no start
 

ill try to explain as best possible. the car is a 2002 ss six speed manual trans, so far i replaced the neutral safety switch, the one in by the firewall along with moving the ign and engine relays. the car does not lose power when turning the key like it would if it was a battery. is there an easy way to check what could be the problem, i have not pulled the starter yet to check it. i do not have a scanner, but the security light flashes with the key on run. exactly how many different components work the ignition system in these cars?

A flashing security light means you have a security issue. You should be able to pull codes and we can go from there.

How screwed up is the VATS chip on the key? I had a replacement one that got damaged quickly (within a month) and wouldnt even crank my car over but I had power

chip is fine on both keys, and i checked the other switch that is working fine. i was talking to a buddy, and he thinks he remembers corvetts having an issue with this along with some other gm products. he suggested i lock it the door with my key and leave it alone for 12-24 hours.

http://vats.likeabigdog.com/

I would just bypass the vats as that is most likely your issue. Link will give you the how to.

vettes are a whole different animal! they had a recall for the column locks, and the recall barely helped lol

we knew that, but figured it might have some similarities.

This screams VATS issue.

i can agree on the vats being the problem, how many components are involved with this system and how to determine what is the culprit? the cars has the factory alarm, and i have replaced the stereo, does that matter. i would rather not bypass the vats system, i really don't like rigging things and im sure it works fine it could lead to other problems. thank you for the reply's.

I do not know about the later years, but when I did the VATS delete in my T/A it was tuned out in the PCM and then a single wire connection. No hacking necessary.

well after posting here and talking with my buddy the problem was the vats system. i bought a new key and cylinder, but before i tore it all apart i plugged it in just to make sure. it lives, now i get the fun of tearing into the column and replacing it. and of course it is hot as heck out and the car wasn't in the garage out of the sun, which it is in most of the day. at least ill lose a few more pounds. oh and thank you everyone for the reply's.

No problem man, glad you nailed it.

car has been fixed for a few days now, it really wasn't all that bad to do. i took some pictures if any body else needs help with this i will post them or maybe try a write up.

Glad u fixed it. common problem with the contacts/wires in ignition cylinder breaking causing loss in continuity when chip in key bridges the contacts when inserted.