Hey guys...... last night I was in my car and when I stoped I turned the car off. When I went to restart it the ignition turned but nothing else. All the power was on and everything was working but there was the "security Light" on above the odometer. I played with the doors, and gears for awhile and the light went off. As soon s it went off the car started like normal. Has anyone had this problem???

Thanks.

 

Yeah, like 3 times. I don't know what causes it, but I have to pull a fuse (PCM or ignition, don't remember which) to get it to reset.

 

The little chip in your key is going bad or dirty.

 

seriously??? no kidding. Anyone else had this problem??

 

i called for help once the guy said use ur keyless entry remote, and lock and unlock the doors a few times... but that wasnt my problem so i couldnt tell u if it works

 

Clean the chip in you key with rubbing alcohol. Just a little dirty.

 

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.

 

thanks for the help guys. the only prob is that, it only does it every once in awhile so I can't tell if I fixed the problem for awhile.
BUt thanks for the info. Cleaned it already.

 

i had to replace my cylinder...

 

Yep that is correct. The VATS detects a certain resistance coming from the lock cylinder/key assembly. If that resistance is not correct due to dirt on the resistor pellet, then the vehicle will not start. Someone also mentioned a lock cylinder problem which could also be the case as they go bad very often in these vehicles.

Hope this helps.

 

Usually cleaning it does this trick. It happened to me.

if cleaning doesn't help have a new key cut.

 

Here is a little trick. When you go to start the car, put the key in, then wait a half second before turning. This way the computer has time to read the key. Ive dealt with this issue too, but not since doing this.

 

My key had worn down so much I had to toss it and use my spare. Check the resistor on your key for wear. Eventually mine stopped contacting the ignition.