1997 Buick skylark Theft Security light has come on. Can't start the car.How do I correct it?

Question

I can't turn the key more than halfway. I brought it to a auto shop and they said they can't fix it. They said bring it to a dealer. But this will be 3rd time i'm getting it towed. Does anyone know how to fix this? They said its the Theft Security light that is on and stopping the car from staring and i need to have it reset. What should I do?

Answer 1

Take proof of ownership an car to the dealership.

Approx.$200-plus.Just went though that.A pro locksmith can help with more cash.

Answer 2

This recall, if wiring is compromised could cause enomolies such as described below, or even your symptoms.  I would contact GM and through your VIN number, they can tell you if the remedy has been performed on your vehicle.  If not, tell them your car will not start, and you are afraid of fire.  Try to get them to tow it on them.  Or call the numbers at the bottom of this info.

Make : BUICK  Model : SKYLARK Year : 1997

Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr's Report Date : FEB 27, 2002

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 02V070000  PE02001

NHTSA Action Number: PE02001  

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1589948

Summary:

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Consequence:

IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes:

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Answer 3

The recall mentioned above will have nothing to do with your problem.  This security system is fairly complicated, and will probably require a dealer to fix it.  Here's the technical version of how the system really works.....

The Theft Deterrent System, called a Passlock System, is designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless the Passlock lock cylinder is correctly engaged by a mechanical key. The Passlock System utilizes four components theft detection, the lock cylinder, ignition switch, electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

When starting the engine, the PCM looks for a password from the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) through the Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) serial data circuit. If the password is not recognized or not present, the PCM will disable the engine.

The most common thing i see is the ignition lock cylinder is faulty.