a few questions

[04gtols1]

Im buying a 2000 grand prix GTX and having a few problems. first I will say the car has a key made from a locksmith so it doesn't have the little chip so the security light flashes while it runs and drives. However, the parking lights, tails, etc and headlights light up when u crank it up and they stay on. Also the DIC is not lighting up with any numbers or anything.. its just black, even when I hit the buttons. So what would be causing this? the key? Thanks for any help! I heard the DIC has bulbs that need to be replaced. What are the steps required to remove them? and what tools would i need? Thanks everyone.

[Liquifire]

sounds like someone has been messing around with the electrical.........I would doubt it is just bulbs......did you check all of the fuses? The DIC has several bulbs, and unless they are all blown(not impossible but not common) it is more likely a wiring issue. I have a non GM key and my security light does not come on. If it starts the vehicle with the key, why would it still flash security? It should either accept the key or not. Was it very dark, or overcast when you test drove it.........the lights come on automatically if it is dark or overcast.......if it was sunny then maybe it just has a problem with that sensor? I dont know for sure though......

[Bio248]

you have a keyguard key setup? i just have a regular key, no chip in it..

[04gtols1]

My key is just a regular metal key. I didnt check any fuses under the dash, but the ones under the hood are ok. I will check the fuses, and pull the DIC out and see if the bulbs are blown. The buttons light up with the lights, and the tcs off lights up with you hit the button, but that is it. Also the red light by the light sensor blinks too when its running. Would it have anything to do with not having the key fobs?

[Liquifire]

Mine has no chip in it....

[04gtols1]

I did notice somebody had an amp installed in the trunk... so maybe somebody screwed some wiring up under the dash somewhere.

[Liquifire]

you dont need the key fobs to have the system operate properly.........it would make things easier....but they are not necessary.

[04gtols1]

the 2000 model cars i believe are supposed to have a chipped key.....

[Liquifire]

the 2000 model cars i believe are supposed to have a chipped key.....

I have no idea on this........I know the older GM cars had them, but I thought that they got away from this.......not sure though. anyone that has a 2000 or newer that would like to chime in?

[Jakegday]

anyone that has a 2000 or newer that would like to chime in?

my 2001 is supposedly chipped. i say "supposedly" since ive never tried without a chipped key to see if it would actually work

[Liquifire]

If the buttons on the DIC light up then it may just be the bulbs......IDK.....

[04gtols1]

lol, idk either. Im hoping its simple and doesnt need a new DIC or something like that. Im going to check the fuses, and then pull the bulbs.

[Liquifire]

if you know that the button for the trac control works, take the bulb out of there and put it in the other sockets to see if it is wiring or the bulbs.......

[04gtols1]

Your key should have a black little piece of plastic on the metal part of the key.

[Jakegday]

Your key should have a black little piece of plastic on the metal part of the key.

neither of them have this. i know exactly what you're talking about, as ive seen that before, but neither of my keys have that. i have the original gm one that came with the car, then a "chipped" one i bought off ebay, and had to have cut, then i programmed it myself. i didnt try it before programming it though.

[Liquifire]

the only gm that I had that was chipped was my 94 z28.........I thought that they had done away with them(the visible black piece on the key)

[04gtols1]

the guy at the dealership believes it is chipped... because the key blank is $44.00

[04gtols1]

but it did have to be programmed?

[Jakegday]

but it did have to be programmed?

i dont know if it HAD to be programmed. i did not try it before programming it.

[Liquifire]

it can be chipped, it is just now hidden instead of the old school black little plastic square....I am guessing anyway.