The anit theft light on my 96 chevy cavalier is on and my car won't start. How do i turn it off.

i had to change out my whole steering column there is a trick to make your car recongnize it...turn your key on but dont turn over leave on for up to ten min the theft light will go out when it does turn off car count to five then repeat this two more times. after the third time you turn off and count to five then turn the car on and turn over should start right up

try locking your car with the key and unlocking it with the key, leave it for 30 second or so between the locking and unlocking , the car thinks some one has tampered with it

this is a common problem with the passlock system im sure like everyone else you will have to get a new ignition cylinder/switch

This is eccentaly a kill switch car theifts are not looking for 96 cavaliers . See if you can disconnect it bolth negitive and positive leads from the unit . If the vehicle won't run after that try hooking the wires together or see if its on its own fuse . This is derectly to the battery if you can knock it out the vehicle should run and stay running . If not you will have to replace the unit and it won't be cheap . Sorryi don't have a wireing schematic for this vehicle

You have to do a relearn procedure on the anti-theft system:

Attempt to start the vehicle. Leave the ignition on until the THEFT SYSTEM indicator turns off (about 10 minutes). Turn the ignition switch off. Leave the ignition switch off with key in for about 10 minutes. Attempt to start vehicle.

Ensure that your battery is fully charged before attempting the relearn procedure. Do not leave any battery charger or jumper cables attached to the battery. Close the hood completely. Some applications require that the doors remain closed during the procedure.
96-99 GM
1. Rotate the key to the start position to attempt to start the vehicle (the vehicle will not start).
Allow the key to return to the all position (same as if the vehicle would have started). The theft system light will flash (or stay lit) on the dash for approximately 10 minutes.
2. When the theft system telltale stops flashing (or turns oft) turn the key to the off position for 5 seconds and then attempt tostart the vehicle. The vehicle should start on this cycle.
3. Once the vehicle is running, the password relearn is complete.
Thank you for using fixya and good luck

My 2000 cavalier has done this for 6 months. You take your key out then open your door, wait ten minutes and the system resets itself and the car will start-annoying you bet!!!

changed intake gasket.Theft light stays on.will crank,but not start

make sure you have a fully charged battery turn on the ignition with out starting the vehicle let sit in on position for 10 to 15 minute then start it may take a few attempts

check the wire and connection at the ignition switch