car stolen, trying to get it running again

Thanks for the response. The key I used before it was stolen doesn't have a chip on it, though I do not know if it is oem - I bought the car three weeks ago, got it stolen two weeks ago, and it found at the pound a week ago. It started the car fine, though. I noticed two wires not connected to anything, either were cut or just left like that for future use, near the ignition - a brown/tan and a light green. I looked up a few things and looks like one is an accessary wire and one is supposed to be for the keysense (which I assume means chip). I took this to be one or two wires that would be used if one was to hookup either remote start or put a chip in, perhaps. What do you think?

Thanks for the advice. I'm curious about two things. First, why would my key work before the thieves stole it and now it doesn't? Which, I suppose goes into my next question being - where is the vats module? Again, I appreciate the advice. I've been thinking of doing a column switch. Just Chicago winters are pretty cold and it would probably take me a while as I've never done a column switch before.

Could just go to the dealership which you will likely have to anyway and have the vats reprogrammed and the wires and column fixed and buy new key which they will have to reprogram too.

So perhaps I'll just change the column - I found one with a key for $75, as suggested by AskTrannyMan. confirmed that 96 Century's did not have the chip in the key - but perhaps there is something else I'm missing. I can shift into any gear when the car is off - it does actually shift, but I thought that was weird, as I've never had a car that does that. So perhaps they messed with something else, too. On swapping the column, do I need to take off the steering wheel in order to do so? Or simply disconnect all the wires, and line it all up and then unbolt it? I've never done a steering column before. I can do general maintenance on cars - replaced radiators, water pumps, brakes, etc.. but nothing too complex. Looking at what needs to be done - it looks right at the top of my ability, perhaps pushing it a bit but if I get a warm day, should be able to figure it out. Thank you, again, for the help

Hey - you know, I didn't ask - I did get the necessary tools to pull the steering wheel if necessary, though - wheel puller and the retainer ring extractor... As for the gear part - yes I can move the shift lever. It shifts into all gears and I checked on the transmission to make sure it was connected - it is. It will crank in Park, but won't crank in any other gear, including neutral. I was suspecting perhaps a Neutral Safety Switch issue, but it kind of feels like I am just shooting in the dark with it.

hmm. so are suggesting investigating the NSS as a possible issue in this? (i.e. I am trying to get away with not putting a steering column in until Spring). Thanks for the help!

Good point. If it is isn't actually preventing it from starting (due to some internal safety msg or something), then it doesn't matter to me. In fact, I was considering putting on a push button switch for starting the engine in order to bypass all that. But, really, it sounds like I'm just delaying the inevitable. I'll get the steering column. Again, thanks for your help.

Just an update. Got the car started. Turns out it was the inline fuse for the fuel pump. They must have blew it after the took all the gas. Gonna stick with the way it is for now, put a new column in when it gets warmer out. Thanks for the help!

GOOD JOB BUDDY