The ignition key has a small pellet in it which has a precise electrical resistance. There are about 30 different values. In order to start the car you need the correct ignition key to turn the lock and a pellet with the correct resistance. If the computer measures the resistance incorrectly, it disables the starter and shuts off the fuel injectors for 3 minutes. The message "clean your key" should appear on the computer screen. The problem can be caused by several factors.
The problem will happen more and more freqently as time goes by. First try wiping any grease or dirt off the pellet on the key and wait 3 minutes for the security light to go out and then start the car. One source of the problem is that the resistance measuring contacts in the ignition switch are getting dirty or worn. Instead of putting the key all of the way into the ignition, just push it in far enough so that you can turn the ignition switch; it let you make contact with a less used part of the measuring contact.
If you go to a dealer, he will charge you about $600 to replace the ignition switch. However if you go to a locksmith that also works on car locks, he will replace it for about $250. However, be sure he used an OEM switch because cheap switches will not last very long.
Two tips can also help. First, do not have an excessive amount of keys on the key ring with your ignition key. The extra weight cases extra stress in the ignition switch and the keys rub and bang on each other. Second, have your seat belt fastned before you start the car. The computer has to go through a whole series of checks and the less faults it finds it better chance it will let you start the car.
I had my ignition switch replaced at a locksmith, but when he tried it he found that the problem was still occurring and he put the old switch back in. He did not charge me but I told I wished that he would have left the new switch in because they wear out and that would have eliminated one possible cause. However, when I tried the ignition, it worked fine. In fact, for a whole year the problem did not occur again. So in my case, the wires going down the steering column are either loose or frayed because just gigling the wires cured the problem for a year. John Brewer
It's when the security light starts flashing that the infamous "chip" in the key becomes a nightmare to many. Gradually the car begins not cranking anymore or if it cranks it would start and die in a second. Randomly it will do this more and more often until it won't start anymore. VATS, PASSkey and Passlock immobilizer systems are killing cars all over North America, they have a short lifespan and are certainly more effective against owners than thieves. Here is how you save your car
1st trick, Try a spare key that is newer or used less. The pins wear down and so do the keys causing security fail. 2nd trick, (if not starting) turn the key forward 2 clicks till right before it would normally start, leave like that for 10 minutes. ( no less ) After 10 minutes, turn key back then forward and your car might start. I did this in my regal for more than a year. If its shutting down while running, im sorry i have no quick fix... If anything on this page helps you, please remember to comment or give me a thumbs up on the myfixya sight so i can have a better rating to help more people on this. Thanks
Cheap fix: Bypass the chip in your key. Temporary, but effective. Until the TDM (theft deterrent module) in the dash poops out, then you're kinda screwed. I was told that these types of key security systems have a 7-10 year life span. Sucks for us. This link explains the "Key Issue" pretty well.
----- http://vats.likeabigdog.com/
Never worry again fix: Bypass the whole VATS/Passlock/passkey I or passkey II system entirely. Literally take it out, and throw it away. I just did this in my Regal. Took about an hour. Took longer to find the thing than it did to fix the problem. They sell a unit for 200 bucks to totally bypass this system FOREVER. life time-money back and all that. Finally did this in my car. Well worth the 200 if you've looked into getting this replaced... Anywhere from 600-1000 bucks. If you do buy this, please purchase it thru this link. The cost is the same, but i get credit for the sale and im trying to earn my money back, as you will be able to do if you buy fron NewRockies and join the free affiliate program. Thanks
----- http://newrockies.ca?ap_id=judd0081 <-----Save this link to your "favorites", trust me you will eventually need it
----- With this fix, you can take that whole Vats, passlock, passkey system out of your car all together. Good info on both sites.
It works for:
Any GM or Isuzu Vehicle with VATS or PASSKey or PASSLock security systems.
If your car has the chip in the key or in the lock cylinder, then you can save it with this Full Bypass.
