It's been a long time since I have posted--I am grateful for all the knowlege that is available on this site. After an exhausted search, I couldn't find any similar symptoms to what I am experiencing, so I am hoping for some help...

THE PROBLEM...
On my 97 Z28, the security light above my radio is staying lit (solid) when the key is off. When I turn the key on, the light goes out. The car starts and runs great--with the light remaining out. When I shut the key off, the light comes back on. The engine doesn't appear to be throwing any codes. Everything seems to be working normally other than this annoying light.

I performed the resistor bypass on the VATS successfully years back, so I don't think that the key is the issue here.

How can I get this annoying light to go out (other than disconneting it--which I am considering)?

Thanks for any help provided.

 

The Security light is not above the radio, it is in the instrument cluster assembly. There is possibly an ASR switch/light or a Second gear start light above the radio. Take a look in the the owners manual. Or do you mean in the dash top near the windshield?
https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam...aro_owners.pdf

 

In 96/97's the SECURITY light is controlled by the body control module (BCM). There are diagnostic codes for things like the SECURITY light. I believe you can pull the codes without a scanner. The procedure and code definitions should be in the factory service manual. Free download of 1996 manual, which should be same as 1997:

https://www.mediafire.com/?40mfgeoe4ctti

 

GaryDoug--you are correct about the location--I have an LED installed where ASR switch is normally located--good catch. After a closer look, I think I have an aftermarket DEI alarm system installed that I didn't know about (I found the DEI horn)--I always thought it was a factory installed alarm system because it works with the factory key FOBs.

Did 97 Camaros come with factory alarm systems, or just keyless entry? I definitely have keyless entry.

I guess now I have an aftermarket alarm system to reverse-engineer...still want that light to go out...

Thanks,

Mark

 

According to the owner manual it may have the optional universal theft deterrent system. The service manual identifies it as option code UA6. The links Fred and I posted will lead you to those manuals.

 

OK--after some digging, I think I have the mystery solved.

1. I do have the UA6 code, so my car must have come with the "universal theft deterrent"
2. I tracked down wires under the dash to locate the security system brain, and it is a DEI AM-1 module--I would have guessed it would be a GM part number, but it is clearly labeled as a DEI.
3. I found a manual online for the AM-1 alarm--it is designed to piggy back onto the factory keyless entry system
4. My alarm system was apparently stuck in valet mode--the reason the light was on. I was able to fix by following the directions in the manual--cycling the remote form unlock to lock with a door open.

PROBLEM SOLVED!

Does it seem odd that a DEI-labeled alarm system was installed as a factory option?

Thanks for the help.

 

Someone added the DEI.

 

Seems more like "impossible".

 

I don't know...I've owned my car for almost 20 years. I bought it used with only 10,000 miles on it in 1998. It hasn't been monkey'd with much...

Hard to believe that someone (before me) would purchase a new car and rip out the stock factory alarm to put in an aftermarket one with no additional features.

...but possible, I suppose...

At any rate, I now know what I've got, problem solved, and thanks for the help!

 

GM did outsource some odd parts. The factory oil cooler on my 'bought it new' 94 was made by Modine, and still has the Modine label on it. Just a thought.