I turned the key one day and it wouldn't start. I then tried to old trick of putting the key in the run position and jumping a screw driver across the starter. Bingo, it started. So I continued to start it this way for about 3 months. Now it wont even start that way. I replaced the battery, the starter, the ignition key cylinder, and a starter relay that is located on a panel, on the exterior wall in the passenger front seat. Still nothing, however my front two amber parking lights are dimly lit all of the time if the battery is connected. Anybody out there with a clue? Thanks

Do you have a VATs in your car?

I'm not sure what that is.

Antitheft system. Do you have a chipped key?

I'm not sure what that is

the old ignition I took out does but the new one doesnt

Your key would look something like this.



If you have a VATs on your car, you can't just change the key. You need to bypass it. Here is a write up on how to do that.

https://www.gmforum.com/t279119/

Now I'm totally confused. My old key looked like the one in the picture. But I replaced the key cylinder with a new one and the new key for the new cylinder doesnt have the chip on it. Do I go back to the old cylinder and key and then try this procedure, or do I stay with the new cylinder and key and perform this procedure, or do I need to get a new cylinder with a chip key in it.

No need to switch back to the old cylinder. That write up tells you how to bypass the VATs. You will need your old key to find the resistance so you can match it on the bypass. What I think is happening is your car thinks it'* being stolen because the wrong key is starting it. So it wont start.

One more quick question. After I cut the orange wire I have 2 wires leading back to the key and 2 wires that disappear back under the dash. Do I loop the resistor between the two wires that go back to the key or to the 2 wires that disappear under the dash?