Security Message

Hi, I have a 2002 Chevy Impala and once in a while when I start the car, it says SECURITY in the message center. Sometimes it will turn off after a little while and other times it will stay lit until i turn the car off.

There have also been a few times where I have been driving, and all of a sudden SECURITY will pop up in the message center.

I've taken it to the mechanic to find out what it is, but he hasn't been able to figure out what is causing this.

Any comments/replies will be greatly appreciated...Thanks

I've had the same problem with my '02. The owners manual suggests that this is due to the Passlock antitheft system not recognizing the difference in the keys. It can be caused by something as simple as a shorted wire. If you go back to the dealer, tell him to check out the starting system. The car should still start and run fine, but the antitheft system may not be working.

I've noticed that if I'm in a rush and i jump in the car, start it quicky, and take off then it will usually happen.

It hasn't happened in a while but when it does I'll take it back and give them your suggestion.

Thanks for the reply...Take care!

Your antitheft unit is failing. It will come a day that it won't start anymore because of it. Here's a way to get around it if you don't want to spend $500 at the dealer.

OK I've read the service manuals, and it sure seems doable. This should cure any problems with the antitheft kicking in and not allowing the car to start. This is also a far better way than installing a switch like so many have done on here before. Now, remember this is free advice so I'm not responsible for anything that may go wrong with you trying to do this....

You cut the RCode wire and wire a (PL2 acceptable) resistor across the the cut wire and the PL ground. A resistor that would be within the normal range for the passlock system this could be almost anything since there is a very broad range for this. When doing remote starters, I've seen these be anywhere from 1,000 to 56,000 ohms. Now this proceedure is how to replace and program a new cyl. lock yourselves without having to go to the dealer for them to "unlock" the system.

1. Attempt to start car; it will crank and fail, with the security light flashing. Leave the ignition on for 10 minutes, until the security light goes out.

2. Repeat step 1, two more times.

3. Car should now have learned its new key cylinder, or in this case, new resistor.