anti theft /anti start

Hello, does anyone know where the anti theft switch is located in a chevrolet cavalier 1998 model. I need to turn it on/restart as my car was broken into and the anti theft starter is activated. I do not know how to turn it off. Can't start my car. Please help

im not sure if this will work but you could try pulling the theft system fuse out, the one underneath the hood

You could try to call your local Gm dealer and ask them. They might tell you nothing but to come to them so they can do it and charge you an arm and a leg.

Hello, does anyone know where the anti theft switch is located in a chevrolet cavalier 1998 model. I need to turn it on/restart as my car was broken into and the anti theft starter is activated. I do not know how to turn it off. Can't start my car. Please help


Welcome to AF on your first post.
What all was done to it when they broke in?
Does the anti theft /security light stay on when key is on?
Try turning the key on for about 15 minutes or untill anti theft light goes out and then off and see if it will start.
It may help to have a charger on battery because laving key on will drain battery fast.
Also try locking and opening doors with the door key.
MT

the car would start and the engine would be on for about 10 sec. then it would turn off automatically. Where is the fuse located under the hood????
Thanks for your help.

the anti theft system in this car is the pass-key...it sounds almost like they cut one of the wires to the system...either it isn't hooked up or it is patched poorly...the system works off of a specific amount of electricity flowin through the wires, and if that amount is modified in any way it will cause the car to, yes, run for about 10 seconds, then shut off. i could be wrong, but pull apart your steering column, and connected to the ignition there are 3 wires, most likely wound in tape...black, black/white, and yellow IIRC...make sure those wires are not damaged...

Could it be fuel isn't going thru? Is there a relay switch for that????

Could it be fuel isn't going thru? Is there a relay switch for that????


We need more info.
Does the starter work?
Does the anti theft/security light stay on?
Does it start and then dye?
What was done to it when they broke into it?
Have you tryed leaving the key on for 15-20 miutes to override anti theft?
There is no turn off switch on anti theft.
If it was broken into and you have theft and comp insurance call your insurance agent.
MT

lol I like how you always type in lists so people understand better :lol:

lol I like how you always type in lists so people understand better :lol:


10-4 on that Lances133
Here is my best one.
Tips on getting a good answer to your questions.
People trying to answer your question do not have a crystal ball.
So give them all of the info you have like year make and model and engine and transmission.
Also service cars engine and transmission service history or any recent repairs or problems.
Also a description of your problem and what it is doing or not doing.
If you have codes give up the code no.
And remember a code does not say replace the part but only points to the problem that you have to check out.
So to better help you give up all of the info you have on it.
MT

Thanks for the tip. Here it goes
the engine starts but cuts off after maybe 2 sec.
When they broke into my car, the ignition, where you put the key is broken (the plastics covers are gone). But my key still could go in and start the engine. And the hazard light could have been on all night because it was on when I discovered the break in in the morning. Everything else seems to be in place. I don't actually know if there is a anti theft in my car, since I bought it used. But there is a light that goes on when I start my engine before all this, that saids "theft system". I just figure it could be that's what could have stop the the thief from stealing my car.
I already tried turning the ignition 3 times with 10min intervals between and that didn't work. So, maybe something to do with the fuel not able to go thru or could it be that not enough power to keep the engine running, since the hazard light was on all night and drained some battery power????

Thanks for the tip. Here it goes
the engine starts but cuts off after maybe 2 sec.
When they broke into my car, the ignition, where you put the key is broken (the plastics covers are gone). But my key still could go in and start the engine. And the hazard light could have been on all night because it was on when I discovered the break in in the morning. Everything else seems to be in place. I don't actually know if there is a anti theft in my car, since I bought it used. But there is a light that goes on when I start my engine before all this, that saids "theft system". I just figure it could be that's what could have stop the the thief from stealing my car.
I already tried turning the ignition 3 times with 10min intervals between and that didn't work. So, maybe something to do with the fuel not able to go thru or could it be that not enough power to keep the engine running, since the hazard light was on all night and drained some battery power????

If the key is damaged that is proably your problem.
Does the engine crank over good.
Does the anti theft light go out or stay on with key on?
Charge battery up and give it the key on for 15-20 minutes and see if anti theft light goes out then try to start engine.

That should over ride or reset the anti theft.
But it may do it again when you turn it off.
It sounds like you will need to replace the key cylinder but when youdo you woill have to recode key pelet.
Have you got theft or comp insurance?
MT

if a dead/low battery was the problem your starter wouldnt even crank, which means you wouldnt even be able to start the car for the 2 seconds you mention, so im guessing the flashers play no role in this

if the theft sytem was the problem you shouldnt even be able to start it for 2 seconds

if a dead/low battery was the problem your starter wouldnt even crank, which means you wouldnt even be able to start the car for the 2 seconds you mention, so im guessing the flashers play no role in this

if the theft sytem was the problem you shouldnt even be able to start it for 2 seconds

It depends on what theft system.
The 98 cavalier is a passlock system.
When the antitheft is tripped on them they will crank and start but only run for about 2 seconds.
The antitheft on them just shuts off the fuel injectors.
http://members.troublecodes.net/crunch/98cavtheft.pdf
MT

so does every 98 have this?

hi, MT-2500 thanks for the attachement!
I just went out and bought a new fuse for the fuel pump and that didn't work! So, its not that. I also just tried giving it a battery boost, that didn't work either. The engine cranks over good, and the theft system light stays on after I start the engine. Do you know how I can turn the theft system off then? my key is fine not damaged, just the ignition where the key goes in. I also tried turning the ignition 3x etc. Any other suggestions. And I don't have insurance coverage for this, Thats why I need all the help I can get to try and do this myself.

hi, MT-2500 thanks for the attachement!
I just went out and bought a new fuse for the fuel pump and that didn't work! So, its not that. I also just tried giving it a battery boost, that didn't work either. The engine cranks over good, and the theft system light stays on after I start the engine. Do you know how I can turn the theft system off then? my key is fine not damaged, just the ignition where the key goes in. I also tried turning the ignition 3x etc. Any other suggestions. And I don't have insurance coverage for this, Thats why I need all the help I can get to try and do this myself.

If the theft light stays on then the system has entered long tamper mode. When your car was broken into the thief must have damaged something in the ignition cylindar which is giving the wrong R-code. Look for an orange/black and yellow wire coming out of the key cylinder and see if they're cut or damaged. Good luck.

so does every 98 have this?

Aftermarket Add on remote starter or antitheft may be different but if factory OEM.
I show a 98 uses the pellet in the key.
98 passlock R system uses a pellet in key syatem to set antitheft
99 paasslock TM system uses a magnet in ign switch to set antitheft
Both systems if factory oem just disable fuel injectors if tripped.
MT

hi, MT-2500 thanks for the attachement!
I just went out and bought a new fuse for the fuel pump and that didn't work! So, its not that. I also just tried giving it a battery boost, that didn't work either. The engine cranks over good, and the theft system light stays on after I start the engine. Do you know how I can turn the theft system off then? my key is fine not damaged, just the ignition where the key goes in. I also tried turning the ignition 3x etc. Any other suggestions. And I don't have insurance coverage for this, Thats why I need all the help I can get to try and do this myself.

The only way you can turn it off is to fix it.
Look under dash steering column for any cut or damaged wires.
Does it have a remote start or aftermarket anti theft system?
Does it have a pellet in the key?
If the pellet in the key system measure the ohm restiance of the pellet.
There is a way you can wire in a resistor on that system.
MT

MT