My 1997 base model has some issues with its ignition system. I just bought it. It seems to have two "Modes" when I turn the key to start it right now. [Mode 1: Only occurs after a battery reset, has the security light illuminated, allows the crank and fuel, and can start the car normally. When I pull the key, the security light is the only thing on in the dash, and it goes off when I close the doors. Mode 2: Occurs after letting the car sleep for a bit, with the doors closed and the BCM asleep. When I put the key in and turn it, the security light is on for a sec or two, then goes off without flashing. I get the "Low Fuel" and "Low power mode" codes for a cycle, then they now go out. There is still no security light, even if I take the key out. I don't know if I can crank the car in this mode yet because it's late.] I've been chasing leads for a couple of days, and until today, I thought it was an internal BCM issue. Today, I found 3 aftermarket relays under the steering column. Two are I think wired into the ignition, and one is in line with one of the VATS white wires. I think they were there as a kill switch of some sort, after a VATS bypass. I cut the one in the VATS wires out and spliced the other two from the 30-87 ports to keep them open. Nothing much happened. I then thought to probe the VATS wires going into the BCM, which showed 0 Ohms. This means it's an open circuit, I think, so either I didn't backprobe it right or something's pretty messed up. There are some splices around the BCM area as well. If anybody has any idea what I should do next, please feel free to comment. I can try to pull codes tomorrow, although I'm sure all they are going to be is "comm broken bcm" or something like that. I understand this is a pretty unique situation,


Just thought it was worth a try on here!

 

I’d find an auto electric shop in your area and take the car there…sounds like you are not to familiar with a DVOM so let a professional handle this…good luck !!

 

I would, but I'm 16 and can't afford that right now. I also enjoy a project. I bypassed all the relays, realizing that it was for an old remote start/alarm. I wired a resistor directly in line with the Vats wires coming out of the BCM, and now there is no security light when in "Mode 1". After a BCM sleep cycle, all is still the same, with the fuel cut. Plz LMK anything that comes to mind, I hope its not an internal BCM issue.