Security Light

[ddpierson]

I own a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, have not had any major problems in all the years I've owned. Just love my car! My security light is on and stays on! Has been the past 6-8 months! It's driving me nuts. My husband and his mechanic friends hooked it up to a computer(?) and found NOTHING! No error codes! Does anyone have any idea what could be the problem? My car runs great! A while back he replaced the fuel pressure regulator (only after I figured out what was wrong by reading this forum ) because my car would "surge"...go ding ding ding, flash comes the check engine light and die! Only when I was slowing down at a stop sign or rounding a corner. And only happened when it was cold! But this fixed the problem! So now I'm just trying to get my security light off! Any Clues????

Thanks
Debbie

[86TATpi]

Does that key have the PASS chip in it? It would be a little black square with a metal strip in the middle. In order for the car to run that has to ground out the starter enable relay. If there is a problem with the switch, key, or the wire going from the ignition to the ground switch then the light may go on. I'll check tomorrow for sure on how the security system works.

[ddpierson]

Yes...my key does have the square "chip". I have a spare key that I tried thinking this may be the problem but it doesn't make any difference. The light stays on constantly no matter which key I use! Never goes off!

[86TATpi]

I'm thinking there may be a problem with either a loose wire or the security module.

[ddpierson]

Where would the wires be and do you know where the security module is located?

[86TATpi]

I'll have to get the info on Monday, but I can get it.

[ddpierson]

That would be great! Thanks!

[86TATpi]

The module supplies the ground from the park/neutral switch. It is yellow/black. I'm still trying to find info on location and how to test it.

[pntcbonnesse]

Well the most common problem that causes that is the lock key cylinder. It costs about 50 dollars and you also have to get new keys made. There is no way to test it as far as I know... but what I do know is that GM made those real cheap. The wires that go to the lock key cylinder are so small and break so easily... first thing you should do it talk to a pontiac or GM dealer and find out if that year car is covered under the recall that some GM cars have.. I just had the same problem in July and I replaced that. When I took off the lock key cylinder, the wire was broken loose. What I suggest is taking care of it soon.. because if that wire competely breaks off... its going to be a HUGE pain to start your car... I really hope this helps!

[Flatrater]

Originally Posted by pntcbonnesse

Well the most common problem that causes that is the lock key cylinder. It costs about 50 dollars and you also have to get new keys made. There is no way to test it as far as I know... but what I do know is that GM made those real cheap. The wires that go to the lock key cylinder are so small and break so easily... first thing you should do it talk to a pontiac or GM dealer and find out if that year car is covered under the recall that some GM cars have.. I just had the same problem in July and I replaced that. When I took off the lock key cylinder, the wire was broken loose. What I suggest is taking care of it soon.. because if that wire competely breaks off... its going to be a HUGE pain to start your car... I really hope this helps!

First of all there are tests that can be done to check the wirning to the key cylinder.

Second of all what recall are you talking about? I am a GM tech and I do the recalls yet I have never seen a recall on the Bonnieville's concerning key cylinders.

[ddpierson]

Flatrater....? for you since you are a GM Tech...is it a huge pain to change out the “lock key cylinder” Do you have to pull the wheel or is it simple?

Thanks
Deb

[pntcbonnesse]

Ive changed the lock key cylinder myself... I had to take off the wheel but it only took me two hours to switch out the cylinders. Like I said I have done this before. The recall I am talking about is the two wires shorting out and may cause a fire in the car. A friend of mine has a 94 Delta 88 and it was covered under recall which is why I only said CHECK to see if there is a recall on it this comment to flatrater because his was. My Bonneville when I did the cylinder Pontiac said it was NOT under recall. I guess there are tests to see if the wiring is bad. When I went to Pontiac they said there was not. See if you can get the tests done.. as for now Deb, I have done my fair share of work on GM's but see if cleaning the chip with a brillo pad, or if you do not have that see if using a mild cleaning solvent and a rough surface.. maybe a sponge or some sort and rub the chip for a 1/2 min-min or so. Dry it off and see if that solves your problem.. As for anything else that could cause it I dont know

[ainsley]

I have a 1997 pontiac bonneville ssei with the pass chip in the ignition. My security light has been on for a while and when I went out to start it tonight the car turned once stopped and then everything was dead. I waited 5 minutes everything back to normal.I tried again and the same thing. I waited a gaina nd tried the spare ignition key with the pass lock and it did the sam ething. Any suggestions??