Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

The security light has been coming on in my car for about a month now. Wont let me start unless I wait three minutes after my initial try. Had a new key made and it didn't help. I think I can change the ignition cylinder myself but I'm worried the airbag will go off. Besides pulling the fuse and disconnecting the battery is there anything else I can do to keep it from deploying?

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

There is a yellow harness connector at the base of the steering column. Pull the battery for at least 20 minutes. That should drain the power out of the DERM and keep it from deploying. But if you want to be double safe, disconnect at the yellow connector. The connector has a "pin" that keeps it from seperating, so you have to pull that first.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

...and since it is winter time, do not discharge any static electricity around the disconnected air bag.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

You could just bypass the the security system?

Thats what I did, it wasnt too hard.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

it would be much easier to throw a resistor on the two orange insulated wires. 5 minutes tops and no air bag worries.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

I appreciate the tips guys.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

Yes, I know I could bypass it but I don't see the point in disabling the security system GM put on the car to keep it from getting stolen.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

thats totally your call, but it doesnt disable it. It just disables the chip read in the key. Everything will still function as does now, a correctly cut key is still needed to unlock the column. It just doesnt need the 1 of 16 possible resistance values anymore.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

You can jam a screwdriver in the lock cylinder and force/turn the cylinder to start the car and steal it. The PASS-KEY II system prevents that from working. The F-Bodys have a very low theft rate compared to other cars, because of the system. Defeating the system would appear to be counter productive.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

yes, i will concede to that, but it would still need to be accomplished before the horn starts honking (15 seconds?). It doesnt read the chip until the ignition is turned. The light on the dash will still flash. GMs been doing chip keys for what 20 yrs, any screwdriver wielding car thief should know this, the minority of which would be bypassed.

Re: Security light on, how to change the ignition cylinder
 

I could get past VATS in 10 min on any fbody.


Even with VATS, if someone wants your car....they are going to take it.

I live in a very rural area so we dont worry about cars getting stolen.

Also, locked doors?