Security system activated?

JOE HAMILTON

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SL1
1.9L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Long story short we had the ignition lock cylinder bind up and lock down while the vehicle was in the lock position. We did not have a drill to be lucky enough to just drill it out and we had already tried to remove the cylinder long before it jammed this bad. Problem is that the cylinder is like pretty much locked into the housing. So after brute force and many many pieces of cylinder later we ziptied the key to the circuit board for the transmitter so that it wouldn't lock us out of the car due to the stupid touchy security system, and made indentation into wats left of cylinder to be able to turn with screwdriver. But now we have noticed security light coming on while we are driving the car. Not a flash but a solid light. Car starts and drives and also does take awhile for light to come on. We're extremely worried that the car is going to lock us out.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,452 POSTS

That car is equipped with a passlock system, the key cylinder has a magnet that actuates a sensor built into the housing which is what deactivates the engine immobilizer system, it has nothing to do with the door locks. The light is on because although you can start the engine it runs a test and discovers the passlock sensor isn't correct so it turns on the light.
To repair it isn't that hard, you replace the lock housing and the lock cylinder. If you still have at least one key you can get a cylinder that can be keyed to match it. That way you still have one key to use for the ignition and other locks.
Replacement housings and cylinders are not that expensive rock auto has them for about 100 for both plus shipping. To replace them you need to remove the steering wheel, then the air bag clockspring and the housing. Once replaced you do a 30 minute relearn and the light will go out and you have a working ignition. Takes about 2 hours to do the replacement with the relearn.
Removal isn't hard, you remove the panel under the steering column, then the plastic shrouds from the steering column. Then depending on the build date you need to look at the lock housing bolts. On some you can get to the bolts to cut a slot in the head or use a chisel to knock them loose. On others you will need to remove the air bag and steering wheel to get room to get the parts out. Once the bolts are out you install the new housing and lock cylinder. Plug in the wiring but don't put it all together yet. You now need to do the relearn process, If you have a scan tool this is fast if not it takes at least 30 minutes so attach a charger to the battery if it's dodgy.
The relearn is simple.
Start with the key off and a window open, doors, hood, trunk all closed. Reach in and turn on the key on, Then turn it to start but just enough that the starter moves barely. Leave the key on. The security light should flash and after you wait 10 minutes it will either stay on or go out. At that point turn the key off, then repeat the key on, start, let set for light to change two more times. At the end of the third time, turn the key off and try to start the engine. If it learned properly it should start and run with no security light.
Button everything up and you should be done.

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