Hi, the trunk won't open on my '99 Oldsmobile Alero. It's electrical, the anti-theft has kicked in and the key doesn't work and I haven't been able to break in through the back seat. The trunk release button does not work either.

Anti-theft system can keep vehicle from starting , Alarm is for vehicle content theft , open door without key alarm sounds (horns) ! PATS - passive anti theft system PATS enables and disables the engine from starting ,it will not cause the engine to die ! You have some other kind of problem ! If the vehicle engine doesn't turn over an red light on top of dash flashes fast ,then you have anti-theft system problem !
PATS differs from the perimeter anti-theft system in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood and trunk) and sounds an alarm.

The security, antitheft or lock picture/icon is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM (Theft Deterrent Module). These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car misinterprets this as an attempt at theft and goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. This is why the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. This link explains it pretty well.
http://www.diy-gm-security.com/

Hi there
I think it would be a good move to go to a "key-maker-person" and ask for help.
good luck
kolbrun

This is a security anti theft issue. common on GM vehicles. Go to this link. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Try Changing the fuel filter, if this does not work check for spark. Hope this helps you.

YOU CANT BYPASS PASS KEY ANTI THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM.ITS PART OF THE PCM.IT WAS MADE WITH CAR.THATS WHY YOUR CAR NOT CRANKING.THE SECURITY THEFT SYSTEM SHUT DOWN FUEL SYSTEM.THE DEALERSHIP HAS TO FIX. IF YOUR IGNITION SWITCH KEY CYLINDER LOCK OR KEYS ALSO THE BCM FAULTY.THE DEALERSHIP HAS TO REPLACE FIX THEM AND REPROGRAM TO PCM IN ORDER FOR CAR TO CRANK.

MOST THE LATE MODEL CARS OBD 2 PCM CONTROL FROM 1996 - 2011 WHEN EVER YOU REPLACE THE PCM BEST FOR DEALERSHIP TO FIX BECAUSE THE PCM - CRANKSHAFT SENSOR - ANTI THEFT SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPROGRAMMED.

Is your security light flashing when it does this? If so, it is going into anti theft mode. Do you have the correct key for the car? Not an aftermarket one either.

If your trunk release button is electric, and not working because you need to turn the key to give it power, remove the button and use a piece of wire to jump power to it from the battery. This will get your trunk open! (don't forget to have a spare key made)

First, try checking the switch in the door because you could have a crossed wire. you will have to pull out the button and check the wires on all doors and trunk/boot. In the meantime, I will try to find an answer to your question.