i have a 1995 bonneville and today i went to the store and after i came out i went to my car and my car wouldn't start just complete silence, wouldn't turn over, ive notice that my security light stayed on, so then i tried agian nothing, after a minute i took the key out and i tried it again and it turned over and started, what could this problem be? this is the first time this happened to me and i don't want it to happen again, i know its something with the VATS system? if so what can i do to solve this problem

You should clean the keys and the ignition switch first to see if that is the only problem. I use regular rubbing alcohol. To clean the ignition switch, dip the key in the alcohol and insert/remove the key in the switch several times. I usually do this procedure 2-3 times to make sure the contacts are clean.

The VATS system works by a resistance. If there is crud on the keys or contacts the resistance can be outside the +/-5% tollerance that the system has.

If the key is worn it wont help the problem either. my key was well used and i was having that problem. went to dealer got a new key and no problems.

I just started running into this problem and asked my co-worker if he knew what was going on. He said something about VATS then told me to try my spare key.

I'm glad I'm finding some info matching his suggestion because this was making me really nervous.

-Adam

u check da resistence on da key?

Me? I haven't checked anything yet. Everytime I've used my spare I haven't had any problems what so ever. I'll most likely check it @ work tonight

-adam

Don't go to the dealer for a $50 key. I have 2 locksmiths locally in a town of 50,000 population that have the 'interrogator' to determine the resistance of your original. Then they select the right blank, and cut the key for $18.

Because of the occasional problems others have had (not me yet), I carry a spare ignition key in the car at all times. Hidden very well, of course.