Cadillac Repair: remove key and wait 3 minutes to re-start, lock cylinder, rubbing alcohol

Question
hey bill!!----i have a 99 fleetwood ltd---couple weeks ago this message started appearing on my dash---starting disabled--remove key --wait 3 minutes----it doesn,t do it all the time---but sometimes will do it 2--3  times in a row----i am using 2 different keys--it happens with both!!--the other day as i was driving down the road--i happened to look down and see---something about theft system---car may not restart--this was while i was driving down the road--and i had been driving for about 25 minutesbefore this popped up?---should i just replace the key pellets?--or do i have a more expensive problem?----secondly--i got a service engine soon light and a check gas cap light ---i bought a new gas cap--and a buddy with a hand help computer thingie--reset the codes!!--wonderful!!---couple days later both messages are back!!!---any ideas?---thanks for any help--its really nice what your doing!!!

Answer
Hi Bobby, Thanks...its always nice to hear compliments.

    Lets start with the key issue first. You have already done the first suggestion that I would have made and that is trying the other key. If both keys have been used frequently and about the same amount of time there is an outside chance that both keys have some build-up on them that is causeing problems with the pellet being read. What you could try is some mild cleaner like peroxide or rubbing alcohol on both sides of the key useing a paper towel or cloth and see if that makes a differance. If that doesn't do it there are 2 options left. Replace the ignition lock cylinder and keys or cut the wires at the bottom of the steering column and soldier in a resistor of the same resistance as the pellet. The downside to the resistor is now anything that can turn the lock cylinder would allow the engine to start. Basically what is happening is there are two 20gauge wires that attach to the lock cylinder and after a number of turns the wires flex enough that they break in half. The wire coating keeps the ends touching sometimes and other times they separate and that is when you get the message. GM dealers have a special testor that is installed at the connector at the bottom of the steering column and will show the key code. When the key is turned it will eithor continue to show that code or show "E" which means the wire has broken. The same test can be done with an ohmeter...the only problem is if you don't test propperly you can blow the airbag.

    As for the SES light and gas cap message it would help if your buddy was able to bring his scan tool/"thingie" back and read the code and then you could let me know what it was so I could advise you better. Maybe there is something else going on and usually the code can point in the right direction for a diagnosis. Whenever a gas cap message does come on or an evap code like P0440-446 for example, replaceing the gas cap can be a fix alot of times because the cap eithor wasn't tight enough...at least 3 clicks...or the rubber seal on the cap is deformed and allowing air to leak past and that sets the code. If replaceing the cap doesn't keep the light off then it can sometimes be an involved troubleshooting session useing a professional scan tool, smoke machine, digital multimeter or a combination of the above to figure out why the code sets. If there was an area of the car that was just worked on and then the light came on rechecking the repair area might find a wire connector off or a vacuum hose disconnected.

    Sounds like you might be better off makeing a call to your mechanic but let me know if you would like anymore help. Bill