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Auto Theft Prevention/Stolen 2003 chevy silverado!!!!
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Question
My 2003 silverado recently got stolen and they triggered my anti-theft. Now it will start and run fine but some times it will crank but wont stay on. How can i fix this problem? And is there a way i can turn the anti-theft OFF so it wont interfere??
Hi Santos,
Your vehicle is equipped with PASSLOCK A/K/A MRD (Mechanical Rotation Device) to locksmiths.
This system's theft deterrent capabilities are a joke however; commonly when vehicles so equipped a reported stolen, the insurance claim is denied because the vehicle is allegedly "unstealable."
I am going to explain in detail why your question is somewhat puzzling because of the design and how the system is very ineffective as a theft deterrent as an "Anti-Theft" device. I will then offer you the opportunity to repair a well known intermittent problem with starting the engine that could be only coincidental as to the vehicle being stolen.
The PASSLOCK was designed after the VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). The VATS had a resistor pellet in the key blade. The PASSLOCK also worked with resistance circuits (10 different codes), but instead of being built into the ignition key and lock was now integrated into the ignition housing. This meant there was no special ignition key for the system to operate and a duplicate ignition/door key could be made for $3.00 at a hardware store instead of the $50.00 that the dealer would charge for a VATS key.
In other words, in your vehicle, the security to keep the engine from unauthorized starting was based on the ignition lock and housing.
The PASSLOCK was used on all GM trucks, SUV's and many models of cars. On the trucks, this system was used from 1998-2006. The scary thing here is if you paid $70K for an Escalade, this system's protection was very marginal.
This system was designed for the vehicles computer to sense the rotation of the ignition lock. If the lock was ripped from its housing, the engine would not start. As long as the ignition lock could be rotated, the vehicle's computer would read the rotation and the engine would start and stay running. With this said, you should now realize that the security was built solely around the security of the ignition lock.
The problem is that the GM 10-cut ignition lock had very sloppy tolerances new. A key close in cut-not the exact cut could rotate this lock. Every time a key was inserted into the lock, it would cause wear to the key and the internal lock components known as wafers (tumblers)elevating the number of closely cut keys that would operate the ignition lock. Over time, the ignition key would begin to wear in which the chrome colored nickel plating would wear off the edges of the key exposing the brass. The wafers would wear more and more. Eventually (many variables related to usage)when the owner would remove the ignition key, the ignition lock would not be in the lock position. There was no actual way to confirm if each and every time the car was parked that the ignition was actually locked. (Because locking steering wheels that could be checked for locking of the steering column were eliminated in 2001)The ignition key could be removed in positions other than the LOCK position of the ignition lock.
In the event this happened, the engine could be started without an ignition key all together. This lock was also very susceptible to forced rotation. This would be where someone would pound a screwdriver into the key way, take a vice grip to the screwdriver and force rotate the ignition lock in seconds!
Now what would happen if there was an insurance claim on a reported stolen vehicle such as this, they would hire an independent "Forensic" locksmith to examine the ignition lock for signs of forced rotation, tampering etc. Wear on these ignition locks where the ignition lock could be operated without a key inserted at all would have no obvious damage, but the claim would theft claim would be denied because the report would say the vehicle was last operated with a key of the proper type, inferring the insured's key.
Might make you think that the insurance companies are running a scam in denying these claims with the use of these "forensic" experts then.
You be the judge----
Now, as to your problem. A very common problem with a fix will now be given. I do not know if this is your problem, but there is a very good chance it is.
When new, these locks have far too much lubricant. Over time, the lubricant sprays throughout the ignition housing covering the magnetic signal needed for the computer to sense the rotation of the ignition lock.
The correction is easy for anyone to do. You will need an ice pick awl or a rivet. You will also need a can of brake cleaner (available at parts stores) and a rag. Something small in diameter that you can use to depress the ignition lock retainer pin, or, you can remove the plastic shrouding around the outside of the steering column.
Insert the ignition key and put the ignition in the ON position. Directly under the ignition lock on the bottom of the steering column shroud is a small hole. This is VERY important!!! Put your foot on the brake. Insert the awl into the hole. As the awl is in the hole, rotate the ignition lock slowly to start, while pushing on the retainer pin with the awl. The position for lock removal is in between ON and Start. You will feel the retainer pin be pressed in. Grab the ignition lock with your fingers and pull outward.
The ignition lock is now removed. You will probably find it soaked with dirty grease. Take some brake cleaner and spray into the lock housing. Clean all the grease off with a rag. Do the same to the ignition lock. Push the lock and key assembly back into the housing, rotating slightly towards On and start. The ignition lock will go back into position. You are all done!
If that doesn't work, you will need the system scanned for error codes at the dealer, but chances are real good that you fixed your problem.
The reason I put such a lengthy answer in was for you and the public to know just how ineffective these systems are.
I would also recommend you install or have installed a hidden starter disable switch. The key word is hidden.
Good Luck,
Rob
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Answers by Expert:
Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI
Expertise
My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.
Experience
ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician Certified Forensic Locksmith Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert http://www.autotheftexpert.com Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com P.O. Box 190 Big Bend, WI 53103 Phone (414) 698-9696 Fax (262) 662-1352 As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert Forensic Vehicle Analyst Fire Origin and Cause Expert In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.? BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community. 1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?. Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior, locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction. During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement. Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects. Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles. Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft. PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices. PUBLICATIONS Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry. Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001) Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001) Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001) Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report. Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000) Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998) Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel) Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999) Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000 Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000) Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000) Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000 Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done! Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves. Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle. Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000. Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999) Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft. Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence. Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999) CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years. ? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com. ? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud). ? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud) ? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud} TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE ? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....
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