Car Alarms: 97 Chevy S10 pick-up engine wont turn over, minute time frame, gm passlock

Question
We have had ongoing problems starting our Chevy S10. When turning the key the stereo comes on, but lights on the dash often take awhile to come on, until they do our truck won't turn over.  We usually turn the key wait to hear the stereo, and then leave the key turned until finally the dash lights come on, and then it will start right up.  Sometimes we have to go thru this process several times before we get the truck to start. Other times the truck starts right up with no problems.  That is until recently, it's been sitting for 2 days at Burger King.  It cranks, stereo comes on, but no dash lights, which means it won't turn over.  We bought it used and at the time it had a aftermarket alarm installed in it(no name on the alarm). After having trouble getting the locks to open on the doors, my boyfriend took the alarm out.  After reading several postings, it sounds like my problem may be related to the alarm.  Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Desperately Stuck in the Desert.

Answer
Ok, here's what's happening.

The 10 minute time frame is the indicator that points
to a passlock problem.  10 minutes is the magic number
that says the passlock has been put into long tamper mode,
the vehicle thinks someone is trying to start the car with
the incorrect key.

You can try to put the key
in the ignition, turn to the on position & wait at
least 10 mins like that.

In some cases, the VATS (GM'S VEHICLE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM)
will re learn the code this way, and will then
allow the restart.

If there is no aftermarket remote start in the vehicle,
then I would suggest taking it to the dealership for repair.  
If there is an aftermarket remote start, then whatever method
that was used to bypass the passlock is malfunctioning.

Now don't confuse this. The reaction you are having IS
due to the GM PASSLOCK II system being breached & activated
or, it is malfunctioning. In either case, this is
what (in this car) is troubling you. The trouble
though is that the local mechanic at
the gas station can't help here.

Sorry, but the passlock is GM's way
of getting you coming and going.

There is no outside method other then circumventing
it momentarilly to allow remote start, which won't
fix your troubles.

Nope, this is a GM issue and has to be corrected there,
or an outside shop will charge you bukoo bucks
to replace the whole VATS. (VERY PRICEY $$$$!)

Sorry wish I could be more help, but if it's
intermittent now, then it needs they're technician,
they're factory computer diagnostics to fix it.

There will be a fee involved to reset it, but much less
then replacing the entire VATS-Passlock system.

If you do find another fix, let us all know.
This is NOT uncommon. It is GM's way of keeping
it all inhouse, security wise.

Let us know what you find out.

Murph/ALARMTEK GM/VIPER TECH.