theft lock

today the theft lock kicked on and shut down my car. The previous owner may have set a code or not ~ but the display for the radio has long since failed.. How can I disable or override the system

So you got the security light to blink?

If so, do this: put key in ignition, turn to run, wait 10 minutes (until the security light stop blinking), turn to off for a few secs, start the car.

So you got the security light to blink?

If so, do this: put key in ignition, turn to run, wait 10 minutes (until the security light stop blinking), turn to off for a few secs, start the car.
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the ignition is 'locked' in the run position. It will turn to start the car and run perfectly normal but after 5 - 10 seconds the sec. light begins flashing and shuts the car off again. I disconnected the Bat cable and let it sit 15 min several times and the same is waiting when I reconnect

which light is flashing? the security one? or another one?

there is black, yellow and white wire connector connected to the key cylinder try to disconnect that before starting. If the same problem occurs then reconnect it and disconnect if when you start the engine and before it dies.

it made no change to the problem of any sort... Being that the key/ignition will only move in the 'run' and 'start' position ~ and all I have seen/read talks of being able to rotate the key/ignition cyl I begin to wonder if the lock cylinder may have come apart inside ~ even though there has been no indication of a problem before???

the theft lite flashes when I start the car ~ the car shuts down after about 5 sec then the lite stays on

Then it is simple replace the ignition key cylinder, it can only be cylinder or the IPC, but since you mentioned that the key movement isn't normal it is logical to assume that the key cylinder is faulty. And yes if key cylinder is faulty it can cause that problem since inside is little mechanism that reads resistance from your key or the resistor is integrated in the cylinder and due to the internal cylinder failure resistance can not be red by IPC. IPC=INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER

Welcome to AF bsg01 !

Hav you tried jiggling the key around to see if it will come unstuck ?

If not the lock cylinder is the problem and needs replaced. Here is a link for the R&R on this part.

Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace 99+ Grand am's (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=715987)

Also if the break shift interupt is bad, or a blown fuse, it can keep the key stuck in the "on" or "run" position.

Hope that helps.