[400 4spd.]

Hello all,
Here is my long description of what I am dealing with.
In my garage sits my daughter's '01 Camaro. I had it towed here last night because it won't turn over. She drove it somewhere, cut it off for less than 5 minutes, and when she returned it would not spin over. All dash lights/headlights work fine, along with any accessories. It acts as if the transmission is not in park when the key is turned. No click, nothing, but the dash stays lit. The fuel pump does activate and run. I tried starting in neutral and every other gear. I changed the battery, too. Also tried her like-new spare GM key and no change.
She got the car when it was one year old and it has no history of a problem like this. I have heard before that the key (or switch) has a microchip and that they have to recognize each other or the anti-theft system will not allow the car to start. I have also heard that these systems fail if the key is too worn. Her friend had a similar problem with her Camaro and the dealer said they had to go into her column to correct the problem. My son has a Cadillac, and I understand that they are prone to do this, too. So it sounds to me that GM cars
My questions are,
Does it sound like the anti-theft system is causing this?
Any other possibilities that some of you have experienced on a late model GM?
If that is the cause, what usually has to be done to correct it?
How can it be tested to determine that it is indeed the anti-theft system? Any simple tests that I can do without a scanner?
If I cannot fix it I would like to have an idea of what is causing this before sending it to the dealer$$$$$$hip.
The only other time I have had this happen was on a Hurst/Olds I owned that had a starter solenoid go bad. That is where I am inclined to start.

Any advise/opinions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

[stellar]

doesn't sound like security system. if it has tilt wheel try moving wheel to all positions with key in start position. if wire is broken it may start, but idoubt if this is your problem. most probable problem is bad starter. remove solenoid switch wire from starter, test for power with test lite or meter on wire you just removed with key turned to start position. if you have power replace entire starter, solenoid included. 5-6 years is about all you get out of them. if solenoid is worn out, starter probably is too. brushes may be your problem, solenoid requires good brush connection to function. good luck

[gtohunter]

I have an 01 Caddy, and this happened to my wife last week (out of state, of course). I had her pull the key, and put it back in the ignition, and it cranked up. I guess maybe the chip in the key thing?? After I got off the phone with her, I went to Helms site and ordered the factory service manual for it!

[Mr_GTO]

I had that happen on my Trans Am once. I had to go through a process of hitting the keyless remote and getting in and trying to crank it a few times. Is it a V6 or V8? Try both keys and both keyless entry fobs.

[67TIGER]

Is your security light on?
See if this will help any:
http://shbox.com/1/pass_key.html

[400 4spd.]

Thank you for all of the responses. Since my first posting I have been able to work on it some. I had some of the same ideas as some of you have come up with, so we are on the same path. This is a list of what I have done/checked since then, and still no change;

1. different battery
2. confirmed 12v is going to starter solenoid through the main power (heavy) lead, from the junction that the hot batt. cable routes to.
3. confirmed 12v is leaving junction (1 to ignition switch?) through all 3 (fused) red wires that leave it. 12v to both sides.
4. confirmed when key is in crank position, 12v still fed to starter solenoid through heavy cable, but nothing through small wire to solenoid.
5. checked/ohmed starter and ignition relays (same part#) and also swapped positions.
6. checked all fuses.
7. held key in crank pos. while cycling tilt column up and down.
8. held key in crank position while shifting through gears.
9. rotated tires (hey, it was due)
10. cycled through the key fob security settings.

The car is a V6 automatic, 70k miles.

[stellar]

i thought the rotation would have done it. try this www.mxcom.net/hearst/motor/elect/001/ click on vehicle anti theft. you may try to jump the battery post to the switch post on the solenoid that is the big wire post to the little wire post. make sure ign switch is off, trans in park wheels blocked, and all body parts clear of moving engine parts 1st. if it cranks starter is ok. did you disconnect small wire to test for power? still think starter is good possibility. try jumping across solenoid first. if you pull up this site, you may be tempted to jump off the bridge good luck

[400 4spd.]

.. everyone who replied. I got it started this evening. Since someone else here may encounter the same problem in the future, I'll explain.
It turned out to be a bad/broken wire coming off of the switch. The wires coming off of the switch are very tiny and break easily. Frequent rotation of the switch is what makes them break.That is another problem that is common with the F-bodies. The real tip-off was found in the link 67 Tiger supplied. The flashing security light gave it away.

[stellar]

thanks for giving the final answer. I didn't realize security lite was on. time to listen to my 4 yearold grandson i guess, "watch and learn pappy"