Trucks
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GMC/Chevy
1998-2006 S10/T10/Sonoma
/Blazer/Jimmy
1998-2007 Suburban/Avalanche
/Tahoe/Yukon
1998-2006 Sierra/Silverado
2002-2008 Trailblazer
2003-2006 SSR
1998-2006 C1500/C2500/C3500
1998-2006 K1500/K2500/K3500
2003-2007 Hummer H2
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Isuzu
1998-2000 Hombre
2005-2006 I280/I350
2007-2008 I290/I370
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Cars/Vans
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Isuzu
2003-2007 Ascender
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Pontiac
1994-2003 Grand Prix
1998-1999 Montana
2006 Torrent
1996-2005 Grand AM
1994-1998 Trans Sports
1988-1999 Bonneville
1988-2002 Firebird
1995-2005 Sunfire
1996-2002 Trans Am
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Buick
2004-2007 Rainier
1994-2005 Century
1993-2004 Regal
1982-1999 LeSabre
1991-1996 Park Avenue / Ultra
1994-1996 Roadmaster
1991-1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon
1982-1999 Riviera
1988-1991 Reatta
1996-1998 Skylark
1982-1990 Electra (all models)
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Oldsmobile
1996-1998 Achieva
1999-2004 Alero
1994-2004 Aurora
1998-2004 Bravada
1991-1993 Delta 88
1994-1999 Eighty-Eight
1991-1996 Nighty-Eight
1998-2002 Intrigue
1990-1992 Toronado
1994-1997 Cutlass Supreme
1997-1999 Cutlass
1997-1999 LSS/Regency
1997-1999 Silhouette
1991-1996 Custom Cruiser
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Chevrolet/GMC
1998-2005 Astro/Safari
1998-2008 Envoy
2005-2006 Equinox
1998-2007 Savana/Express
1995-2005 Monte Carlo
1997-1999 Venture
1995-2001 Lumina
1988-2002 Camaro
1995-2005 Cavalier
1982-2004 Corvette
1994-1996 Caprice/Caprice Wagon
1995-1996 Impala SS
2000-2005 Impala
1997-2005 Malibu Classic
1997-2003 Malibu
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Cadillac
1986-1993 Allante
1982-1996 Fleetwood
1985-1996 Fleetwood Brougham
1992-2004 Seville
1992-2004 SLS/STS
1985-1999 Deville
1994-1999 Deville Concours
1997-1999 Deville D'Elegance
1988-2002 ElDorado
1994-2002 ElDorado Touring
1999-2007 Escalade
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Saturn
2000 LS/LS1/LS2/LW1/LW2
2001-2002 L100/LW100
2001-2003 L200/LW200
2001-2005 L300/LW300
2004-2005 L-Series
2002-2008 VUE
1996-2002 SL/SL1/SL2
1996-2002 SC1/SC2
1996-2002 SW1/SW2
There are three Oldsmobile model's that start with the letter A.Alero,Aurora,and the Achieva.
The Aurora has a VATS ignition and either the contacts in the ignition lock are bad, the wires from the lock to the computer are broken or the VATS chip in your key is dirty or the contacts in the ignition lock is dirty and not making connection with the chip in the key.
cured my hard to start aurora by changing crankshaft position sensor and having sensor re-learned by tech with proper tools
Will This car start and run because mine will not. and it does the same thing If you have found out anything please respond and let me know thank you
I've had this problem where I couldn't start my car and it turns out it was because the security light was on. To fix it: Place the key in the ignition and turn it one rotation (so battery is on) then leave it in the ignition for 10 minutes. Restart car and security light will be off.... also car will start!
When your security light comes on and your car will not start, turn you key to the on position and wait 10 minutes. The light will go off and you need to turn the key to the off position, then restart your car.
Yes to bypass,Press on the brake, turn car to as then on let the carburetor fill then, put the car in neutral,then start. If the security light is flashing, the car will not start for 10 minutes. Do not try to start while light is flashing.
195-210 Cooling fan should start at 235
Mine started when it wanted, try cutting a new key if ur security light pops on.
do not start vehicle but turn key to on position then off three times and on that third time leave it on the "on" position takes 10 to 15 minutes to reset the security light should stop blinking.
96 Oldsmobile achieva and wont start and the security light is on a gm dealer took the security system out and the security light is still on and car wont start now should the starter have 2 wires plugged into it or 4 plugged into it for the car to start plz help me i need my car
also your little display that shows messages and what not, that will say Clean Key - wait 3 min if the your passkey wasn't reading right Perhaps you see a Security Light flashing. Turn ignition on and leave on until security light stops flashing (up to 10 minutes) Do this a second time and again wait up to 10 minutes for security light to cease flashing finally a third time - after the 3rd time that the security light stops flashing ... Turn off iginition and try to start. Jon