Anti-theft on after replacing ignition lock

Tiny
DYLANMCLENON0821
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
My car just changed ignition lock because we lost the keys and the theft light came on. I tried the leaving the key on for 10 minutes anti-theft light will not go off after the 10 minutes. What do I do to get the Anti-Theft off?
Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 11:14 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
The passlock system in your car reads a code from the sensor and pellet on the ignition lock cylinder. Changing the cylinder means the new part isn't recognized. There are three ways to repair it. One that works every time is to use a higher level scan tool to reprogram the system to recognize the new cylinder. The next would be to take the old cylinder to a locksmith and have new keys cut for it and reinstall it.
The 10 minute process can take longer. It should start out with you turning the key to run, the light should start to flash and then turn on solid if it recognizes the cylinder. Once it turns on solid, turn the key to start. If successful at this point turn the key to start the engine. If the engine starts and runs it worked. If it doesn't then using a scan tool to diagnose the system to see what is and isn't working may be needed.
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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
TAT2SPIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What if the anti-theft light will not blink when you go to reset what is that problem then?
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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
If you try to do the reset but the light doesn't start flashing with the new key and then turn solid the replacement key has an issue or the sensor isn't reading that the key was turned.
What vehicle is it?
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Saturday, January 1st, 2022 AT 12:13 AM
Tiny
TAT2SPIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2l.
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Saturday, January 1st, 2022 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,002 POSTS
Okay, that has the newer version of pass lock in it and requires a scan tool to make new keys work as there is a specific process you need to register the keys. Most auto locksmiths or the dealer can handle it. They switched to this system in 1998. It will have a chip in the key that the system reads but unless you have two known good keys you cannot program anything without the scan tool.
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Saturday, January 1st, 2022 AT 11:31 AM

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