1996 Camaro - Clear Security Warning Light

[eHowitzer]

I just recently had to replace the battery in my 1996 Camaro, and now the security warning indicator is on.

I tried to use the the battery technique (remove the ground connection from the battery for 3 minutes), but this didn't work.

I also tried the brake pedal technique (depress the brake and let it come back to neutral position, three times in five seconds), but this didn't work either.

Does anyone know how to clear this warning indicator?

[Tony Silva]

Is the security light blinking or is it constantly staying lit? There is NO way to "clear" the security system. It either works or it doesnt. In the 96 Camaro the system is called VATS which is an acronym for the words Vehicle Anti Theft System Pass Key II. The metal chip incassed in the little black piece of plastic within the key makes an electrical connection and is actually a resistor and that tells the security module to allow the car computer to send power to the fuel pump and the injectors. Have you tried cleaning the little resistor chip with rubbing alcohol? Insert the key with the chip wet with rubbing alcohol to clean the electrical connections. You can bypass the VATS, It is quite simple. But then some one could steal your car.

[eHowitzer]

The Security Warning Indicator is on solid once the key in turned on. The car starts, but runs terribly (I have a few other issues to fix yet).

[Tech II]

Checked for codes?

Disconnect the Neg AND Pos cables....then hold the cables together for a minute...then reconnect pos, then negative(make sure key is not in ignition).....

[eHowitzer]

Thanks for the suggestions. I really appreciate them.

There was one code on the OBD (P0109). I cleared it, started the car, kept it idling for about a minute and then turned it off. The code did not reappear. I used your battery technique to try and reset the Security Indicator, but it's still on. I also have a Service Engine Soon warning light on, which was there from before.

Any additional ideas?

[Tech II]

A code has set if the CE light is on.....re-check...

The SECURITY light may not have anything to do with your theft deterrant system.....does the vehicle have Content Theft Deterrant...this protects the inside of the car....

If you have it, and the system is working, if you leave the driver's window down, get out of the car,, close the door and then lock it with your remote, your system is armed...if you reach into the open window and unlock the door manually from inside and open the door, the CTD system alarms with the horn.... a problem with this system can also keep the SECURITY light on.....

Regular code reader can't read this code....

[Tony Silva]

If you cleared the P0109 code it may not come back on until the pcm monitors that specific sensor. To do that it will have to go thru some drive cycles. Did you replace the MAP sensor? I believe that is what the P0109 code is for. Before you buy anything though, you should check the intake manifold for gasket failure and check all vacuum house for damage. Does the car run rough at higher rpm's as well as at idle?

[eHowitzer]

Great responses! Thanks very much. I'll try to address both here.

I do not know if the car has Content Theft Deterrant (CTD). The car doesn't have remote entry (its a very base model with no power windows, locks, or A/C). How can I determine if I have CTD? If I don't have it, what should I do next?

I think I need to provide some background. I bought the car used and it was not running. A battery replacement got it started. There could be several problems with the car and I don't have an accurate history.

I haven't replaced the MAP sensor. The car runs rough at idle (it sounds like its missing on at least one cylinder.) It doesn't sound great at higher RPM either, so I can't tell if its much better. How do I check for intake gasket failure?

I was hoping that clearing the warning lights would be a good way to start troubleshooting, but maybe that's the wrong tact. I'm a bit mechanically inclined, but this is my first project car. Any suggestions on how should I approach this?

[Tech II]

If the car is misfiring badly, it could cause a MAP code, I believe....

I think you have to take care of the misfire first...

Which engine?

What code is now in the car, since you said the CE light came back on?

I don't think you have CTD in this vehicle...therefore there is some problem with the PassKey system....

Also, spray some carb clean around the Map sensor, vac lines, and top of the engine to see if you hear an rpm change....could have a vac leak....

[eHowitzer]

I have the 3.8l V6 engine and a 5 spd manual transmission.

I still don't have any codes, but the car is running so rough that I haven't had it running for more than a minute or two.

I think I'll work on the misfire issue first, as you suggest.

I'm planning on replacing the spark plugs and wires, and doing a compression test while I have te plugs out. Just waiting on my jack and jack stands to arrive. Those rear plugs look tough to get at.