Today i installed a 96 steering column in my 94 and when i tried to crank it all i got was the security light. I figured it has something to do with the pass key. I finally got it cranked but now my security light stays on all the time but it will crank up fine. Any ides? Thanks

 

Are you using matching ignition keys/passkey box or did you just swap the column?

 

Start with the simple things, did you reconnect the VATS harness (two wires in a bright orange sleeve) from your steering column to the connector going to the VATS module? Clean the inside of the ignition cylinder with compressd air and a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol. Clean your key's resistor with rubbing alcohol too. If that isn't it, check the resistance on your key (use a multimeter set on ohms) and measure the resistance on your key. Go to Radio Shack and find a resistor or make a string of resistors that closely matches your key's resistance in Ohms. Plug the resistor(s) into the end of the harness going back to the VATS module. That should take care of the security light and let you know if you have a bad ignition cylinder that can't read your key.

Jeff

 

I used the keys that came with the 96 steering column.

 

But you didn't swap the VATS module also? I don't know where it's located, but you should be able to follow the wires...it's probably in close proximity to the column. They have to match...otherwise it's looking for the resistor value in your original keys and will set the security light.

 

Is there a way to bypass it? Also why does the car crank up and run? Thanks

 

Hmmm...I wouldn't have expected it to start/run at all...I must have missed that part in your original post. Perhaps there's more ways to set the security light than an incorrect resistor value? The only way I know of to bypass it is to splice a resistor into the lines at the base of the column, but I don't see how that'll do anything for you since in this case it seems it's reading the correct value, or it wouldn't start??

 

Is the key you are using new? If not, is the chip worn down fairly flat? It could be that the module cannot read the key at all times. I had that problem recently, got a new key made at the dealership and all has been well since.

It's about a $30 - $40 experiment at most chevy dealerships where I live (FL)