Anti Theft Problem

[benandjessica]

97 V6 Camaro that will not start due to anti-theft system. Car runs fine, just can't get past anti-theft system that seems to be constantly engaged. ECM and BCM replaced. No change. Security light steadily flashes when ignition key is turned on, and will not cranked. I have no other ideas of where else to check. I would appreciate any insight. Thanks.

[89IrocZ-28Camaro]

Wait 3 minutes til the security lights goes off.. or you could take the key out and wait 20 seconds and then try again.. if it still won't work, left it turned over til the lights goes off.. then start it.. if it still don't work then your security system sensor need to be replaced..

[benandjessica]

Where is this security system sensor? Nothing else has worked. You say wait til light goes off, but it doesn't go off. It just sits there flashing. That's gotta mean something. I was told that there is no way to disable the anti-theft system without disabling everything else. But I've heard of people bypassing it when installing a different motor. If there is a way you know of bypassing or disabling it all together, PLEASE tell me. I have no idea of how to do it. This is so aggrivating because the car runs great. I just can't start the damn thing!! Thanks!

[Chevyracincamaro]

in the steering column there are two wires that run through the ignition cylinder. if you want to try and bypass the VATS you can measure the resistance of the chip in your key and wire a resistor of the same value inbetween the wires. not sure if you want the quick fix, but i think your problem might be solved with that...

[89IROC&RS]

your BCM may have failed, the dealership will have to run the diagnostic sheet to determine if thats the problem though.

[twdz28]

Do you want the security function to work? As a test, to see if it's the key switch, measure the resistance of the key pellet. Get a resistor close to the value of the pellet. Find the orange jacketed wires at the base of the steering column. Put the resistor across the contacts of the wires. If the light goes out and stays out, you have a problem with the key switch. If it still has the same problem, then the problem is with the wiring to the PCM or the PCM itself.
camaro's and corvettes are bad about the wires breaking at the key cylinder. since it works on and off thats probably whats happening...it's a pain to fix them, so what i would do is either A. take the pallet and measure the resistance go to radio shack and sauter the resistor in at the bottom under the dash... they are two white wires and have a connector at the base of the steering column. or B. you could just sauter the actual pallet in there....i don't recomend taking the column apart because its a tough job... there are circle clips on the steering shaft that are a pain. that will save you a lot of money, but your security system won't work... do you unlock your car with your key ? or with the keyless entry? next time get out and unlock the car with your key and see if that fixes it.. if so you'll need a new key fob!

You are dealing with the VATS. (vehicle anti theft system)

The VATS module verifies the value of the pellet on your key. If the value is not correct, the car will not crank.

If the key pellet is dirty, or the contacts inside the lock cylinder are worn it will fail and show the problem you saw.

Try to clean the key, then try a different key. If that does not work you may need to replace the lock cylinder.

[lone wolf]

cut the power to it than try it once more

[Chevyracincamaro]

Originally Posted by 89IROC&RS

your BCM may have failed, the dealership will have to run the diagnostic sheet to determine if thats the problem though.

they said it was replaced though, can it still fail after being replaced, and what do you mean by 'failed', for future reference...