97 Lumina Security light

[Tim S]

I have a 97 Lumina its been a real good car. The other day my wife got in it and it wouldnt start it has remote start so i tried that and it started.
But now the light on the dash that says security stays on. It starts ok now though. Any ideas

Thanks Tim

[jeffcoslacker]

VATS key problem.

[Tim S]

I have two keys they both do it could it be in the ignition switch or some where else

[cadgear]

I think Jeff was pointing more to the system itself, the keys may be in perfect condition but if the system, the reader, or any associated wiring is going out the door it'll cause intermittient or persistient problems such as what you're describing. At most you're looking at replacing the keyset and module. At least its probably a loose/corroded wire, or maybe some kinda interference with the remote start.

[Tim S]

Is this something I can check myself (if someone can tell me how) or is a dealer the best bet. I would like to do it myself if possible.

[ponchonutty]

The most common problem is the tiny wires inside the column. They short out and is the most common. You can check this at the plug under the dash. You need a meter and see if the resistance is the same as the keys(Have to insert one key to check). You could bypass it like it was when you had the remote start installed(this is the cheapest way to go). Here's some info on what you would need to change if indeed the cyl. lock is bad. http://home.t-online.de/home/O_Scholz/vats.html