Security light on and won't start

lup · #1 11-17-2003, 12:03 PM

I have a 2000 alero, purchased a year and a half ago with 33,000 miles. This year I am having numerous problems. First of all I will be driving and the security light will come on. This happened several times then one day I went to start car and it would not start. An hour later it started. A couple months later car wouldn't start, SECURITY light flashes even with key out of ignition. Waited till next day, wouldn't start. Service center came and jumped car and it started. Replaced battery even though detected good. Now a couple months later It is happening again. Went to gas station, when went to start car, security light flashes. Waited about 5-10 min with no attempt to start, and it started. Wonder if this is related to the fact that my gas gauge is not functioning. Gas hand sticks at full, occasionally sticking on empty at all times.

whdream · #2 12-08-2003, 02:03 PM

I recently had this problem a month or so ago. And when I called the dealership they informaed me that my remote car starter can/might affect the security settings on my car. Trying to start it a couple times failed. But leavin it for a bit and retrying seemed to fix this. And it would not start all the other times I tried.
It seems to have a malfunction within the security feature which can be overided by the remote starter. Never had the problem again though..

GMMerlin · #3 12-08-2003, 02:57 PM

Your Security problem is most likely caused by a faulty ignition switch and passlock sensor.
The PCM and BCM will set DTC's to aid with the diagnosis of your problem.

ponchonutty · #4 12-08-2003, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

Your Security problem is most likely caused by a faulty ignition switch and passlock sensor.
The PCM and BCM will set DTC's to aid with the diagnosis of your problem.

Yeah, being an installer of remote starters, I have seen many of the GM Passlock systems fail. You should have it checked out. If you do have a remote start, you should take out the bypass before you take it to the dealer to rule it out.

lup · #5 12-09-2003, 01:18 AM

GM told me that I needed a new ignition, $300. A guy I know said to try a different key. I have been using my spare key and it hasn't happened again so far. Is there a way to disable the security feature totally?

ponchonutty · #6 12-09-2003, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lup

GM told me that I needed a new ignition, $300. A guy I know said to try a different key. I have been using my spare key and it hasn't happened again so far. Is there a way to disable the security feature totally?

I think there is a person on here that knows how to disable it but I am unsure who. I would like to know too. If I were you, I would get another key made and have it programed. Some vehicles will let you program it yourself so you do not have to pay the dealer to do so.

Lorie · #7 12-24-2003, 03:07 PM

I have experienced this same starter light problem 4 times now. First time, it started after waiting awhile (actually it was towed to the dealer and started fine for them...an hour or two after it would not start for me). Second time, the alternate key, and the waiting is what got it started. Third time, these solutions did not work, but this did: turn the car on so the dash warnings light up and show. Wait until the Security light stops blinking, then turn the car off, then turn it back on to start it right away. If available, use your alternate key for this.
Thank you to Dave at Kindred Olds in Smithville, MO for this tip. Dave told me that I would likely need to replace something in the future to clear up the problem.
Two days ago, my car would not start again. This time, it was not preceeded by the Security Light being on. My mechanic (not an Olds shop) wants the remote to do the override. But I don't have one, never got one when I bought it. Come to find out, the car was made with one, but the dealer I bought it from (used) did not have it.

Does anyone know what the item is that I need to replace to clear this up?

ponchonutty · #8 12-26-2003, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorie

I have experienced this same starter light problem 4 times now. First time, it started after waiting awhile (actually it was towed to the dealer and started fine for them...an hour or two after it would not start for me). Second time, the alternate key, and the waiting is what got it started. Third time, these solutions did not work, but this did: turn the car on so the dash warnings light up and show. Wait until the Security light stops blinking, then turn the car off, then turn it back on to start it right away. If available, use your alternate key for this.
Thank you to Dave at Kindred Olds in Smithville, MO for this tip. Dave told me that I would likely need to replace something in the future to clear up the problem.
Two days ago, my car would not start again. This time, it was not preceeded by the Security Light being on. My mechanic (not an Olds shop) wants the remote to do the override. But I don't have one, never got one when I bought it. Come to find out, the car was made with one, but the dealer I bought it from (used) did not have it.

Does anyone know what the item is that I need to replace to clear this up?

If I am correct, it is the whole ignition assembly. The transponder ring that reads the keys' codes go bad.

98altima · #9 12-30-2003, 08:25 AM

OK my sister is having somewhat of the same problem, her car turns but it doesnt want to start, i thought that it was a coil pack but so far we have spark on the 2-4-6 cylinders.. could this be a problem??

ponchonutty · #10 12-30-2003, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98altima

OK my sister is having somewhat of the same problem, her car turns but it doesnt want to start, i thought that it was a coil pack but so far we have spark on the 2-4-6 cylinders.. could this be a problem??

What kind of car? If it is GM, check to make sure the fuel injectors are being energized. These systems shut the fuel off.

98altima · #11 12-31-2003, 09:25 AM

ill check that tonight.. thanks man.

JustJosh · #12 01-07-2004, 12:50 PM

I was having problems with the passlock as many others have been having as well. I took the ignition cylinder out and took it apart. To remove the ignition cylinder you have to press in on a pin that is on the back of the ignition cylinder with the key in and turn it and pull and it will pull out. To take the cylinder apart you all you have to do is line up the end with the groove on the inside of the cylinder, the part the key is in, with the channel on the outside of the cylinder and depress the part with a paperclip and slide it apart. There are a few small pieces and springs so be careful!! Now you just have to clean the contacts and reassemble it. That little cleaning saved my at least $300. I hope that this helps some with their problem!!!!!!!!!!!!

You may even try just cleaning it with carb cleaner and turning it without taking it apart and then blowing it out with air. I had not thought about that but looking back I think it shouldwork as well. TO lubricate it use graphite powder and your hopefully up and running

JTrujillo86 · #13 02-29-2004, 02:36 PM

I had this isssue with my 1997 Malibu. One day I was at the car wash when the security light came on; the car was running at the time. Another time, I went out to start it and nothing...then the light poped up. I didn't realize it at the time, but the key that I was using was a copy made at a local hardware store. I was told by the GM dealer that you must use an original key, or have another ordered from the factory.

Jeremy

wpbharry · #14 02-29-2004, 04:50 PM

I have a '98 Malibu LS, and the ignition lock cylinder has been replaced multiple times. Same thing with the Alero, I'm sure.

When the security light flashes and the car won't start, you need to walk away from it for 20 minutes or so, come back and then it starts as if nothing ever happened. VERY annoying in the pouring rain.

Take it to a GM dealer and get a new one. Unfortunately, it's likely to happen again. Sorry 'bout that.

lup · #15 03-01-2004, 10:04 AM

Well to update you guys, this problem has yet to happen again since I told you all about replacing my key. I am thrilled about that. Right now my tension pulley needs replaced and I still haven't got anyone to fix the water leak coming in my passenger door. I think that my fuel gauge has fixed itself. But I still rely only on my tripometor. And I did have to replace my resistor for my blower motor in January. But I am worried about the reply from the person who had the Malibu. My mom just bought one!

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