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From: Jack on 17 Feb 2010 16:08
The behavior is erratic. Sometime it starts with no problem. Other
times, even though the battery is fully charged, it will not even turn
the starter and displays the Security light on the dash.
The Buick dealer says it could be one of several problems with the key
lock/switch. However, they describe it as expensive($200-300).
Has anyone had this problem and how was it fixed?
From: hls on 17 Feb 2010 17:28

"Jack" <jplasater(a)NOSPAMjuno.com> wrote in message
news:4b7c5aaf.77857566(a)news.so.centurytel.net...
> The behavior is erratic. Sometime it starts with no problem. Other
> times, even though the battery is fully charged, it will not even turn
> the starter and displays the Security light on the dash.
> The Buick dealer says it could be one of several problems with the key
> lock/switch. However, they describe it as expensive($200-300).
> Has anyone had this problem and how was it fixed?

This is not an uncommon problem with this type of security system. The
keys contain a precision resistance which, when you try to start the cart,
is compared with the standard resistance value in the security system.

If a significant difference is found, the security light will come on and
the
car wont start. There are several variations of this.

And, yes, it is a pain in the butt.

If you want to keep this security feature, you will have to have a competent
mechanic replace the parts that are causing the problem . The key itself
could
be a problem but it is normally due to aging, wear, etc in the key contact
device.

You CAN have someone remove the wires to the key reader and solder in a
precision resistor like the one you have in your key. This usually solves
the
no start problem, but your car will no longer have that functioning bit of a
security system. Small price to pay, IMO.

From: Jack on 17 Feb 2010 18:16
Thanks for the information. Where can I find someone that will know
how to measure and match the resistance and solder the appropriate
resistance? The dealer probably won't do that, will they? Any ideas
on this will be appreciated.

On Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:28:29 -0600, "hls" <hls(a)nospam.nix> wrote:

>
>"Jack" <jplasater(a)NOSPAMjuno.com> wrote in message
>news:4b7c5aaf.77857566(a)news.so.centurytel.net...
>> The behavior is erratic. Sometime it starts with no problem. Other
>> times, even though the battery is fully charged, it will not even turn
>> the starter and displays the Security light on the dash.
>> The Buick dealer says it could be one of several problems with the key
>> lock/switch. However, they describe it as expensive($200-300).
>> Has anyone had this problem and how was it fixed?
>
>This is not an uncommon problem with this type of security system. The
>keys contain a precision resistance which, when you try to start the cart,
> is compared with the standard resistance value in the security system.
>
>If a significant difference is found, the security light will come on and
>the
>car wont start. There are several variations of this.
>
>And, yes, it is a pain in the butt.
>
>If you want to keep this security feature, you will have to have a competent
>mechanic replace the parts that are causing the problem . The key itself
>could
>be a problem but it is normally due to aging, wear, etc in the key contact
>device.
>
>You CAN have someone remove the wires to the key reader and solder in a
>precision resistor like the one you have in your key. This usually solves
>the
>no start problem, but your car will no longer have that functioning bit of a
>security system. Small price to pay, IMO.
>

From: Steve W. on 17 Feb 2010 19:48
Jack wrote:
> Thanks for the information. Where can I find someone that will know
> how to measure and match the resistance and solder the appropriate
> resistance? The dealer probably won't do that, will they? Any ideas
> on this will be appreciated.

Just about any outfit that does remote starter, stereo, custom auto
sound can do it. It isn't very difficult.

The system you have is called VATS.

http://vats.likeabigdog.com/
http://www.thirdgen.org/vats

--
Steve W.
From: cuhulin on 17 Feb 2010 19:56
A guy who lives across the street from me has a Chevrolet Impala.About
two years ago, he had the same, or very similar problem with his car.He
took it to somebody to get it fixed.He said it cost him over $400.00 to
get it fixed.
cuhulin

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