'03 Didn't Start - Dealer Says VATS Problem - Can It Be Bypassed?
 

Everyone,

I've been reading previous posts about VATS system giving no start problems, but they are mostly for '92-'99 models.

I drove my 2003 to the store to buy a newspaper, tranny was shifting very hard like it's never done before. Came out of store and car wouldn't start. Tried to start numerous times. Had it towed to dealer.

Of course, everytime dealer tried to start car, it started. They had it over night, checked for codes and found none, with none in history.

Dealer claims to be 99% sure it's a sensor in the ignition lock cylinder for the VATS system. Part is on national backorder, and no one in my area (Central NY) has a part.

Battery is just 2 years old, car has 66,000 miles.

I am driving the car now, hoping I don't have the problem again. My '95 did the same thing and I bypassed the VATS with resistors as explained on this forum.

Does anyone know how to bypass or repair the VATS on a 2003?

Thanks for any help.

Dave

Use some electrical cleaning spray inside the ignition switch and on the key. We've seen dirty ignition and keys cause similiar problems.

Thanks for the info Kevin, I'll give it a try.

Dave