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Cadillac Repair/Service Theft System

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Expert: - 6/22/2011


Question
I have an 05 SRX, and the service theft system indicator is on, and my key won't come out..Please Help so I can no the problem..the car is allowing me to drive it

Answer
Hello,

All I can tell you is that as I just wrote a person with a 2001 Deville, where that key would not go in is that there were problems with this style ignition lock mechanically. I would suggest contacting a local locksmith and if you can go there, that saves the trip charge. They can get the key out and make you a new lock. Cadillac/GM does not make locks and keys. They subcontracted Strattec of Milwaukee to make these components. The same place the locksmith gets them! This way you eliminate the middleman-the dealer.

Not sure why you gave me a 5 rating on knowledgability or a 2 on clarity. It's not something you can fix yourself. These locks fall apart internally. A word for these high quality locks is "junk!" The lock has an internal problem, and yes, don't know why until I have that specific lock apart, but can set off "Theft System" lights on transponder vehicle.

I could explain to you how to make a new lock and install the proper wafers (no they don't tumble as in tumblers), but then you really would not understand as to what I am talking about. I am going to quit answering these lock problem questions and quit referring locksmiths, even though the are much more qualified at this than any dealer.
If my answer did not meet not meet our requirements for a fix you could do your self, I apologize and I was only trying to give you the best answer. Do not ever say I am not knowledgeable on the subject of locks/keys or transponders. It has been proven in court time and time again, I know a Hell of a lot more than anyone out there!
Good Luck!

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Rob Painter

Expertise

Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet. My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine. This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle: Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?

Experience

Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.

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