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Old Oct 17, 2008 | 12:01 AM
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Default Security Light

I own a 98' z28 camaro. I was driving home from work when I realized my "Security" light was on. A solid light, not flashing. The car started fine. I'm curious if there is a reason this light is on. It shuts off with the ignition turned off, but remains on after the car is started and has been running. the car doesn't seem to run any different, but i haven't checked the alarm since its midnight.



Thanks for the help,


Ryan
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Old Oct 17, 2008 | 07:29 AM
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The security light in the instrument cluster is unrelated to the alarm system. It indicates a problem with the VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System) - the resistor chip in your ignition key. Use a pencil eraser and some rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts on your key. Also, spray some contact cleaner or TV tuner cleaner into the ignition cylinder (both are available from Radio Shack and most electronics stores).
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Old Oct 17, 2008 | 08:21 PM
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you could just have it programmed out...takes the "will it do this again" out of the equation
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Old Oct 18, 2008 | 09:34 AM
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No, the VATS can't be completely removed merely through programming the PCM and that won't get rid of the warning light anyway. There are two anti theft functions affected by the VATS - it disables the starter relay and it turns off the fuel pump relay. Turning off the fuel pump relay is done by a signal from the BCM to the PCM and the PCM can be programmed to ignore that signal. But disabling the starter relay is handled entirely by the BCM which is not programmable. The warning light is also controlled by the BCM so it can't be disabled through programming either.
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Old Oct 20, 2008 | 08:48 PM
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I'll give it a try asap. Thanks guys. And by alarm i meant anti-theft. I'm just a noob with a short vocabulary.
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Old Nov 30, 2008 | 04:33 PM
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I have the same problem, security light when the car is running, runs and drives fine. My keyless entry doesn't work either. I know the alarm works because I set it off unlocking the door with the key, but that is unrelated. What would be the first thing to replace? I tried cleaning the key and I even went through the BCM and re-soldered about 20 contacts that were cracked to hell.
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Old Dec 5, 2008 | 01:54 PM
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something else...weather for some reason likes to effect the VATS hardware. when it's close to freezing outside, my VATS light comes on also.
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