theft light comes on when I turn the key to the run position?

1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
150,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHN FULLILOVE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The theft light comes on when I turn the key to the run position, the theft light comes on, which never happened before. It’s not blinking, just solid, but it’s pretty bright. This, combined with the fact that there’s no spark to the engine, or signal to the starter, makes me believe that the anti-theft system has been triggered, and that it is preventing my car from starting. Can you please advise me as to how to correct this issue?
Jun 27, 2023 at 4:30 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Sure, I would do a hard system reboot or try to disable the system.

Here are two guides to help us fix the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-performing-a-hard-system-reboot-for-your-vehicles-electronics-systems

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Jun 28, 2023 at 5:28 AM
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