Pontiac: 2001 Grand Am Anti Theft Deterrant Lockup, shuting, correct key

Question
My niece has a 2001 Grand Am.  She went out to start the vehicle and it won't start.  She said it tries but won't turn over.  For some reason they think its the anti theft device?  Any ideas what she might be talking about?

Thanks!
Troy Crook

Answer
Yes I do. Most all GM veh. since the mid 80's have an anti theft system. Depending on which generation system you have, some wont let the starter crank without the correct key and some let the car start but only run for about 2 seconds before shuting down the fuel pump and others use a combination of both. These veh. are almost imposible to steal.
It could be a theft deterant system problem she is having or just a plain old fuel or ignition failure. There will probably be codes stored in the PCM for theft system problems.