Oldsmobile/Buick: gm vats system, olds cutlass supreme, obd2 scanner

Question
On my
>daughter's 96 olds. cutlass supreme,3100 v-6, the security light comes on
>and stays on even when engine is running. I checked it out and found an
>open wire in steering coloum going to key cly. I unplugged wires going to
>key and put a resistor of equal value across wires coming from dash. In my
>way of thinking this should take the place of the key being in ing.
>Security light still does not go out. Do I need a scanner or something to
>clear this fault as I think I have corrected the problem? I hooked up an
>OBD2 scanner to car but it did not show any faults. Any help on this
>matter would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks, Kevin  

Answer
Hi Kevin,
Eletrical troubleshooting in this area for me is a bit vague. So, I consulted a friend who does this work regularly. There are numerous areas that could cause the faulty Security light staying on. 1. The ignition switch or faulty harness connector block as you've already done. 2. Faulty component(s) within the entire security system loop. The values of current going through to each designated component must be exactly for which it was programmed. Therefore the resistor you installed may silence, but will not correct the problem completely. For whatever reason, the computer is not communicating. The diagnostic must be performed at the computer box, and not from under the hood, using a programmable scanner, and a reference manual to decode the numbers for precise area of fault. All of which requires a shop or dealership who has this advanced equipment. There are many variables when it comes to diagnosing electrical problems as you know. Unfortunately, this area is way advanced, and you run the risk of possible costly damage by a trial and error approach. Hope this helps, wish I could have helped in this area, but the info was passed on to me. Good luck, I hope this has shed some light on your problem. Ray