security light on 99 camaro ss

**oh2bequick** · 06-24-2008, 07:14 PM

I went to start the car and it would not start. Tried it again and it turned over. So the next time I gave it some gas to get it going and it started up. But the security light came on an after about 20 min it went off. This is the second time it has done this. Can anybody help me? I have read that it could be the Ignition Switch. Just want some feedback.
Thanks for the help.

**gnomee** · 06-25-2008, 08:11 PM

Yes the security light has to do with the ignition key cylinder and the key. Generally if the light is on the key is worn down or the cylinder is bad.

Most people opt to just remove the security by wiring in a resistor. You can do a search and find lots of info on this. Very common issue with GM VATS system.

Welcome to the board!

**Orange99z28** · 06-26-2008, 09:38 AM

jiggle the key, that was my problem. can also be the actual ignition cylinder though.just so u know if you trigger the system, wait 3 minutes before trying again. its an anti-theft device. and a very annoying one at that. they rarely break altogether, so u should be able to monkey with it and get it runnin if push comes to shove

also use search, "vats" is the system in question. also there are lots of links to helpful sites around here. try out installuniversity.com they probably got something on it

i wouldn't recommend putting a resistor in there. if some a hole who doesn't like you finds out they can start your car with the good old screw driver in 30 seconds

**2001NBMZ28** · 06-26-2008, 12:32 PM

If you want to bypass VATS: www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61262

**josh68** · 06-28-2008, 07:07 AM

Had Same Problem With Mine It Has Went Off And Has Not Been Doing It For About Six Months. Make Sure Key Is Dry. If It Persists I Heard A Dealer Is The Only Way To Fix Right Although I Heard That You Can Bypass Like What Everybody Else Is Saying.

**SandmanWs7** · 06-28-2008, 08:10 AM

yes a dealer can fix it for $300 so dont forget the KY jelly..

**oh2bequick** · 06-28-2008, 06:31 PM

Thanks for the help. Just wanted to see what everybody else is doing. But the bypass is not for me. Back to the service manuals.I'll let ya know what happens.

**Cutlass** · 06-29-2008, 04:41 AM

The Ignition Cylinder is what you want, not the ignition switch. The tiny little white wires like to break. If you disassemble the column far enough to get to the cylinder, give both the white wires a small tug. Mostly likely one is nice and snug and the other is hanging by a thread and breaks or is already broken.

**SleepingZ28** · 06-29-2008, 05:16 AM

Sorry to threadjack but I have a similar problem and im not sure what the deal is...

I already did the VATS bypass, and sometimes the Security light still comes on, like if I put my key in and leave it in or put it on Acc. it sometimes comes on. but when I stick the key in and start it right away, it never does it.

I know I have the right resistor cause it won't start at all without the resistor in.

Any answers?

**Orange99z28** · 06-29-2008, 02:06 PM

check the connections you made, and go back and solder them

**oh2bequick** · 06-29-2008, 03:47 PM

The Ignition Cylinder was the problem. The white wire was shorting on the cylinder. A lot of work to fix 2 small wires.
Thanks guys for the info

**0rion** · 06-30-2008, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by SleepingZ28

Sorry to threadjack but I have a similar problem and im not sure what the deal is...

I already did the VATS bypass, and sometimes the Security light still comes on, like if I put my key in and leave it in or put it on Acc. it sometimes comes on. but when I stick the key in and start it right away, it never does it.

I know I have the right resistor cause it won't start at all without the resistor in.

Any answers?

How did you secure the resistors? If you taped them I would make sure the connection is good, could be a little loose. The other thing to look at is your resistors themselves. Are they 10% or 5% resistors? If they're 10% maybe the tolerance is letting the resistors drift out of range.