What do I do if the Security light on my 1995 Camaro is turned on?

Question

I tried to start my car today and it won't start. At first I thought it was the battery.. tried a jump start. Nothing. The security light is on. I took it to my mechanic and he said there was nothing he could do since the security light is on. Only a dealer can fix it and needs to reprogram/reset the computer. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions on things to try before I do that? Also, would it be expensive to reprogram/reset the car's computer?

Answer 1

disconnect the battery and try again, It happen to me and that solved the problem.  

Answer 2

the resistor pellet in your key may be loose. Or the wires running to the VATS security module my hav a shortage or may be loose.  Next time it happens give the panel under the steering wheel a nice little bump. if that solves the problem than there is a shortage in the wire or a loose connection.

Answer 3

Try unlocking the car with your key fob

Answer 4

Clean the surface of the chip on the key and then put the key in the ignition and turn it forward without starting, then wait a minute for the Security light to shut off then start the car....this is a known issue.

Answer 5

I noticed the answer regarding the chip in the key, but is not the case.  The Camaro is equipped with the Passlock II system.  First question I need to know: Is there or has there ever been an alarm or remote starting system installed in the car.  If the answer to that is no, then you are in the same position I was in within the past month regarding the Passlock II system.  There are 3 components to it that could be causing the problem, but there is no way to diagnose which component is causing the no start condition.  The components are:

Ignition switch (most likely not the problem but is in rare instances)

Ignition core (contains the Passlock sensor - could be faulty)

Body Control Module (BCM) (Computer that receives a code from the Passlock sensor and tells the ECM whether or not to let the car start)

My personal experience involved replacing all 3.  First I did the ignition switch and core, and had the car reprogrammed.  Not only did it cost me close to $500 but it only worked for 5 days and the problem recurred.

I then replaced the BCM.  About $400 with labor and reprogramming.  so far a week later all is well.  Upon looking at the BCM I noticed the production date of Jan 05 (My car is an 01).  So this is the third (that I know of) BCM that my car has seen.

One final note on this problem.  GM is aware of this issue, and in a Service Bulletin tells their techs and advisors to do all that in that order and also mentions that the problem may recur.  Well, they are replacing poorly designed parts with the same designed parts.

I have heard of having an override module being installed with mixed results.  The override module is what remote starter systems use to start the car without the key.  The module sends the correct code to the BCM and allows the car to start.  I have heard some good things and some absolute horror stories about going that route.