Security problems

[camaro777]

Ok so the security is makin it to were I can't start my car. (95, 3800 camaro)
and what's happining is I'll get in I'll try to start it an the security light comes on. Befor it would stay on for a long time but now it goes off when I turn the key off. It sometimes blinks too. I'm thinking the key or the ignition switch is to blame but really just don't know. I'd like to get some insight on it befor I blow a billion dollars on it at the dealer. If anybody knows that would help alot. Thanks

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Security problems

It's your VATS system. (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). First things first, clean the chip off on your key with the eraser of a pencil. If that doesn't help, you may want to invest in a new key. You can get them at locksmiths, I paid about 30 bucks cut for mine. If this doesn't solve your problem, you can take your ignition switch out and re-solder the wires to your vats chip, or you can splice in a resistor to the wires, and never have to worry about the vats acting up again. Of course this will reduce the security of the ignition switch, but it's up to you whether or not that's worth it.

[silvachris1]

Re: Security problems

It's your VATS system. (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). First things first, clean the chip off on your key with the eraser of a pencil. If that doesn't help, you may want to invest in a new key. You can get them at locksmiths, I paid about 30 bucks cut for mine. If this doesn't solve your problem, you can take your ignition switch out and re-solder the wires to your vats chip, or you can splice in a resistor to the wires, and never have to worry about the vats acting up again. Of course this will reduce the security of the ignition switch, but it's up to you whether or not that's worth it.

Bibby is prolly dead on with this one. http://forum.camarov6.com/search.php?searchid=601029 That's a search for posts by me on "security light". Here's one of my responses... might be your fix if the keys don't get it.

I've posted a warning a few times in response to the Security Light. If it gets to a point where your car wont start, and you notice the light on, it might be time to replace the ignition lock cylinder. The following information is from an old thread, but it's what worked for me:

There are several causes for this problem. The first step is cleaning the chip in the key with an eraser. If that doesn't do it, you can have a new key made or try your spare if you have one. You could have a broken wire though. My ignition started acting up a while back, and I was hoping it was just the key dying on me. So I had the dealer cut me a new one, and it started right back up. So I thought that solved the problem, but nope, the next day, Security light kicked back on and the car wouldn't start. I went through this several times, and each time it got progressively worse. Finally, I got it checked out by a mechanic that my father knows, and found that there was a wire broken on my ignition switch. He said it's a very common problem with cars that use the PASS KeyII System. There are two white wires, encased in an orange plastic sleeve, that run into the ignition switch. The wires are connected to the sensors that the key resistors touch inside the switch. That is how the resistance is measured. One of the two white wires that come into the back of the ignition switch was almost broken completly in two, thus causing the resistance measurement to be off. That is what set off the security light, and is why it only happened ocasionally. Sometimes the wires would be making enough connection to measure the propper resistance. Anways, the wire finally snapped off completely, and I had the Mechanic replace the entire ignition switch. It's list price is $56.00. I had a picture of my old ignition switch but I've lost it since then. I could see where the wires ran into the switch, and where it broke. That is what happend with mine. It might be broke at the ignition switch, and might need replaced, or you might be able to fix. Either way, there ya go.

[camaro777]

Re: Security problems

Yea see I was thinking that it might have been the key because when it finaly does start out of total randomness I can be driving an the security light will come back on an I've broken a key befor an that's what happend then but I also thought maybe the ignition switch. But once it starts and I drive it an get it warm I can shut it off an start it up 100 more times an have no problems that's what puzzels me. But that's why I posted this and both of yall have helped! So thanks for telling me cuz it was kinda confusing cuz it's really my first time to run into this problem. I'll let yall know which one it is

[silvachris1]

Re: Security problems

Yeah, no problem man. I just usually post up that info when somebody has the security light problem. You might not have the same issue I did, but it's nice to know all of the things that could be the cause. Good luck.

[camaro777]

Re: Security problems

Ok so I've disided that it is a wire breaking inside the switch because I turned it on an pushed in the switch an wiggled it around as much as I could an the security light stayed on like it's suposed to. I waited 3minuts an it started. So sense the wire is most likely toast can I get a bypass or resister an splice it under the dash instead of taking off the wheel? Or do I still have to fix the switch. Cuz I'm trying to keep it cheep. I found a VATS bypass online an it said like from 80something to 02 vats bypass for $19 but I don't know if it will work or what here's the link: http://www.ecklerscamaro.com/product...7&dept_id=1620

[nascar24jd]

Re: Security problems

I have learned everything there is to know about this subject in the last 2 weeks. My 93 Firebird has been doing the exact same thing. I wired in a potentiometer which completely eliminates the need for the resistor in the key. Problem came back. I have now traced it to a faulty Passkey II Decoder Module. I am now in the process of eliminating the entire system. I have already bypassed the Theft Deterrent Relay, now I awaiting arrival of my VATS Bypass Module which will supply the needed fuel signal. After that, bye bye VATS...

[nascar24jd]

Re: Security problems

Ok so I've disided that it is a wire breaking inside the switch because I turned it on an pushed in the switch an wiggled it around as much as I could an the security light stayed on like it's suposed to. I waited 3minuts an it started. So sense the wire is most likely toast can I get a bypass or resister an splice it under the dash instead of taking off the wheel? Or do I still have to fix the switch. Cuz I'm trying to keep it cheep. I found a VATS bypass online an it said like from 80something to 02 vats bypass for $19 but I don't know if it will work or what here's the link: http://www.ecklerscamaro.com/product...7&dept_id=1620

That module simply bypasses the need for the key. You can make one yourself for about $2 at Radio Shack. Just measure the resistance of your key and buy resistors to equal that number. then splice them in under the dash.

[camaro777]

Re: Security problems

Ahaha sweet so how do I measure the resistance of my key?

[nascar24jd]

Re: Security problems

Ahaha sweet so how do I measure the resistance of my key?

You need a meter that measures Ohms. Check out www.shbox.com, there is really detailed information about the VATS system on there.

http://shbox.com/1/how_tos.html

All you need to do is touch the leads of the meter to each side of the pellet in the key and that will give your the Ohms reading of your key.

[camaro777]

Re: Security problems

Awesome well I thank all of yall for yalls help and info. I do belive this will work just fine.