resetting service security system light

[Brutus]

Greetings All!
I've been lurking for a while here and and finally need some help.

As of 4/29/09, my 2000 SSEi has now started displaying the service security system light on the DIC. The security light also stays on all the time. I have read and searched previous posts about this, but what I would like to know is if you disconnect the battery, will that reset it and make the "security" light on the dash go away? The light stays on all the time now.

The voltage on the DIC always displays good voltage about 14.5-14.7

I know that I should probably have the codes scanned, but my local Pontiac dealer has gotten a lot of my cash recently, and I have to wait for another pay day to come before I can go there.

My own scanner shows no codes, but it is not as good as the one the dealer uses.

I think this might usually be a problem when it's cold, but this light tripped yesterday when the temp was about 60 degrees.

[Archon]

You may be able to find a service shop that has the necessary scanner to pull the code for a cheaper price. Knowing the code, or problem area, will help in diagnosing the problem. It will also help to know if it's part of the vehicle theft deterrent or content theft deterrent section. In the meantime, as a test, see if this shuts it off, at least temporarily. Turn the key on for 10 minutes, until the security light goes out. Then turn it off for 5 seconds, then back on and start the car. See if the light goes off. Don't open any doors during this time.

[Brutus]

I will give that a try and will advise if it works. Thanks : )

[Brutus]

The car has a no-start condition now, as of May 02, 2009. It did run after I followed your instructions on 5/1/09.
Morning of 5/2, it would not start.

I did turn the key on for 10 minutes. The security light never went out.

It ran fine after doing this procedure yesterday.

Saturday morning I was going to have NAPA warranty the battery...because that's what I thought it was, but without receipt, they wouldn't cover it. Guy I spoke to on phone in the morning told me to bring it in even though I did not have receipt. They said they would exchange it based on the date codes on the side of the battery. Left NAPA and went to Autozone. Had Autozone load test it. The battery is good...within specs.

The car displays no codes. I own the same scanner the local Autozone has.
It's not as complex as a Tech II, but it does the basics.

Battery termials are clean. Headlights and radio (and other electronics work), it just won't start.

Any other ideas b4 I have it towed in to the local dealer?

[Archon]

If the security light never went out, my guess is that the exciter module has failed, and it's not reading the key. It's a long shot, but have you tried a different key?

[Brutus]

Yes, I have tried all 3 keys that I have for the car.

[Archon]

Then the exciter module, which attaches to the ignition switch, and maybe even the switch along with it, are the likely suspects.

[Brutus]

I will post results...being towed to the dealer this morning.

[Archon]

Hopefully, it won't be too expensive.

[Brutus]

Just got off the phone with the local Pontiac dealer.

They towed my car in. It did not start for several days. They said it started for them this morning every attempt and with all keys. They said they tried at least 20 attempts. It did not start for 2-3 days for me. I made many attempts.

I asked if they had any codes. They said yes...all related to the ignition switch but he did not tell me exactly what codes. He said "it starts fine...drive it 'till it fails."

Well, no, I'm not going to do that. Tow trucks are expensive and it doesn't make any sense. I don't like being stranded.

The verbal estimate for replacing the ignition switch is $700.00...I don't know if that includes the towing.

[Archon]

That seems a bit on the expensive side for replacing it. It shows about $81 for a new switch, with an hour labor time. I don't know what the reader/exciter module may cost if they were planning on replacing that, too. There is a technical service bulletin regarding an intermittent no start condition caused by a bad ignition switch. Plastic particles interfere with the internal contacts. There is an updated switch. There was no mention of that setting the security light, however.

A few years back 2000silverbullet had an intermittent no start, but I believe it also caused a stalling problem, and did not set the security light. The fuse contacts for the IGN1 fuse in the under-hood fuse block were intermittent. The fix was pushing those contacts closer together, as well as putting a slight bend on the tabs for the fuse.

Did the security light also go out while at the dealer?

[00Beast]

I believe Harofreak00 still has the switch out of my totalled 00 SSEi. PM him.

[Brutus]

Sorry, I've been away a few days...busy with work.

Here is the final problem diagnosis from the local dealer.

Total job ended up costing $511.26 US.

Three codes were present:
B2947
B2938
B3055

After the car was towed in, it started at the dealership (go figure). They tried over 20 times with all keys to get it to NOT start. It started every time. Service writer told me the car was fine and to bring it back when it failed. Well, for the last several days, it wouldn't start for me and I don't like being stranded. That answer was unacceptable. I asked if the codes indicated a problem with what has been mentioned above. He said yes, but said he wasn't sure.

I asked again if the codes indicated a problem with the ignition switch or anything related and told them to replace the switch. They charged me $132.73 for the ignition switch.

So far, it has not failed. The new ignition switch does seem a lot tighter. My old switch was pretty loose.

Yes, I feel like I got over charged on the price, but what can I do? About the only thing a person can do is NOT go there or do most of your own work (which I try to do).

So, at this time, that seems to have resolved the problem.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. The people on this forum are GREAT!

[harofreak00]

So they charged you $132.73 for the switch, and $378.53 in labor? You could have easily installed it yourself.

Could have saved some money by buying the switch from me

[Brutus]

Yes, I would have saved the money, but I did not know for sure what the problem was. My scanner did not detect the codes...the stealer's, I mean the dealer's did.

I have never replaced an ignition switch either...not quite sure how to do it.