Ignition/starter trouble When I try to start the car the dash reads check key. Key was in fact a little dirty, so I cleaned the key. car still does not start. Alternator and starter brand new. Any suggestions Greatly appreciated.

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Put the key into ignition and turn it to RUN position. All dash lights will illuminate. Don't try to start the car. Leave the key in the ignition for about 5-10 minutes or until security light will stop flashing. The car should start after that. Security lock on the Pontiac disables the injectors, so the engine should crank. If it does not, you may want to check ignition switch, fuse and relay for the starter. Try to reset security first. Sometimes the magnet in the ignition lock cylinder gets dirty and needs cleaning. written by AlexGS
If the above procedure does not work the first time, try again, but right at the start insert key in and out of ignition several times to get good contact, as your key or ignition could be faulty.

Passlock III reset procedure reset security system on chevy buick...

https://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080809211716AAHluay

look at relay and wire connections to starter if power to starter than starter solenoid or starter gone bad it no power check battery --key ,if worn ignition may not be reading key -if key has chip in it chip may have gone pad --ignition switch went bad

• Check Your Fuses: Few cars have a fuse associated with the starting system, but before you go monkeying around with everything, check your fuses to be sure it's not that simple.
• Battery Corrosion: Over time your battery connections can become dirty, or corroded. This corrosion breaks the connection your battery has with the rest of the car, and it won't start. Try cleaning your battery posts and try to start the car again.
• Dead Battery: The most common reason your car won't start is a dead battery. If you have a battery tester that can measure cranking amps, test your battery to see if it's weak. If you can't test it yourself, you can test the battery indirectly by jump-starting the car. If it starts right away, your problem is most likely a dead battery. Replace the battery, and clean the battery connections to ensure good contact.
• Bad Igntion Switch: If your battery checks out, but the starter is still silent, it may be a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start). If the red warning lights on your dash don't light up (and your battery connections are clean), the ignition switch is bad. If they do light up, turn the key to the start position. The dash warning lights should turn off at this key position (most cars). If you're not sure, turn on the headlights. When you try to start the car, the lights should either dim (a lot) or turn off completely. If they do, your ignition switch should be ok. If not, the switch will need replacement.
• Bad Starter Connection: Corrosion can not only keep your battery from connecting, it can affect any electrical component, especially the ones exposed to the elements like the starter. If you have a helper, you can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. This is the smaller of the two wires connected to the starter. Be sure no part of your body is near the moving parts of the engine - it could still start at any time! Have a friend turn the key and check the current. If you're getting current to the starter but it ain't spinning, it needs replacement.

If your starter spins freely when you turn the key, the problem lies elsewhere. Now you begin to check the other systems that could keep it from firing up.

With what you say I would be checking the current to the starter when you turn the key to start. That will tell you if it is ignition switch or not. If the switch is ok pull the starter motor and have it tested for faulty armature.

ses this causes and fix it. God bless you
Battery Corrosion: Over time your battery connections can become dirty, or corroded. This corrosion breaks the connection your battery has with the rest of the car, and it won't start. Try cleaning your battery posts and try to start the car again.
Bad Igntion Switch: If your battery checks out, but the starter is still silent, it may be a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start). If the red warning lights on your dash don't light up (and your battery connections are clean), the ignition switch is bad. If they do light up, turn the key to the start position. The dash warning lights should turn off at this key position (most cars). If you're not sure, turn on the headlights. When you try to start the car, the lights should either dim (a lot) or turn off completely. If they do, your ignition switch should be ok. If not, the switch will need replacement.
Bad Starter Connection: Corrosion can not only keep your battery from connecting, it can affect any electrical component, especially the ones exposed to the elements like the starter. If you have a helper, you can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. This is the smaller of the two wires connected to the starter. Be sure no part of your body is near the moving parts of the engine - it could still start at any time! Have a friend turn the key and check the current. If you're getting current to the starter but it ain't spinning, it needs replacement.

COULD BE FAULTY STARTER SOLENOID OR STARTER. CHECK THEFT DETERRENT RELAY.SCAN WITH CODE SCANNER FOR THEFT SECURITY TROUBLE CODES.IF ALL IS GOOD.SHIFT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL SEE IF IT WILL CRANK.FAULTY NEUTRAL SWITCH WILL CAUSE NO START PROBLEMS.

Does your ignition key have a small 'chip" in it, sometimes call a smart key? If it does, that may be the source of the problem. The "chip" is actually a small resistor that has to be read by the sensor in the ignition switch. Try cleaning the key with alcohol and see if there is any difference. Sometimes they get dirty and the sensor has a hard time reading them.

My boyfriend was having the same problem with his 2002 9-3 and in reading the user manual i found the following...when the car wouldn't start this morning he tried it and instead of having to wait 15 minutes for it to start, it started right up. Oh and his screen didn't give an error.

Electronic starting interlock
(immobilizer)
When the key is inserted in the ignition, a
signal is sent to the receiver. If the signal is
verified, the engine can be started.
Each time the key is removed from the ignition,
the electronic immobilizer is activated.
If a fault is detected (e.g. in the transmitter)
”KEY NOT ACCEPTED” will appear on the
SID.
In this case, you can still start the car if you
turn the ignition key to ON and press one of
the buttons on the key.
Take the car to an authorized Saab dealer to
have the system checked.

If the car does not start
If the text "KEY NOT ACCEPTED" appears
on the SID when the engine refuses to start,
the trouble may be a fault in the transponder
of the key or in the receiver of the ignition
switch. Proceed as follows:
• Turn the key back to the LOCK position.
• Turn the key to the ON position.
• Press one of the buttons on the remote
control (the LED on top of the dash stops
flashing).
• Start the engine.
Try the other key. If it works, the trouble is in
the first key.
Call on an authorized Saab dealer for
inspection and correction

I had the same problem. trying to save money i took it to several auto places who thought they could fix it..... after a lot of money and my 800.00 after market alarm was taken off i had it took to the dealer . They fix it in two hours they put in new switch and key haven't had any problems sence.

The security light is staying on because 1 of 2 things, both of which relate to the vehicles VATS (vehicle ani-theft system). You know that little black bump in your key? Well thats part of the VATS system. There is a connection in the ignition that reads the resistance of the pellet. If its not the right one, the security light disables the ignition and starter for 3-5 mins. Now either the wiring is loose on the inside of the ignition switch, or the metal contacts of the key is dirty. Try cleaning the key off with some rubbing alcohol and try again. Or better yet, if you have a spare key that gets used less often, try that one. If that dosent work, its time for a new ignition