Saturn Repair: Troubleshooting Anti-Theft system, saturn car, electrical drain

Question
We have a 97 saturn car that has an electrical drain which causes the battery to go dead every few weeks.  Local mechanics have tested the car and determined that the draw is occuring in the anti-theft system and that the entire system needs to be replaced at a cost of 2,500 to 3,000 dollars,  which is more than the car is worth.

Can the anti-theft system be unhooked or bypassed?  The mechanic said no because it was a component of the computer on the car.  Do you know of any way around this problem without spending so much money?  

Answer
Joe,
 The anti-theft on your vehicle is not causing your drain.  There is not an "anti-theft" feature that is factory installed on your vehicle, there is only a feature that locks/unlocks your doors, and honks the horn if a valid unlock signal is not received.  If you have an aftermarket alarm installed, that could be the problem, but the Saturn security system was almost non-existent in '97.  I would take your vehicle back to that mechanic, call him a quack, and then move on down the road to the nearest Saturn facility.  Here's why:  If you have an aftermarket system, it can be disabled as easily as it was installed.  Cost:  $100.  The cost of a new PCM (if needed, it's where the sort-of anti-theft is): $800.  Laughing at someone who doesn't know what he's talking about:  Priceless.  Hope this helps

Chris