Blinking Security Light, Car will not start

[brassy76]

Okay, I am at witts end with my car right now. My security light comes on when my car does not turnover completely as I start my car. This is happening more and more and I was wondering if there was a way to disable this feature/pain or identify the real problem and solution. It is frustrating when I am unable to get into my car and not be able to go somewhere quickly. Please help!

[scoopy03]

you need to replace the ignition module most likely. to get it started in the meantime get in the car just turn the key to on position let the security light blink out may take 10-15 min then turn to the key to off and quickly start it. if doesnt work you can try this procedure again or just have the ignition module fixed. its a really common problem.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF brassy76.

I would try the relearn procedure and see if this helps.
When the light is flashing, you should turn off the car(if running) or turnthe key off and wait 10-15 minutes, the light should go out.... for a while.

Here is the relearn...

Security relearn procedure:

1) Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
2) Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
3) Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
4) Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
5) Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
6) Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
7) On 4th attempt, car should start.

NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete

Hope that helps and Happy Easter guys !

[Iflylow]

Here is a permanent fix to the stupid Passlock issue: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...asslock+bypass
I did this to my Alero about 8 months ago, and have had zero starting problems since then. Also, it's nice to not have the security light on all the time.
The soldering procedure is not as hard as it sounds. The entire job took me about an hour, and I was going slow just to be sure not to screw something up. I think the resistors ended up costing about $2 at Radio Shack.

[NJFrank]

Originally Posted by Iflylow

Here is a permanent fix to the stupid Passlock issue: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...asslock+bypass
I did this to my Alero about 8 months ago, and have had zero starting problems since then. Also, it's nice to not have the security light on all the time.
The soldering procedure is not as hard as it sounds. The entire job took me about an hour, and I was going slow just to be sure not to screw something up. I think the resistors ended up costing about $2 at Radio Shack.

I Understand you have to remove the radio, but not disconnect it to do this. If so how hard is it to remove the radio.

I have the same problem, btw the relearn procedure only has to be done once. 10 minutes the light stops blinking, then turn the key to off then it will start. this doesn't cure the problem in the future as it still will not start randomely.

But at least you can get home.


Thanks

[1999windstar]

I have a 2001 Alero. It just came up with this problem. I have a question. If I do the relearn will I still need to replace the ignition module? We just traded for this car does this happen at about so many miles or just anytime?
If I change the module will it happen again?

[NJFrank]

Originally Posted by 1999windstar

I have a 2001 Alero. It just came up with this problem. I have a question. If I do the relearn will I still need to replace the ignition module? We just traded for this car does this happen at about so many miles or just anytime?
If I change the module will it happen again?

I think for most it's not a one time event, and the relearn procedure may not make the problem go away. It's just so you don;t get stuck somewhere and have to pay for tow to dealership. Minel happens randomely as I posted above. In my case it may not happen for a few months, then 3 times in a few days.

I've been too cheap to take it to the stealership to get fixed(this is not a problem a car should have, let alone a car no one would steal). I Have been looking for a workaround which I may have found on this forum.

try this link for a start http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t454520.html

and search this forum and pontiac grand am , chevy malibu for the words passlock, security light, these cars all share the same issue . You should find some reading and maybe solutions.

Good luck

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by NJFrank

I have the same problem, btw the relearn procedure only has to be done once. 10 minutes the light stops blinking, then turn the key to off then it will start. this doesn't cure the problem in the future as it still will not start randomely.

If you do this the three times you are less likely to have it return so soon.

The ideal way to figure out the problem is test the ignition switch, or try replacing the lock cyl.
The ignition switch is plastic and its sensors can be damaged pretty easy.
Just as an older car, the ignition switchs/lock cylinders go bad and need replaced once in a while.

[djsmother]

dont know if youve fixed it yet but i paid 256 dollars a year ago to have mine fixed and now its started doing it again so think about it before you go giving them money im gonna install a remote starter which will bypass the passlock feature and allow the car to crank without a key

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by djsmother

dont know if youve fixed it yet but i paid 256 dollars a year ago to have mine fixed and now its started doing it again so think about it before you go giving them money im gonna install a remote starter which will bypass the passlock feature and allow the car to crank without a key

Not sure what they did for $256? That's the cheapest amount I've heard a dealer do that repair. Usually it's $300-$600. You should do this... http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...asslock+bypass Just installing a remote starter may not help your issue especially if you or the installer uses a bypass like DEI's 556L bypass. The reason is that every time you start your car with the key it reads the code. When your ignition decoder fails, it sends out the wrong r value so at the same time the bypass reads it too. Then you'd be back to square one!

Now, once I did have a garage call me to do a bypass on one of these Aleros and I went out to look at it. I checked and checked it and everytime it'd work OK. But, if you slammed the tilt column it'd have a no start issue. It was traced back to either a bad instrument cluster or fuse panel. It's been a little while and I could not remember. That was sort of a fluke because 98% of these problems are due to the decoder going bad inside the ignition switch. Bypassing it with a resistor will normally fix it.