2001 Park Avenue Security light

[michaelbsc]

Hey guys, I cannot find much about this, and I don't have an owners manual for the car.

It it is a 3800 series 2001 Buick Park Avenue. (I bought it because I have had such a wonderful experience with the Bonneville SSE 3800.)

Recently the security light will come on after the car is started and will remain on while driving. My wife drives the car most of the time, and she says it's been happening for a few weeks. She claims it's related to a door being open or the trunk not closed tightly, but I've convinced myself this is not the case.

The vehicle doesn't have trouble running, which I would expect it it is a bad key (I only have one). And when you shut it down and restart it the light invariably goes away, but returns in a day or so.

What makes this light illuminate? Only a few things? Scores of things?

Help, please. You guys have kept my Bonneville going for at least 2 more years than it has any right to expect. I'm hoping you can clue me in on this one, too.

Michael

[ChilinMichael]

Clean the resistor on your key with a tiny bit if rubbing alcohol and a rag, see if that helps. This sounds VATS related, but cannot be sure.

[00Beast]

01 should have the PK3. Could be the VTD, but that usually causes the vehicle to not start. Could try doing a security re-learn, and see what happens.

[michaelbsc]

Clean the resistor on your key with a tiny bit if rubbing alcohol and a rag, see if that helps. This sounds VATS related, but cannot be sure.

No resistor on this one.

01 should have the PK3. Could be the VTD, but that usually causes the vehicle to not start. Could try doing a security re-learn, and see what happens.

Since I only got one key when bought it I'm going to have the dealer make a second key and clicker for me. That should go through the relearn procedure when they activate it, shouldn't it?

Besides a dealer, can you buy keys for these things? My '95 Bonneville has the resistor pellet, and the local locksmith had those. But no one seems to have the embedded chip keys like this Buick.

Michael

[harofreak00]

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

[michaelbsc]

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m38.l1313&_nkw=pk3+buick&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Thanks!

[michaelbsc]

01 should have the PK3. ... Could try doing a security re-learn, and see what happens.

This did the job quite well. As I mentioned, since I only had one key I got another one made, and the dealer did the programming. [Ouch!]

I see the references to blanks on eBay. If I get a third, how hard is the programming? The dealer has a cute little computer that plugs in, but my diagnostics computer doesn't show me anything about the security system.

Will the 'turn the key on and off in secret sequence' trick let me have a 3rd key if I just buy a blank annd have a locksmith cut it??

MB

[harofreak00]

Nope, gotta have the dealer do it.

[michaelbsc]

Nope, gotta have the dealer do it.

Bummer. What else does that cute little computer they have do that mine doesn't?

[00Beast]

Among many other things. It can monitor, cycle, or control any electrical system on your car.

[1fatcat]

The Tech2 (cute little computer) can do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING on a GM vehicle...except race tunning.

[Archon]

I was under the impression that new keys could be added without a trip to the dealer using the following procedure. However, the dealer had to program new key fobs.

30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure
Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

* The keys/lock cylinders
* The theft deterrent controller module
* The PCM (if necessary, refer to the Important statements above)

1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF, using a master Pass-Key III key (black).
2. Observe the security telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn off.
3. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds .
4. Repeat step 1 through step 3 two more times, for a total of 3 cycles or 30 minutes . IMPORTANT: The vehicle learns the key information and/or passwords on the ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.
5. Start the vehicle (the vehicle has now learned the key and password information).
6. Clear any DTCs using the scan tool.

Quick Learn Procedure - Keys Only

IMPORTANT:

* Additional master theft deterrent controller keys (black) or valet keys (gray) may be added (up to 10 keys) using this procedure when there is an available learned master theft deterrent controller key (black).
* This procedure adds keys only. This procedure does not erase previously learned keys.
* The keys to be learned must duplicate the mechanical cut of the current key.
* If more than one valet key (gray) is to be learned, each valet key must be immediately preceded by a learned master theft deterrent controller key (black).

1. With a previously learned master theft deterrent controller key (black), turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key.
3. Within 10 seconds , insert the key to be learned (either black or gray) and turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. The vehicle has now learned the new key(s).

[michaelbsc]

The Tech2 (little computer) can do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING on a GM vehicle...except race tunning.

So, are these avaialble, and if so are they affordable?

[1fatcat]

They are available to anyone who wants one. They are not exactly affordable though. I would say they range from $1000-$3000 depending on if it is new or used and how many accesories you want with it.

[1fatcat]

There seems to be some confusion with PK3 key programming. Maybe I am the confused one, but I thought they were programmable with no tools?

IIRC, the procedure is:
Take a functioning, programmed key and cycle the ignition to run. Now, within 5 seconds, turn key off, remove, install new key and cycle to run. Key is now programmed.

Rather, the computer is now programmed to accept the new key as a valid key. I know, I know, that sounds way too simple. But it is that simple.

EDIT: Sorry Archon, I see you already posted this info.

[olblueeyesbonne]

The PK3 key is programmable with no tools. I've seen it done a few times (1997 PA, 2002 PAU, 2004 PAU).

[harofreak00]

dang good info! Sorry about the bad info.

2000+ fobs are dealer only, right?

[michaelbsc]

There seems to be some confusion with PK3 key programming. Maybe I am the confused one, but I thought they were programmable with no tools?

IIRC, the procedure is:
Take a functioning, programmed key and cycle the ignition to run. Now, within 5 seconds, turn key off, remove, install new key and cycle to run. Key is now programmed.

Rather, the computer is now programmed to accept the new key as a valid key. I know, I know, that sounds way too simple. But it is that simple.

EDIT: Sorry Archon, I see you already posted this info.

OK, since I have currently working keys, if I got a couple of new blank black keys from eBay and have them cut so they work correctly in the trunk and doors (to check the fit), then I can use this procedure to program them as spares for my "boy was I stupid" rat holes?

But the radio transmitter clicker is out of the picture?

Man this is all a lot harder than my '95 was. Guess that's why the older cars were easier to steal.

MB

[1fatcat]

Correct on all.