My wifes car is a 97' deville with 60k miles, just developed problems starting. would start and run fine for 10-15 miles then die. I would lose my display on the dash and it wouldn't even try to turn over. I disconnected battery for a minute, reconnected and it started right up. Was told it could be problem with the vats chip not making good contact and should replace the ignition switch. (friend with a vette had the same problem and it fixed it) I changed the switch out with no luck. Does nothing at all when I turn the key now. No dash lights, no nothing. Driving me crazy and can't afford $80 an hour to have a dealership fix it. Please anyone have any idea? I Need help.

 

Usually the VATS will set a code or go into Security Mode when it is bad. You have to wait for 3 minutes and try again as the dash dispaly counts down for you. Often using the spare key works as well. I am not going to say that the VATS was a mis-diagnosis, but it hasn't solved the problem. It may sound too obvious but I suggest that your battery is low and going badand that your battery connection were poor. Why not check out the battery, clean the connections up and tighten them down either on a new battery or a fully charged one. A good ground is critical.