1997 Chevy Monte Carlo will not start goes into the theft mode and will not crank for 3 minutes when it finally does a security alert warning is given?

Answer 1

its the key resistor 97 Monte Carlo's are equipped with GM Passkey II. A wire runs from the computer up to the ignition switch and back to the computer (The 2 wires run into the steering column inside an orange shroud. The wire measures resistance from a resistor in the key. If you have a loose connector or if the resistor on the key is worn down... the computer cannot read the correct resistance and thinks the car is being stolen. If the computer cannot read the resistance at startup, it will disable the starter and fuel injectors for three minutes. The easiest fix (although it disables this security feature) is to measure the resistance in your key (the little chip on the part of the key that goes into the ignition) using a multi-meter, then buy a resistor from radio shack of the same reistance; then hook the resistor to the two small wires in the orange shroud underneath the dash going into the steering column (leaving the wires coming out of the steering column dead). This way, the computer always reads the correct resistance. If you're worried about losing your security feature, you can also place a toggle switch on the wire to disconnect the resistor when needed. If you don't want to get this hands - on... take it to a dealer for a new key and possibly ignition switch (40 for key / 90 for ignition switch)