Security light always on

PEPI

MEMBER
CHEVROLET LUMINA

1997 Lumina 3.1 We just bought the car a couple of months ago, and this past weekend I was installing a remote start system, and found a weird module spliced into the yellow start wire under the dash. The yellow wire was cut, and this module had a green wire and a white wire going to the key side of the cut wire, and a red wire and a black wire going to the starter side, and then finally a brown wire and a blue wire going to ground. I suspect it is something for the VATS, because when I unplug the VATS wires coming from the key switch, the car will still start. I noticed I never got a security light, so I checked the bulb and it was burnt out. I replaced it as see why it burnt out in the first place, it is always on.
I have no idea who makes this module, and why it is there, and what problem it is covering up.

Thanks

6 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Post on a pic of the module, What does it say on it?

It sounds like maybe you finanaced the car? The loan companies have been installing a modlue on the car that can shut it down by satillite if you don't make your payment on time.

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Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 AT 7:43 PM

PEPI

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No the car is not leased, we bought it outright, we own it 100%. I'll try to take a picture of it and post it. I does not have any markings on it at all.

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Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 AT 7:55 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
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After you get it put back together correctly, I wouldn't be surprized if the ignition switch is bad. See a fair amount of GMs like that...just not butchered.

Theft deterrant module as you thought?

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Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 AT 8:02 PM

PEPI

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I am going to try a different ignition switch tonight. I should just add/clarify, that this is the thick 8 or 10 gauge yellow wire that is cut and this module thing is spliced into (in series) if that makes a difference.

Is there a way I could get a big pictue of that wiring diagram you posted? I have a Haynes manual, but it doesn't show it all like yours.

Thanks everyone so far!

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Thursday, November 1st, 2007 AT 5:38 AM

SERVICE WRITER

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The picture size is limited, but this is where I get mine from:
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm

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Thursday, November 1st, 2007 AT 5:46 AM

PEPI

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Okay, tonight I checked the resistance down by the connector under the dash near the steering column and it was wide open (with key in ignition), so I took an extra ignition cylinder and put a spare key in it and after I replaced the bulb the security light would flash until I plugged in the spare cylinder and then it went on steady for about 10 seconds and then went out and I could start the car. So it appears to be something in the wiring to or the actual ignition switch. Problem now is before I could start the car with the VATS from the switch unplugged, and that module thing installed. Now it won't start like that. I still don't know what this thing does, and why it was intalled. I don't know if it was cheaper than replacing the ignition cylinder or what.

Here are some pictures of this module. I hope I can upload them correctly.
The only markings was on the heat shrink tubing, but on the piece that unplugs it had SL-1

Thanks for all the help so far!!!!