I don't know how much the key was (my son got it) but i don't think it was too much.

Can someone help me identify these boxes? I bought a vats bypass chip that hooks into the blue wire comming from the BCM going to the PCM.

that should read " between the anti theft module and the BCM"

1st one looks like the bcm, 2nd looks like vats module, 3rd looks like keyless entry module, 4th looks like the interior lamp control module. These are based on connector end views from my 1999 fsm. Now I remember why I stopped working on regular cars lol.

Thanks
Fred

Problem solved. It was not the VATS system after all, but rather the electrical switch itself. not the key part but the switch located down under the dash mounted to the top of the steering column tube. It is actuated/positioned by the key by a long rod. It was wore slap out and it just didn't make contact in the start position.
A major indicator was the fact that there were no "idiot" lights showing up on the dash with the key in the "run" position. After replacing the switch all lights illuminate; check engine, oil, battery, ect. when the key is turned to the "run" position.

Thanks everyone for the help

Thx for posting the follow up... so many others dont.