Anti-theft device = anti-starting device?
 

I have a 4 door '96 Chevy Cavolier. This car came with an anti-theft device that cuts the gas whenever someone tries to hotwire it. The previous owner told me the anti-theft device would kick in every once and a while under normal starting conditions (meaning, I start it with a key and the anti-theft device kills the engine). Thats ok, for the first little bit, it would happen maybe once a month.

However, now about every third time I try to start my car, the engine will turn over and then die. Normally I can start it up again and everything works. I'm wondering if it is my starter, or if the anti-theft device is giving me problems again.

Is it possible to disable the anti-theft device? If so, is this something I can do myself?

Edit: Just in case it is importiant, it is rear wheel drive, automatic tranny.

Rearwheel drive cavalier? Chevy cavalier? Did they make such a thing?

No, you're right. I'm not sure why I put rear wheel.

Sounds like the contacts for the Passlock system maybe worn.
Check with a good locksmith to see if you need a new ignition key and contacts in the ignition lock.

Your PASS-Key-II resistor pellet is probably starting to burn out. If you have a second key, try it and see if it works better. If not, you'll probably have to have the ignition component of the system rewired. Try swabbing the contacts with rubbing alcohol on a q-tip


If it's the key, Go to the nearest GM parts department (mine, ironically, is located at a Dodge dealership) and let them know what the problem is. It won't be too expensive, less than 20 bucks for the key.

How the heck does that happen? Is it one of those weird hybrid dealerships? Like Bob's Kia-Porche?

^:lol:

It's Scap Dodge, which has evolved into Scap Motor Group, a Dodge/Pontiac/Saturn/Buick dealership.