97 GA SE 2.4 Auto Security problem.

[Hoags]

Hey all, It has been a while since I have been on line and I am usually asking about the 96GT that I have. This time I am inquiring about a 97 2.4L Automatic that my son's buddy owns. He stopped by the house a few minutes ago and asked about a tapping noise I checked the oil and it was very dark and ready for a changing. He was going to try changing the oil and when he went to start the car it wouldn't start, it just cranked over. He said that the security light had come on and when this has happened in the past he would have to let the car sit for a while and then he could come back later and it would start right up and he would be fine for a while. He is using the same key that he has always had. Does anyone have any ideas? is there a way to reset the security? Or is there something that can be done with the key (IE the old passlock keys that had the chip on the side what would get dirty and not let the car start till you wiped it off)? I feel bad for the kid as he gets stranded from time to time when the car acts up like this.

As always...Thanks for the input!

Dan

[xeroinfinity]

Hey Dan !

probly the lock cylinder goin out.

The typical security reset would be to attemp to start leaving the key in the "ON" positions for 11 mins, no less, then "off" for no less then 30 secs. After the third try it should reset.

A lot of the times 1-2 try gets the light off and gets you going.

Which the same will need done after replacing the lock cylinder & key.

Hope that helps, and glad to hear from ya !