Ok, this is a little complicated but I'll set it up.

I have a 1997 Bonneville. A couple of months ago the ignition lock cylinder wouldn't turn to the 'Start' position - it'* like it jammed or something. It won't turn past on. This is NOT the problem, though, as I can start it with the aftermaket remote start, turn it to 'on' and then drive around.

The problem is that yesterday, all of a sudden, after I start it with the remote and turn it to 'On' the engine shuts off when I press the brake to shift into gear. The radio and the dash lights come on, which is usually the sign that evrything is ok to go.

This seemed like a VATS thing (everthing is clean, I tried both keys) and after reading about the various VATS problems here on the board I decided to try the bypass. This is where my problem comes in. In the VATS bypass instructions it says to find the orange wire coming from the steering column, cut it and splice in the resistors. But when I took off the panel I found that the orange wire is already cut, presumably for the aftermarket remote starter. It'* just hanging there, not attached to anything. I can't see the other end of it in the mess of splices and electrical tape and I'm not sure what to do.

I guess my question is this: It seems that the orange wire coming from the column is of no use and I need to find the other end and hook the resistors to that. Is that the case or am I misunderstanding the setup? Or is it maybe not VATS related at all. I've been doing the remote start thing for a couple of months and it'* never failed until now. I drove back form my parents' house on Thanksgiving no problem, but in the morning it wasn't working.

Any ideas or help would be very much apprecited.
Thanks!

Inside the orange wire is two white wires; perhap you can locate that and check the resistor that is no-doubt installed.

When you turn the key to on, wether you start it or not, the Security light should come on and then go out after a few seconds. If it stays on then its a Vats issue.

Try and look at your ignition module, it sounds like its broke, slipped loose (not going tot he start position) or the acuator rod is bent (which causes the same problem).

Thanks, the security light comes on for a couple of seconds and then turns off. No blinking. So VATS is not the problem, eh? I got a new ignition cylinder - I'll have to do that, I guess.

Thanks again for your help.

Ok, I'm going to change the ignition lock cylinder and I have a question. Since the VATS is bypassed is it possible to install a normal switch without the VATS wires so that I don't have to go get new VATS keys made to work with the switch? Does anyone knoiw what switch that would be or should I just go to the parts counter and ask them?

Thanks again!
Alex

Where did you get it installed? If they in effect disabled the VATS entirely then thats a poor lazy install. You never alter the security devices when you work on any vehicle for a customer.

I think that if you buy a new lock cylinder it will come with the vats. An older style might not fit. Youde have to find the latest tyear bonne that doesnt have vats and match up the lock assemblies. At least if you but a new lock you can start the car normally.

It sounds like the Primary Igniton wire (powers engine and other necessary fnctions) from the key cylinder isnt makng contact. When you remote start it the starter powers up the Primary Ignition and Secondary ignition wires. You turn your key to ON, which should power your primary and secondary ignitions also, but it only powers the Secondary. When you push the brake pedal the remote start turns off and the Primary is turned off and then engine dies. Your radio and lights will stay on because they are on a differant circuit than the engine (2nd ign). It has to be the install.