A guy I do repos for gave me a 1997 neon, because it has an anti-theft device on it, and he did not want to mess with it. When you turn the key, nothing happens, and the battery goes from 12 volts down to real low. A mechanic friend of mine started ripping everything out, but we still cannot fix it. He doesn't seem to know what he is doing. Any advice? BJ

You can't. It has an anti-theft device. The days of boosting a car with a couple of wires ended in the 1980s! You have to fix the problem, not find a way around it.

General Motors Vehicles Equipped with PASSLock ...

www.locksmithledger.com > keys-tools > article > gene...

The PassLock system was designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling fuel to the engine if ... Chevrolet Silverado 1997-2004. Chevrolet Sport Van 1997-2000

CHEVY EXPRESS GMC SAVANNA VAN 2500 3500 ANTI ...

www.ebay.ca > ... > Other

REBUILT WITH LIFETIME WARRANTY GM Passlock Anti-Theft VATS module. PART NUMBER 16264985. THIS PART IS OBSOLETE AND UNAVAILABLE AT ... Rating: 5 · ‎2 reviews · ‎US$149.99 · ‎In stock

16264975 GM Passlock Chevy Express GMC ... - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com > 16264975-Passlock-Express-Anti-...

Buy 16264975 GM Passlock Chevy Express GMC Savanna Van C3500 Anti-Theft Vats Security Module REBUILT: Anti-Theft - Amazon.com ? FREE DELIVERY ...

Anti-theft system , you need to have dealer program it .

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.

Contact a Pontiac Dealer, I believe on that van, if you take and cycle the key off and on 3 times, that will reset the alarm and anti theft thingy.

Tell the guy to call the dealer and ask them how to override the anti theft system or reset it. when you disconnect the battery and lose power it kicks on the anti theft device and it won't get fire.

try using a spare key first

I've got a 97 deville d'elegance that has issues similar to these. Last year the red anti-theft light came on and the car wouldn't start-took it to the dealership and they replaced the PCM? (the main brain for the system) for $900...the guy told us the wiring was so corroded he didn't want to mess with it much. Today the message started flashing on the dash that says "anti-theft problem/ car may not restart" but it still turned over in the driveway a couple times so I am hoping I can reset it. The wiring system is jacked and will probably need to replace the wiring harness completely. Doubt its worth it. Not a secure feeling with 2 babies in the back seat in the middle of winter....

on the ignition key you have to change the ignition baril put new one in try to start it wont leave the key on theft light will flash for 20 minute turn key off and start it thanks pierre

I have a 1997 mit-eclipse non-turbo I been have a problem of a no start.I can start the car from the ignition switch but it won't start from the key? So I change the key lock cyclinder and the house and I still have the same problem. All my light come on ,but no start with the key

home made anti theft solution this one ,dated 30 june take it you sorted it out by now