1997 anti-theft system in 1997 eldorado

Hello Vickie,

It sounds like your battery is dead, or if you're really lucky, your battery cables are corroded.
Pop your hood and inspect your cables at the battery, especially the Positive (Red) lead. If you see white oxidation build up, then the cables need to be removed and cleaned.
If clean, then the battery may be dead. It can be beyond its service life (sometimes there is a date code on the battery so you can determine age).
If the vehicle can be jump started; after starting, turn on heater fan and headlamps to high. If the lights are dim, then the alternator may be bad or is going bad.
Start with the battery first, then go from there.

It's the anti-theft system . (SECURITY ) Keeps vehicle from being stolen !
Important: If the wrong ignition key is used in an attempt to start the vehicle, a Data Trouble Code (DTC) will be set and the Body Control Module (BCM) will not send a fuel enable or starter enable message to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for three minutes even if the correct ignition is used.
The Pass-Key II?® Theft Deterrent system prevents vehicle theft by disabling the starter motor and fuel system. If the Body Control Module (BCM) dose not identify the use of the correct ignition key to start the vehicle, the (BCM) will communicate a message to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) which will disable the crank relay and fuel delivery to the engine.
When the (BCM) identifies the use of the correct ignition key (resistor pellet) to start the vehicle, the (BCM) will send a fuel enable and starter enable message to the (PCM) which will allow the vehicle to start.
Your best bet would be have it towed to a qualified repair shop !

Anti-theft system can keep vehicle from starting , Alarm is for vehicle content theft , open door without key alarm sounds (horns) ! PATS - passive anti theft system PATS enables and disables the engine from starting ,it will not cause the engine to die ! You have some other kind of problem ! If the vehicle engine doesn't turn over an red light on top of dash flashes fast ,then you have anti-theft system problem !
PATS differs from the perimeter anti-theft system in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood and trunk) and sounds an alarm.

Hi Carol , do you mean PATS passive antitheft system ? Locked up your car ,do you mean it won't crank over an start ?
The passive anti-theft system uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user.

• During each vehicle start sequence, the ignition key identification code is requested by the vehicle protection anti-theft electronics.
• If the key's ID code has been programmed into the system, the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) is signaled to enable the vehicle to start.
• If the key's ID code is not programmed into the system, or if no encoded key is detected, then the powertrain control module is signaled to disable the vehicle.

The passive anti-theft system communicates the state of the security system to the powertrain control module via the J-1850 communications network data link connector (DLC). The powertrain control modulebased on the communications from the passive anti-theft system, will determine if the vehicle's engine is enabled to start. The passive anti-theft system differs from the active anti-theft alarm system in that the passive anti-theft system enables/disables the vehicle from starting and only operates with the ignition switch in RUN/START position. The active anti-theft alarm system has perimeter protection capabilities and operates only with the ignition switch OFF. Refer to Section 13-11A for active anti-theft alarm system information.
Vehicle Disabling The passive anti-theft system will be activated and disable the vehicle from starting if any of the following conditions exist:

• damaged encoded key
• unprogrammed key
• non-encoded key (key has no electronics)
• wiring concern
• transceiver concern
• Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) control module concern
• J-1850 Communications Network concern
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

why not just get another remote?? only around $50.00

This is a very common GM problem. The anti theft system that is supposed prevent the theft of your vehicle fails and is now locking you out. Go to this site for info and answers that you can do yourself. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM Passive anti-theft system
Your ignition key has a unique imbedded transponder which engages engine electronics and allows the vehicle to be started. Without the use of your special ignition key, the vehicle will not start.

During each vehicle start, the coded key is read by the anti-theft system. If the key’s ID code matches the code in the anti-theft system, the vehicle is enabled to start.

Anti-theft system
Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to verify that the passive anti-theft system is operating properly.

Also, its possisble that tou have actovated the fuel pump switch.

CHeck it.

That vehicle has a VATS anti-theft system.there bad to get faulty connections between the key and ignition lock cylinder!
1. Take a pencil eraser and clean the ends of the key pellet.(Small black square with brass connections)
2.Look inside of Ignition rumbler and you should see 2 brass connection brushes just inside the opening
Clean them with some plastic safe contact cleaner.
Let's see if that fixes the problem!
Also if you have a spar key,Try it!

Read your manual or take it to the dealer. It sounds like it needs reset.....if this is a factory anti theft system, only the installer may be able to help you.

Its your engine to chassis ground I had same problem replace wire or try sanding paint around connection for better connection. The wire is located on top left of engine, very visible