1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL will not start with key.?

Question

3.1 V6 engine, have replaced starter and solenoid, new battery, will not start with key. It can be jumped from the solenoid, runs for about 3 seconds, then dies. All dash lights come on when key is forward, but when trying to start, it makes no sound at all. Security light flashes when key is in also. The light actually started flashing before this problem, then it was only able to be started off solenoid approx. 3 more times, now it will do as i said before, start from solenoid, run 3 seconds, die. Do not have funds to take to dealer, new tranny, new motor can't afford to junk the car, please help!!!

Answer 1

The vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system called VATS. It consists of a resistor built into your key (looks like a small black pellet in the shaft). When the key is inserted into the ignition switch it closes a connection that measures the resistance and prevents the vehicle from starting if it doesn't get the right answer. It sounds very much as if the VATS system is not operating correctly. This may be due to worn contacts inside the key switch. You may have to replace the key switch, or you can try to bypass the VATS system temporarily (or permanently).

If you take apart your under-dash panels so you can access the ignition switch wiring, you will see the VATS wires as two very thin, white wires in an orange jacket. You should be able to follow the wires away from the key switch until they meet a plug where they turn into larger wires; one violet/white and one white/black.

Using a digital multimeter, measure the resistance of the pellet built into your key (one probe on each side of the pellet). There are fifteen possible resistance values. Do a Google search for "VATS resistance values" to find them. Go out and purchase a resistor for the value that closely matches what you measured on the key. A small, 1/4 watt resistor will work fine.

Unplug the VATS plug where the orange tube meets the larger wires. Strip the insulation off a 1/2" section of the viole/white and the white/black wires and connect the resistor between the two. If you can start the vehicle with the key at this point, you have successfully bypassed the VATS system.

Answer 2

1996 Cutlass Supreme

Answer 3

Have you checked the battery? Sometimes there's enough juice for dash lights but not what's required to turn over the engine with the starter. I would also check the grounds, battery terminals, wires to the starter (both quality and tight)!
Could possibly be your ignition switch is shorting out in the on position.
Without looking at the vehicle and running some diagnostics, you have many issues that could cause that problem.

Answer 4

I even have faith in you, It merely takes a while and money, first issues first, you recognize you opt for gasoline and spark interior the engine, scent or seem for gasoline attending to the engine, by way of the two pumping the gasoline pedal jointly as turning the beginning up key, or perhaps listening for the electrical powered gasoline pump pressurizing the gasoline device. Then verify for spark. they sell much less costly spark testers, the place you do away with the spark plug twine, connect it, crank the engine, and look ahead to the voltage to bounce the hollow. .in case you have each and all the standards to fulfill combustion. next verify to confirm if the timing chain or timing belt is broke, by way of shifting the crankshaft and seeing if the valves circulate decrease than the valve covers. in the event that they dont circulate its broke.

Answer 5

go to Demolition, Scrap Metal and Salvage News and look for Free Junk Car Removal

Answer 6

boy you got a cake of one there,, ok,

first do you have code key ?? if yes then could be it, can't read key, so car locks-down.

next there an earth lose somewhere

hard to tell without seeing, but it is a electrical, hope this helps put you on track.