I have a 2004 Chevy Classic (identical to the 2003 Malibu body but with a 2.2 ecotech engine) I am having an issue with the THEFT SYSTEM light on the dashboard.. which lights up for a few seconds when the car is first started and then goes out. (I do not have an alarm system in the car and it is not a VATS key system)

Just this week on a couple of occasions the THEFT SYSTEM light has come on out of the blue..it will go off if I shut the car off and re-start it. Example:: Last night after sitting out in the parking lot for 8 hours @ 30 degrees or so started it up light went out then when I hit a bump and the light came on and stayed on.

I'm thinking 1. it really dooesn''t hurt anything does it? 2. It'* probably a loose conection on at a wire, relay or a solder joint on the dashbard/control panel 3. maybe a problem at the key switch?


Does anyone have any experience with this situation...and a fix? Any thoughts on troubleshooting it?

Thanks

Spit

what does your key say? pk3? did you try using other key?
http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

It may be related to the radio.

Is it a factory radio?

Check the battery cables for corroision, tightness.
Battery power drop will effect the theft system in some of the GM systems.

I have had the problem on my Bonnie for years. It only happens in the morning when weather is between 20-33 degrees. Never caused any side effects.

Again.

Are the battery cables tight?

You guys know its a good idea to clean the VAT'* contact in the key slot with a Q-tip & alcohol every 10 years.

its likely a wire thats getting brittle or corroded like the little ones going to the ign

cadiver its not vats after 2000ish depending on which car its likely pk3. there is a hall effect sensor and transponder key or the regular key with nothing in it on some