Security light is on and engine will not crank after replacing the steering column and key

2003 GMC C1500

210,000 MILES • 4.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

CODY JENKINS

MEMBER
1 POST

replaced the steering column and key now the security light is on and can't get the truck to turn over. i checked all fuses and battery has a good charge and still won't turn the motor over.

Aug 12, 2021 at 1:08 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,248 POSTS

Hi,

If you replaced the steering column, the pass lock sensor is integral and will need to be reprogrammed so the body control module recognizes it. That is why the light is on and it won't start.

First, below I attached the wiring schematic for the system and highlighted what I'm referring to. I had to cut the pic in half to make it readable, but I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

Now, there are two ways to reprogram this. One requires a scan tool capable of communicating with the system and 10 minutes, and the other one doesn't require a scanner but requires 30 minutes to do.

Starting with pic 3, I included the directions for both. Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)