine and off for 30 sec.
Repeat this procedure for a total of 3 times and then turn on the key for 30 sec. then start the vehicle from the on position.
If the vehicle fails to start you must start over again.
If it does start and run properly then you shut it off and read your codes, it will set 1630 intentionally. Clear your codes and you should be good to go
Oh, and 1 important tip is when cleaning the pellet and contacts in the ing. switch is use a cleaner that DOES NOT LEAVE ANY RESIDUE OR LUBERICANT.
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