Security Button...

[zebragirl83]

Ok... so the other day I went to crank the car and it didn't budge... Didn't even try to crank... 1st thought... Corrosion on the battery... I was right... My question is that for a few minutes after that the Security button was on in the instrument cluster... I stopped at a red light for a few minutes and it went off... but came right back on again when I started moving... I looked in the owner's manual and couldn't find what that Security button meant for the life of me!!! Can anyone tell me if it was just the battery having been low or what?

[TraceZ]

The "Security" light is the indicator for the VATS. (Vehicle Anti Theft System)

The VATS functions off a small resistor pellet in your ignition key. When you inert the key the VATS module verifies the proper resistance "code" in the key and authorizes the PCM to allow the engine to be started.

If the resistance in the key is not correct the VATS system will shutdown the starter, fuel pump and injectors. (i'm pretty sure it is all 3)

If the key is dirty it can cause a bad reading and failed start attempt. Clean the key, or try a different key.

If the contacts inside the ignition lock cylinder are broken or dirty it can cause failed start attempts as well.

If a fault is detected by the VATS after the engine is started it will continue to run, but the light will come on/go off as the fault appears or disappears. If the fault is still present when you shut off the engine it will go into a disabled mode and allow you to restart the motor without VATS verification of the key pellet.

Many times, the wires that go in the lock cylinder will break off from years of bending and flexing. When that happens you can either replace the cylinder or bypass the VATS completely by splicing a resistor in line before the lock cylinder.