94 SSEi No Crank No Start; With Vats Bypassed

[Slippy122]

Hey,

So I bought this 94 for a steal; its only got 89,000 KMs on it; needed a starter and breaks so I did those, check and there was already a VATS bypass in place, but I still get a no crank no start intermittently. Like this morning. The weird thing is the security light will flicker sometimes when driving, not on when starting.

[Slippy122]

Other thing is if I cycle the key back to aux it will start 90% of the time...

[RJolly87]

The TDM may have completely failed.

I would also check the ground bus bars just to make sure they are okay.

[imidazol97]

I would check the connections of the VATS resistance replacement that was put in. IF the connections weren't soldered, but were just pressed together, there may be a changing resistance with temperature for example.

IF the resistance is a set of resistors coupled together, I'd check that resistance with my own meter and compare it to the expected resistances for whichever of the 14 factory choices was used. IIRC, the expected resistance to pass the test on starting approval by the TDM is within 5% or maybe 10% of that exact resistance. Someone may have done their own and it's marginal in it's resistance. Add that to slight variation with unsoldered connections and you've got the occasional TDM light on.

[RJolly87]

Also, pay attention to what the security light is doing. If it stays on steady at key on, and doesn't go out in a few seconds, it may be a VATS intervention. Same thing if the security light is blinking.

[Slippy122]

I pulled the bypass and wired in my own to match the key; soldered in. Problem persists but I can always get it to start by cycling the key 3-7 times. The security light flickers when I go over bumps sometimes... Its Also a pain for my wife becuase she thinks she'll get stranded with our baby.

[RJolly87]

Have you checked the ground bus bars?

[96 SSEi]

Have you checked the ground bus bars?

x2.... if the light flickers when jarred, I would assume an improper connection somewhere.