OK I have in infamous won't start problem that has plagued the earlier GM.

Mine: 99 Eight eight LS 63000 miles

Here is what I know:

Key turns in ignition everything electrical works except the starter.
starter is good
battery is good.
Security light FLASHES when I try to start it along with the other dash lights.

Told this to my local mechanic who said he has fixed this problem by wiring diodes/resisters(?) somewhere in the security system, which he did.
After doing this it still doesn't start. He is stumped so am I.

Do anyone have any idea what this problem is and how to fix it????

If no, can the local GM dealer troubleshoot the issue?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, really appreciated.

I may be wrong, but it sounds to me like the resistor that reads your key is damaged, or your key isn't providing the right resistance, causing the security light to go off and kill the engine for 15-20 minutes. My '97 Malibu used to do that from time to time, and I never did figure out why -- could have been moisture, gunk on the key, who the heck knows.

Supposedly, if you can figure out what resistance is supposed to be, you can bypass the key check entirely. It'* something inside the steering column. I looked up tutorials and diagrams online and debated doing it, but then I sold the Malibu to buy the Bonnie, so it'* someone else'* problem now.

Assuming that'* the problem, of course. I'm no expert on 88s. There'* no doubt someone here who'* more helpful than I am on this.

95'* with a bad key will give a no crank condition. 96 and newer will allow crank, but won't fire the injectors. IF that'* the case with the Olds systems.

If it is, then your VATS system is not to blame, its probably somewhere at the starter back to the battery.

Not demeaning by asking, but how do you know the starter is good?

Please confirm that what I'm saying sounds correct. When you turn the key, there is no click, no starter turning, but you do hear the fuel pump prime.

If that'* the case and since the car is an H body (I think), then I would expect the starter to turn. If it doesn't, try putting the selector in P and N both while trying to start the car. Test for signal at the transmission park neutral safety switch. This is a logical place where the signal is being dropped.

The signal from the key hits the vats relay, from there it goes to the PNP, then to the starter.