security light is ON need help
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
security light is ON need help hey guys everytime i put the key in the ignition or even start the engine, the security light comes on. this started happening yesturday after doing the throttle body bypass. i know this must of have been some kind of electrical probalem. does anyone have an idea in what i should do first do get it resolved. the car starts fine and runs good while driving it just that the security light is on. need help please.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The security light is triggered by the VATS system - the resistor pellet in your key and the contacts in the ignition cylinder. It is designed to detect when the wrong key is inserted based on reading the incorrect resistance in the key pellet.
The most common cause of problems is dirt and grime on the contacts. Clean the key contacts with a pencil eraser and some rubbing alcohol. Then clean the contacts in the ignition cylinder by spraying in some contact cleaner (available at Radio Shack). If that doesn't solve the problem try your spare key. It's possible that the key pellet is worn and isn't making good contact.
The most common cause of problems is dirt and grime on the contacts. Clean the key contacts with a pencil eraser and some rubbing alcohol. Then clean the contacts in the ignition cylinder by spraying in some contact cleaner (available at Radio Shack). If that doesn't solve the problem try your spare key. It's possible that the key pellet is worn and isn't making good contact.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I had the same problem.
My vats key was dirty/bad.
I went to the stealership with all my info and they told me my vats number.
Then I ordered the key with the right vats and had the key made locally.
My vats key was dirty/bad.
I went to the stealership with all my info and they told me my vats number.
Then I ordered the key with the right vats and had the key made locally.
Hate to jump in late but exactly what they said. My security light would go on everytime I washed my car? 
IT wound up being a huge coincidence. My solenoid was bad inside the stearing column. I did the eraser and alchol trick and that worked for the better part of a month untill my car decided it didn't want to start anymore and the SECURITY light just stayed on. I was like WTF! I own you! let me drive! Stealership fixed it under warranty kind of. They fixed it then called me a month later and told me it wasn't covered under warranty b/c of they didn't call the warranty place before doing the work, the mechanics just put it in without checking, The writer was leaving for surgery, etc..... After all is said and done I signed for my car they handed the keys back with No charge on the invoice and then tried billing me a month later. F Them They aren't taking my $$$$$ sorry had to vent! Best of luck!
IT wound up being a huge coincidence. My solenoid was bad inside the stearing column. I did the eraser and alchol trick and that worked for the better part of a month untill my car decided it didn't want to start anymore and the SECURITY light just stayed on. I was like WTF! I own you! let me drive! Stealership fixed it under warranty kind of. They fixed it then called me a month later and told me it wasn't covered under warranty b/c of they didn't call the warranty place before doing the work, the mechanics just put it in without checking, The writer was leaving for surgery, etc..... After all is said and done I signed for my car they handed the keys back with No charge on the invoice and then tried billing me a month later. F Them They aren't taking my $$$$$ sorry had to vent! Best of luck! 
