security system problems

[burtcam]

i have a 2000 olds, alero. when i go to start the car, the security light starts flashing and the car wouldn't start for 10 minutes untill the light stops flashing. its starting to happen more frequently and is driving me nuts. the dealer wants $400 TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH I THINK IS OUTRAGES. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS WHAT TO DO? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
BURTCAM

[burtcam]

after doing a little research, i now know what the problem is. a bad ignition lock cylinder. does anyone know how to replace it.
thanks
burtcam

[grayman]

first thing is to disconect the negative battery terminal. maybe pull the airbag fuse as well...system may have a capacitor that stores electricity.

after that i have no idea for the alero. my sister has an alero so i know they don't have message boards that are awesome like ours but there are a few internet based alero forums out there.

also try a haynes manual. take a look at it before you buy it and see if it covers 'your year car' and not just a generic section concerning the removal of the lock cylinder from a somewhat different 98 alero or something. make sure it is detailed before you tear your car apart in other words.

if you are a pretty good mechanic (able to learn what you don't already know) then you can most likely fix it yourself. the manual should tell you any special tools you might need. if the car is a daily driver then get all prepared ahead of time, locating special tools, etc. and start the project on a saturday.

you can try also looking for the 'passkey2' disable mod here in our forum and other related forums. it is possible to match the resistor on your key (radio shack) and hardwire it into the ignition system. you will still need a KEY to start the car but the hardwired resistor takes care of the 'pellet' that is embedded on your key.

before you do anything else....have you tried your other key? sometimes the resistor pellet on the key itself gets goofy, dirty, etc. If you don't have a second key then places like ACE hardware can match your key and pellet for about 8 bucks.