Looking for information on what this connects to. Don’t see anything Obvious or anywhere it might connect to. P/O was in the column area to swap ignition. Having issues starting, trying to make sure it’s VATs or something else. Almost sounds like the starter turns but doesn’t crank no matter if the vats cables plugged in or not. Fuel pump is turning on with key.
V6 5 speed. 1998 Bird.
here’s the mystery connection

Mystery connector under column. No obvious female ends. Any help is appreciated. V6 5speed car. PO took some stuff apart

 

Rather than randomly replacing parts, it would be better to do some diagnosis first. For example, is the security light in the instrument cluster on? If not then it's not a VATS problem. If it's flashing then VATS can't see any resistance from the key pellet (an open circuit). This would happen if you use a key with no pellet, a previous VATS bypass has come apart, or a wire is broken somewhere... the last being when you start suspecting the ignition cylinder. If the light is on solid then VATS can see a resistance but not the correct one. This is commonly caused by grime buildup on the key contacts and inside the ignition cylinder. You can clean the key contacts with a pencil eraser followed by rubbing alcohol (or use a spare key if you have one) and the ignition cylinder can be cleaned using spray electronic contact cleaner and a pipe cleaner or even a cotton swab.

However, if the fuel pump runs and the starter turns at all then VATS is certainly not the problem. VATS does two things to "prevent" theft - it disables the fuel enable signal to the PCM and it prevents the starter relay from tripping. Without the starter relay tripping, the starter won't even click.

As far as your connector... I'll have to check my schematics to see if I can find it. Someone else here may recognize it right away and chime in while I'm looking.

 

Sorry. Yeah I have a solid security light that never turns off or flashes. I have tried both a set of all 15 resistors, and also the gator vats bypass module with the 15 preset resistances waiting 5-10 minutes between changing the resistances. The previous owner changed out the ignition without keeping the previous keys so my VATS resistance is unknown, I do plan on an LQ4 swap was just hoping to drive the car to get to know it while I get the swap ready.

 

Can anyone answer what this connector is for. I am putting my TA back together and can't find a spot either.

 

Can you Post some additional Images...?

I need to see the Electrical Connector from different angles than in the Image already Posted.

 

Here are the best pics I can get

 

I believe this is the airbag connector and steering wheels control. See my thread a few down on connector identification and I think it matches up.

 

That makes perfect sense as I’ve removed all that. Thanks!