Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 8/31/2007

Question
QUESTION: Chevy Malibu 2001, 72,000 miles:

For the last two months, I have been experiencing the blinking "Theft System" light with my Malibu 2001 and very often having difficulty in starting the car. I have to wait for 10 minutes every time for the blinking light to go away before turning on the ignition key to ON position and the car will then start. During the last few days, that problem has suddenly disappeared but now the "theft Light" stays lit all the time while I am driving the car. I do not really care if the light stays lit but I would like to know if there is any safety issue in driving the car with Theft System light staying lit. Can any body help me on this. Thanks.

ANSWER: Ok, It appears you've reset the VATS.
The car does not recognise the chip in the ignition
key anylonger. You can try to put the key
in the ignition, turn to the on position & wait at
least 10 mins like that.

In some cases, the VATS (GM'S VEHICLE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM)
will re learn the code this way, and will then
allow the restart. But it needs to be reset at GM through
they're diagnostic to rest the light,

But if this does not work,
then you can simply tow it to any GM vehicle dealer
to have the service department re code it.

Good luck I hope method 1 does the trick!

ALARMTEK
NOPASSLOCK.com

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

QUESTION:
Thanks for your response, however
As mentioned earlier, the car starts fine. My question is whether it is OK to keep driving with the "Theft System light staying lit"? As mentioned earlier, I do not really care if the theft system is disabled. Thanks.

Answer
Understood, but keep in mind that just because it works now, may not later (or sooner!)
Logic: Something turned it on once, and if not inspected,
can and most likely will again. It's GM's passlock.

So in my opinion,
better safe then sorry. Have them evaluate it now
before it catches me again at a real bad time.
But that's me.

You do what feels right for you.

A.