Won't Start, Security light flashes

**abarthle** · 03-23-2009, 03:45 AM

Hey there guys I got a problem I hope you can help me with...
I have a '94 Firebird Formula, my car is running fine then out of the blue it won't start, the security light flashes at me and the ignition is tight and hard to turn sometimes.

Now this past December I had to have the ignition switch replaced all together because it kept locking up me, since then the car has run/started just fine. Now i'm wondering if PepBoys screwed up the job of changing the ignition switch and lock cylinder or if it might be another problem.

I aint got the $$ to have someone dig in there and look find out something else is wrong, but if PepBoys screwed the job I can take my paperwork in and tell them to do it again for free.

What do ya'll think??
Thanks alot fellas.

**blkSS98** · 03-23-2009, 07:26 AM

yea, they probably did. Also, leave the key in for awhile, then try to see if it starts. My car would start after about 10-20 mins this way.

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-23-2009, 07:47 AM

When I had my 96FB I had the same prob. It turned out that one of the two wires coming of the ignition switch had broke at the swtich no less. New one and having it installed at the time was like $300. (New keys, etc...labor)

Rented tools, from Autozone and did the work my self...only cost $25.

I did solder the wires together, covered with heat shrink wrap...had no probs after..

Warning if you do it your self...get a manual from Hanes or such and follow to the T the instructions for dealing with the Airbag.....It sucks real bad if they go off in your face....My friend got impatient trying to do the same repair and set his off because he didn't wait the time needed to discharge the current after disconnecting the battery... I wait 2 hrs

**abarthle** · 03-23-2009, 07:50 AM

yeah thanks fellas, i figured pepboys screwed something up, i found in the service manual that when the security light persistently flashes that the standard diagnostic is to check the lock cylinder and harness.

hopefully i can just take my paperwork to them and make them do it again for free considering they botched the job in the first place. I'd like to do it myself, and do it right, but i just don't have the time.

thanks again guys!

**ls1speedster** · 03-23-2009, 07:58 AM

hey i got the same problem.. i was cleaning the ride and playin some tunes.. i restart my car every now and then to keep my subs from killin my car..
well i started it 3 times while cleaning it... then i went to star it up and put it in the road... an it was DEAD... i got power.. my batery is fine... gauges work and tunes still play...

i still got power to my starter i used a terst light...test yours and see.. i guess ik just gonna try to get a new starter and see if it works...

i already had to get a new starter less than a year ago... idk how often they go out but check n see...

**third_shift|studios** · 03-23-2009, 08:08 AM

little help here too if you "key guys" can:
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109846

**abarthle** · 03-23-2009, 06:35 PM

yeah thanks guys! it turns out it was the lock cylinder and ignition switch again, pepboys here said the person who did the job did it really bad, then i told them i got it done at pepboys, showed the paper work and now i dont have to pay anything for a $350+ job.

awesome!
thanks fellas

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-24-2009, 07:09 AM

Let me guess....

the tech jammed the wires into it and not pull any of the slack...

**roadrunner440** · 03-24-2009, 01:17 PM

Hi, I'm having the same problem. I replaced the ignition with new key( all
GM) and it still does not work. How can they screw up installing this switch? Is'nt it just a key cylinder with two wire's coming out that plug into the wire's that goes into the BCM?

**RyanJM** · 03-24-2009, 05:23 PM

Never have your car repaired at Pepboys or your asking for a headache. Now tires or alignments are ok but not real work.

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-25-2009, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by roadrunner440

Hi, I'm having the same problem. I replaced the ignition with new key( all
GM) and it still does not work. How can they screw up installing this switch? Is'nt it just a key cylinder with two wire's coming out that plug into the wire's that goes into the BCM?

If it is not carefully installed all you end up doing is breaking the same two wires.....This is one of those security features that makes it harder for the owner then for the theives. If a thief wants you car bad enough they will just tow it and strip parts later....