Security Light Haywire
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
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From: Madison, AL
Security Light Haywire I've got an intermittent problem that seems to only happen if it's cold out (mid-40s or lower). When I get to the car (before even opening the door) I can here a clicking and see the Security light flashing as it clicks.
I've located the clicking noise to the BCM under the passenger-side dash. It keeps clicking maniacally (like 4 or 5 times per second, but not at a regular pace), and the Security light flashes with it. If the door is open (or the door closed and interior lights on), the interior lights flash with the clicks as well.
When this happens, the car won't start if the Security light has flashed up (as though the VATS system is preventing action), but if I can get the key turned between clicks it works. After starting the engine, it sometimes stops and sometimes keeps going until the car is warmed up a little.
I know it's the BCM that's making the clicking noise, but I wanted another opinion before buying a new BCM. Is there anything else in that electrical system that could be causing this issue? Could it be low cold-voltage in the battery? Could it be a bad ground wire? Could it be some other component?
I've checked the connectors, and they all seem fine. I wouldn't think the cylinder lock would cause this, since it happens whether the key is in the ignition or not. Any advice before I spend the money on a new BCM?
This problem lasted all last winter, then stopped as the temp warmed up, and now it's starting again (but only on cold mornings).
Vehicle Info:
'96 Camaro 3.8L V6
288K miles and counting
Stock except for the wheels
No power accessories (locks, etc.)
I've located the clicking noise to the BCM under the passenger-side dash. It keeps clicking maniacally (like 4 or 5 times per second, but not at a regular pace), and the Security light flashes with it. If the door is open (or the door closed and interior lights on), the interior lights flash with the clicks as well.
When this happens, the car won't start if the Security light has flashed up (as though the VATS system is preventing action), but if I can get the key turned between clicks it works. After starting the engine, it sometimes stops and sometimes keeps going until the car is warmed up a little.
I know it's the BCM that's making the clicking noise, but I wanted another opinion before buying a new BCM. Is there anything else in that electrical system that could be causing this issue? Could it be low cold-voltage in the battery? Could it be a bad ground wire? Could it be some other component?
I've checked the connectors, and they all seem fine. I wouldn't think the cylinder lock would cause this, since it happens whether the key is in the ignition or not. Any advice before I spend the money on a new BCM?
This problem lasted all last winter, then stopped as the temp warmed up, and now it's starting again (but only on cold mornings).
Vehicle Info:
'96 Camaro 3.8L V6
288K miles and counting
Stock except for the wheels
No power accessories (locks, etc.)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Madison, AL
I have also noticed that the Security light comes on sometimes while driving. When it does, it only comes on for a second, then goes away.
I've tried following the instructions on www.shbox.com for getting the BCM into diagnostic mode, but it doesn't work.
I've ordered a new BCM... hopefully that will solve the issue.
I've tried following the instructions on www.shbox.com for getting the BCM into diagnostic mode, but it doesn't work.
I've ordered a new BCM... hopefully that will solve the issue.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
You might just want to bypass the VATS completely. If it starts giving you problems then it will end up becoming a pretty annoying problem. If you are not familiar with doing it, any car stereo shop will be able to do it for around $60 to $75 dollars or so. Its not hard, I bypassed mine but I served a few years in the install bay.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Madison, AL
I just finished replacing the BCM and test driving. This seems to have fixed the problem, but I'll keep an eye on it and post again if she has any more problems.
I would have just bypassed the VATS system, except it seemed to be other things as well (interior lights shouldn't flick on/off because of VATS, etc). If this brand new BCM lasts as long as the first one did, it shouldn't be a problem again for another 13+ years, LOL.
I would have just bypassed the VATS system, except it seemed to be other things as well (interior lights shouldn't flick on/off because of VATS, etc). If this brand new BCM lasts as long as the first one did, it shouldn't be a problem again for another 13+ years, LOL.
