Ok I've searched through a ton of the 'Theft Lock' threads... and havent found exactly what Im looking for...

here's my situation... most of the time when I go to start it it starts for a second then stalls out... then the theft lock light comes on and blinks and what not... but sometimes it starts and runs... with the abs, brake light, and air bag lights on...

now I know the reset for the theft lock - start it, let it die... wait 10-15mins for the theft lock light to stop blinking... wait 10 seconds... try starting... repeat if needed...

but my question is... can this only happen every once and a while... or when its a theft lock problem does it not start for good till its reset?...

and someone told me it could be the stereo... it has an aftermarket stereo in it right now... and every once and a while when the theft light is blinking it makes the speakers crackle... if i put the factory stereo back in could that fix my problem?...

oh by the way its a 97 sunfire 4 door 2.2l 5 speed...

thanks...

Well... for starters... Theftlock is the anti-theft code in a 95-99 J-car... which you can program. PASSlock is the car anti-theft thing that ensures you have the right key (by measuring the resistance of the metal in your key, and generating the "R-code" for the PCM, which enables the fuel injectors to run...).

If you have an old very worn key... or a worn-out lock cylinder... then yes, that could cause problems. I would just go to the GM dealer, get a new key cut to your VIN number (assuming it's the original key for your ignition, hasn't been changed) and try that...

Theftlock has nothing to do with your car not starting. See the entry in the FAQ about that...

...j

ok thanks... i guess i got it mixed up...