95 riv

[Guest]

I have a 1995 riveria.Im having problems starting.The security light comes on and wont start. Would like to how to shut off security alarm.

[Rawja]

The first thing to check is if it is a problem with the Pass-Key system. Try using a different ignition key. If your problem goes away, you probably just need to clean the resistor pellet in the ignition key. This is a fairly common occurance.

[Guest]

tried it but thanks anyway

[NTX5467]

I realize the term "Pass Key" has been tossed around quite a bit in recent years, so I'll mention other terminology relating to components.

If the ignition key has the resistor chip in it, the contacts on the resistor can wear down with use to where they are smooth with the plastic around them. In that case, cleaning might not help but a new key of the correct chip code would be the easiest and least expensive thing to try.

If it's a transponder key (with a soft key head and the GM logo "laser cut-style" into the rubber) and "PK3" stamped on the shank of the key, the vehicle will need to recognize that key just as it recognizes a keyless entry transmitter. There are procedures to program the system just as with the keyless entry transmitters.

If the security light is on, that probably means a "breach" has been detected and the fuel shutoff and/starter interlock have been activated. There are some unique diagnostic tools which the dealers should have to troubleshoot that security system so that might be the best and most expeditious course of action.

If, by chance, a new ignition key cylinder is needed, it will come with a brass key inserted in it. The security computer in the vehicle will still be programmed for the original chip code. Therefore, you use the brass key to use to cut new keys with the correct chip code with the end result being two new keys of the existing chip code that also match the new "cut code" of the new cylinder. That'll add about $50-60.00 to the price of replacing the ignition cylinder. Any previous ignition keys will not work in the new cylinder either so they are useless except to determine the chip code of the security computer.

As for disconnecting the security system, not an easy thing to do and certainly not like pulling a fuse or similar. Afterall, it's doing what it was designed to do, except you are the owner.

NTX5467

[bigred]

PASS KEY II (2) IGNITIONS CAN NOT BE SHUT OFF. THEY ARE COMPUTER CONTROLLED. MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SYSTEM WAS THE LOCK CYLINDER HAS 2 WHITE WIRES COMING OFF IT RUNNING DOWN TO THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE FIREWALL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE WIRES PICK UP A SIGNAL FROM THE CHIP IN THE KEY TO TELL THE COMPUTER THAT IS THE RIGHT KEY AND ALLOWS THE CAR TO START. SOMETIMES ONE OF THOSE 2 WIRES GETS A BREAK IN THEM AND THE PASS KEY II (2) SYSTEM CAN'T RECOGNISE THE KEY AND SHUTS OFF THE FUEL PUMP AND STARTER. USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH THESE WIRES AS THEY ARE VERY SMALL AND CAN BREAK VERY EASILY, BUT I THINK THAT COULD BE YOUR PROBLEM. THE WIRES CAN NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE HARD WIRED INTO THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. REPLACEMENT OF THE CYLINDER IS MOST LIKELY NEEDED. SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT GET LUCKY AND CAN REPAIR THE WIRE ENDS AT THE FIREWALL AND MAKE IT WORK TEMPORARILY. LOCK CYLINDERS COST ABOUT $120.00. FROM THE DEALER. DON'T TRY THOSE CYLINDERS THAT SAY THEY BYPASS THE PASS KEY II (2) SYSTEM. THEY DON'T WORK ON THESE CARS.