Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 9/4/2007

Question


I inadvertently stuck a Subaru key into the ignition to start it; then when I used the right key it wouldn't start...I checked the manual.

It seems that I activated some kind of security system that freezes up the ignition system. It says that after three minutes it's supposed to reset.  

Well it's been an hour and the car is still useless.

Is there any way to fix this (without towing it to a dealer and getting financially raped) ....and after it's fixed; any way to disable this absurd system so this can never happen again?

Thanks!

PS  I'm sure truly professional car thieves knew/know all about this system and have some way of circumventing it anyway....so the only people this system harms is the actual car owner who mistakenly uses the wrong key!  What a waste...

Answer
Not uncommon. GM has been having these problems
for a long time.
This vehicle has a the VATS key based
engine disabling system, and from the description,
it appears you've reset the VATS by inserting
the Subaru transponder key.

This is a problem that won't just
go away either. It needs to be addressed soon.

The car does not recognise the chip in the ignition
key when that happens. When removing the power,
you inadvertently wiped the memory as well.

You can try to put the key
in the ignition, turn to the on position & wait at
least 10 mins like that when it happens, and that
MIGHT work. But after awhile, it will stop working at all.
Your ignition switch VATS reader assembly may be to blame.

In some cases, the VATS (GM'S VEHICLE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM)
will re learn the code this way, and will then
allow the restart all the time. But if this does not work,
then go to any GM vehicle dealer to have the service department
evaluate the issue, & re code it.

Good luck I hope method 1 does the trick!

You can do a permanant bypass on this system.
see the PLJX bypass kit at www.PASSLOCK2.com

Let me know what your solution was.

ALARMTEK
PASSLOCK1.com