My 98 coupe randomly pops on the Security Light while driving. It doesn't seem to affect anything at all other than just being on. I can pull over, turn the car off and restart and it might be gone for days/weeks. I can continue to drive the car with the light on and everything works normally. Once, maybe twice, I've jiggled the key and its went off (while driving and in gear), but 99% of the time this "key jiggle" does not do anything. Eventually however, it lights up again and the only way to get it off is to pull over, turn the car off, then restart. Totally random. I'm thinking a possible grounding issue? Also, on a side note, (I'm the 3rd owner of this car I think), I've noticed several items which might or might not be related to this. The car is an A4. I can shift thru the gears while parked (car off). It doesn't seem to be locked into Park. Also, I've found I can remove the key with the car running and re-insert it. The only reason I mentioned this things was in possible relation to the Security Light thing. These items don't affect anything else and the car drives, starts and runs perfectly. I know the column lock fix has been done in the past due to the fact that I can turn the steering wheel when the car is parked and turned off. Any ideas on this random Security Light item? I have not looked at the codes yet either (duh). Probably should do that first, but will welcome suggestions from the great guys here on CF. Oh, one last thing, I have done several searches here on CF but haven't found this exact issue. Other threads seems to be related to ignition lock problems and I don't think (?) that's my problem.

 

Your ignition barrel is worn. Look for Bil Curlee's post on how to refurbish the ignition lock.

 

Thanks DeeGee, thats the info I was looking for. Makes perfect sense but I didn't know to search for ignition barrel. You guys rock so much... the knowledge base of this forum continues to astound me.

 

Not sure if this is the answer to your specific problem but its worth a read.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html

 

Bill has an extensive thread on repairing the ignition switch. I was unaware of any procedure, regarding "refurishment" of the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder and ignition switch are separate parts. The lock cylinder reads the reistance on the key.

 

Try the super simple fix first. Take a soft pencil eraser and burnish the metal strip on the security pellet on the key until it's clean and shinny. Worked for me.

 

I read thru Bill's thread and I concur. I've also searched with no luck on lock cylinder and ignition lock refurbishment. The pellet looks clean and shiny but I'll clean it and see if that resolves it. I did look at the codes on the DIC and only found some H codes, nothing current. But an intermittant problem would be an H code for sure. The only ones that look like they are pertinent is the B2721 H and the B2723 H codes. All the other codes on the car are related to the doors and that was because I had to do a floppy mirror repair a while back. Also have some SCM (seat) codes but I'm aware of those and will be addressed very soon. I've not had any sort of wierd codes or car not starting problems. Just the intermittant Security Light coming on, but it doesn't do it all the time. I've cleared all codes and will monitor some more. Thanks mucho for your input....

 

Lucky, I was reading another thread and ran across one of your posts which I think might have the solution to my Security Light issue.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...problem-2.html Post #22. You posted a GM document there, sixth paragraph reads:
"If the PASS-key system detects an open or short to ground when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the BCM will default to fail enable mode. Fail enable occurs when the proper key resistance is sensed before the open short to ground occurs. Fail enable will illuminate the Security indicator lamp and allow the operator to stop and start the vehicle until the problem is corrected."
If you remember in my OP, I wondered if I might have a grounding problem. So, taking the GM document paragraph 6 at its word, the symptoms match mine exactly, and allows me to drive, stop and start the car until the problem is fixed. This would explain why its intermittant and only occurs occasionally, plus it would explain why it allows me to continue to drive the car. I'll bet if I look at G-101,102 and 105, I'll find the problem. I'm on it!!! I'll let you know. And once again, thanks so much for the great intelligent responses. You are definitely a gentleman and a scholar (there are only a few of us left you know)..... I'll keep you posted...

 

I disagree. G101, 102, and 105 have nothing to do the the BCM at all. Furthermore, a ground issue would not cause this issue. You most likely have a flaky lock cylinder.

 

I didn't have time to go through BC's thread but the thing that was unusual in your case is that you can remove the key. Most guys just get a security light which means the system isn't reading the pellet.

I'd say it may need a replacement ignition barrel.

 

Update: Took Zee0Six's advice. Used an eraser on the pellet. Didn't appear to be dirty but nevertheless I drove the car twice today, each time for more than an hour with multiple stops, shut downs, restarts, etc. and no Security light at all. However, this is not uncommon. I can go for spells without seeing the Security light. One of my stops today was at my locksmith's shop where I was told that yes indeed, since I can pull the key with the car running, I need to replace the cylinder lock (Lucky and DeeGee on the money). They told me that they'll set the new lock to my current keys for $20 (NICE!!!) but that of course is me bringing in the ignition switch and new cylinder lock to them. I'll continue to monitor and will pick up a switch soon.