Security Light
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Security Light My car will once and a while randomly not start. The security light is on and Im pretty sure thats whats causing it. Does anyone have a clue why though? I can turn my key all the way and all the electronics turn on but the engine will not crank. Someone please help!
You need to bypass the VATS (vehicle anti theft system) or buy a new ignition switch/keys. If you can use a multi-meter and solder you can bypass it. Measure the resistance of the pellet in your key. Hit the shack for resistors that get you close to the same resistance(+-10%). Cut the 2 wire connector between the ignition switch and vats system (2 wires going to the orange sleeved wire along steering column.) Un-clip the connector and remove. This makes it easier to take to a workbench and solder your resistors in series between the 2 wires on the connector you just cut out. Heat-shrink or tape and plug the connector back into the vats. (orange sleeved wire.)
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
I've never worked with resistors, soldering, etc... It might be easier for me to get a new ignition swith/key. Hopefully I dont get taken to the bank by the dealership. Is that the only place I can buy these items? The key im guessing is for sure a dealership item. Thanks by the way!
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
If you have a good locksmith that does VATS keys and cylinder replacement; check with them first. I had my local locksmith replace my ignition cyl, two new keys, and he came to my house and did it right in my driveway. I think it came to like $275.00; that has to be cheaper then the dealer.
Your local parts store may be able to order one. If you go to the dealer be prepared to shell out the coin. If that's your route I'd take 99monguse advice and have them come to you. This will eventually happen again down the road as they will replace it with the same part number. The resistor fix is about $1 or $2. Even if you had to buy a soldering iron, wire strippers, and solder, under $25-$30. You could use butt connectors but make sure you have a good crimp on each connection. It's much easier than it sounds. Have you ever connected 2 electrical wires together? It's really that easy. If you can you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!
I have to do a friends 02' TA soon. His is in that intermittent stage where it only does it sometimes. If there isn't a write up with pics I'll do one if there is any interest.
I have to do a friends 02' TA soon. His is in that intermittent stage where it only does it sometimes. If there isn't a write up with pics I'll do one if there is any interest.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Your local parts store may be able to order one. If you go to the dealer be prepared to shell out the coin. If that's your route I'd take 99monguse advice and have them come to you. This will eventually happen again down the road as they will replace it with the same part number. The resistor fix is about $1 or $2. Even if you had to buy a soldering iron, wire strippers, and solder, under $25-$30. You could use butt connectors but make sure you have a good crimp on each connection. It's much easier than it sounds. Have you ever connected 2 electrical wires together? It's really that easy. If you can you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!
I have to do a friends 02' TA soon. His is in that intermittent stage where it only does it sometimes. If there isn't a write up with pics I'll do one if there is any interest.
I have to do a friends 02' TA soon. His is in that intermittent stage where it only does it sometimes. If there isn't a write up with pics I'll do one if there is any interest.
I'm shooting for Sunday. Bday is tomorrow so there maybe some recovery time involved Sunday in the am. In the meantime, find a multimeter, and figure out what the resistance of the pellet in your key is. Don't post that info, but have it handy. You'll need to get resistors from radio shack that add up to that value. It will reset itself after about 5min, security light will go out, and you can try again. Not sure on the battery but you'd have to reprogram your stereo settings whether it worked or not...
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
I'm shooting for Sunday. Bday is tomorrow so there maybe some recovery time involved Sunday in the am. In the meantime, find a multimeter, and figure out what the resistance of the pellet in your key is. Don't post that info, but have it handy. You'll need to get resistors from radio shack that add up to that value. It will reset itself after about 5min, security light will go out, and you can try again. Not sure on the battery but you'd have to reprogram your stereo settings whether it worked or not...
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
VATS can not be programmed out. It is controlled by the BCM which is not programmable. You can program the PCM to ignore the missing fuel enable signal from the BCM but you can't program out the starter relay override from VATS in the BCM. The VATS bypass described above will take care of the problem.
