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Auto Theft Prevention/2004 Classic Malibu anti theft system

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Question
QUESTION: Hi,
About 2 months ago I went to get into my Malibu and it wouldn't crank. I was turning over just wouldn't catch. After a couple of days of calling around i was told to stick the key in turn it to on wait 10 min and then it would start. I did and it started. I got it to a mechanic and was told to replace the switch. I did this and it started everytime for about 3 weeks. Sometimes while driving now the light will come on and after turning the engine off sometimes it start and sometimes wont after the light has come on. I never know when it start or wont now. I'm having to "reset" the anti theft 3 or 4 times a week to get it started. Noone around here seems to have a clue whats going on, can you help me?

ANSWER: Hello,

I only partially understand what you are trying to say. You state the engine won't crank, but it wouldn't "Catch."

You were given bad info on the reset which is real common because it seems no one knows how to reprogram this system. You leave the ignition on 10 min. Turn off, turn on for 10 minutes, turn off and turn on for 10 min. This is a 30 minute process, not 10.

You state the mechanic changed the switch, but which switch? The mechanical lock cylinder where the key goes in or the electrical ignition switch? The key/lock cylinder is not the ignition switch.

As for the light coming on, there is something wrong and a fault code will be present. You need to go to a service center or a dealer with a Tech II scanner that can plug it into your car and read the diagnostic error codes in order to fix it.

I hate parts changers that call themselves mechanics. Get the vehicle scanned and you will find out exactly what the problem is.

Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

Sorry I wasn't clear. When I stick the key in and turn it act as if it going to start but doesn't.

The mechanic chaged my switch in the dash, the one the key goes into.

Thanks for all your help!

Answer
Hello,

The part he changed is the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder fits into the ignition switch. The electrical ignition switch is where the security is located. The ignition lock is rotated with a key. The ignition lock cylinder has a magnet on it that passes past the electrical ignition switch when rotated and energizes a magnetic field. The vehicle's computer sees the rotation of the lock and the engine will start. There is no special ignition key. You can get one made at a hardware store,. The system in my opinion is a joke as it relates to theft prevention, but you can bet if the car gets stolen and you file a theft claim with the insurance company, they will deny your claim and accuse you of being part of the theft because according to these ignorant insurance people and their crack experts, the car is unstealable. Happens all the time.

One thing I do run across very commonly because of this system is grease. Graphite grease is commonly used in the ignition lock. It has no outer housing and spays this grease inside the ignition switch housing, eventually blocking the signal for the vehicle's computer to see the rotation of the lock.

Changing the lock sometimes temporarly fixes a no-start problem, but other problems still exist if this grease has not been completely cleaned out from the ignition switch the lock is rotating in.

Just ran across same situation for no start. Mechanic changed lock and car started, but security light was on. He removed the lock. Cleaned the housing out with brake cleaner and a rag. Reinstalled and everything was fine.

Just a guess in which your mechanic may want to check this out.

Good luck and if my answer helps, please feel free to rate me.

Thanks,

Rob

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Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI

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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.

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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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