Cadillac Repair: Resetting the car when security shuts it down, cadillac eldorado, key in lock

Question
Hi Rob,
I think this fits with what you said you can answer. My son was driving my '96 Cadillac Eldorado and reacted wrong when he set off the alarm. My owners manual said that I'd have to take it to the dealer to have the system reset. I had AAA tow it to the one dealer in my fair city. They said that the system would reset itself after 15 minutes unless something else was wrong, but that is not what the owner's manual indicated. Now they want $400 to replace the key cylinder, which they removed "to check the problem" without authorization. How is the security system usually reset after it has disabled the car?
Thanks.

Answer
Hi,

You are dealing with two different systems here. The ignition based VATS/PASSKEY that the dealer is trying to gouge you $400 for. The other is the alarm.

A locksmith can install the same exact part that the dealer is for 1/2 the cost.

You state this problem was from an alarm malfuntion. Different system than the ignition based VATS.

To reset alarm, from the driver's seat with the door open, lock the door with the inside button. Close the door. Unlock with the driver's door key.

If that does not work, insert ignition key in lock. Turn to ON for 10 min. Turn off. Turn on 10 min. Turn off and turn on for 10 more min.

This will not reset a bad VATS system with broken wires in the steering column though.

Its not worth putting a new lock cylinder assembly in to only have the wires break again. If you review my answer from yesterday on a bad VATS, I explained how to bypass forever. If you need a copy of this anser, I can supply as well.


Rob

http://www.autotheftexpert.com