"Security" light flashes when trying to start my 1994 olds 98. When ignition is turned the started does nothing. Tried multiple "pass-key II" keys with same result.

Turn the key to acc and wait about 10 minuter for the security light to go solid or stop blinking

someone told me to by getting out of the car and locking the driver door with the key, going to the front passenger door and unlocking, then relocking the door using the key. I have to repeat this step 2-4 times and eventually it will start. ?????????
This has nothing to do with it starting !

This is what's happening , Inside the lock cylinder are contacts that read the resistance of the pellet on the key , the contacts are getting worn out . You have two options , replace the lock cylinder or by-pass it all together .
The PASS-Key II® ignition key (1) contains a unique resistor pellet which is idenified by the Body Control Module (BCM) (2). There are 15 different key (resistor) codes. Only one ignition key resistor pellet code will work with each PASS-Key II® theft deterrent system.
Ignition Key Lock Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder contains spring loaded contacts which make physical contact with the ignition key when it is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. This allows the ignition lock cylinder to provide the Body Control Module (BCM) (2) with the resistor code embedded in the ignition key.

GM VATS Key Resistor Key Security Bypass
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Buick/Century/Standard/Ignition_Lock_Cylinder/1999/SIUS222L.html?apwcid=bngpla

Have it checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's . I suspect the problem is with the tdm module or the ignition switch ???? Assuming will only get you into trouble . If the PCM - engine computer does not see the right coded meassage from the TDM it won't turn on the fuel injectors or it will cut them off in two seconds . .
Buick Security Systems 1998 Chevy is the same .
Ignition Key With Wrong Resistor Pellet Code is Used To Start Engine
The theft deterrent module performs one of the two following actions when you attempt to start the vehicle with a wrong ignition key:
• There are 15 PASS-Key® II resistance ranges. The PASS-Key® II resistance may be one of the 14 valid but incorrect PASS-Key® II resistance ranges. The theft deterrent module will perform the following actions when you attempt to start the vehicle (if the condition is present during an engine start attempt or for 1 second any time after the engine has started):
• Turns on the SECURITY indicator
• Sends a password to the PCM through the fuel enable signal circuit
• The password disables fuel delivery to the engine.
• Disables the theft deterrent relay, which disables the starter circuit
• Disables sampling of the PASS-Key® II resistance for 3 minutes
• The 3 minute time period is called the shut-down period.
• Disconnecting the battery will not clear the timer sequence. The timer sequence will resume when battery power is restored.
• Inserting the proper key during the vehicle shut-down period will not start the engine. The engine will not start until the shut-down period has elapsed.
• After the shut-down period, the engine will start if the correct ignition key resistor pellet is used.
• The PASS-Key® II resistance may be correct and allow the engine to start. Later during the same ignition cycle, the PASS-Key® II resistance may be one of the 14 valid but incorrect resistance ranges. The theft deterrent module will perform the following actions:
• Enters the fail-enable mode
• Turns ON the SECURITY indicator
• Sends a password to the PCM through the fuel enable signal circuit when more attempts to start the engine occur
• The password allows the fuel enable circuit to deliver fuel to the engine.
• Enables the theft deterrent relay, which also enables the starter circuit.

Ignition Key With Correct Resistor Pellet Code is Used To Start Engine
The theft deterrent module performs the following actions when the correct ignition key is used in order to start the vehicle:
• Enables the theft deterrent relay. The theft deterrent relay enables the starter unit.
• Sends a password to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through the fuel enable signal circuit. As a result, the PCM allows fuel delivery to the engine.


By pass theft system .
GM VATS Key Resistor Key Security Bypass

Yes it sounds like a security system problem. Does the new column have pass key? You are leaving the key on until the security light stops flashing? The light is flashing for 10 minutes?

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key II (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key II is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won't
work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it's inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light stays on when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this time. If the starter still won't work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see "Fuses and Circuit Breakers" in the Index). If the starter won't work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key II.

If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The SECURITY light will flash. But you don't have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key II to have a new key made.

If you're ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key II system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key II system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key II ignition key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key II to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-CHEV-USA or 1-800-243-8872 (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800).

Also this could helpfull: 2000 Chevrolet Camaro - Owners Manual

Hope helps.

The chip is part of the PASS-II security system. It is designed to prevent engine being started with another key. It is part of the security system. When you insert key and turn the ignition to the on or start position, does the security light in dash panel flash? Unfortunately, there is no way to by-pass or turn it off. Also, the key and chip must be completely dry and clean. Contact your nearest GM dealership or a locksmith who can service the PASS-II system to get a new key. I had a 1995 Buick Regal with the same problem. I had to get a new key from the dealership. Let me know if this works for you or not. Thanks.

Normally, you would insert the key in the drivers door, turn left, then right to disarm and reset it. If yours is malfunctioning, you can disable it for good by doing the following:

The FACTORY ALARM DISARM WIRE IS
light green with a negative polarity at the harness coming out of the door in the driver's side kick panel.

Once Located, splice into this wire with a similar guage wire, and put it to a solid chassis ground. This terminates the OEM alarm functions entirely.

OR:

Bulb Stays Illuminated and Engine Does Not Start. If the "SECURITY" indicator stays illuminated while and after attempting to start the engine and the engine does not crank or start, this indicates that the PASS-Key II module has sensed an improper key value and has disabled the engine and set the disable timer. This specifically does not mean that the key sense circuit is open or shorted to chassis ground, refer to "Bulb Flashes and Engine Does Not Start." Remove the key from the ignition and verify that is the correct key code for the vehicle. The key code may be checked using J 35628-A and comparing the key code to that of other keys for the vehicle. After waiting approximately 3 minutes for the disable time to expire and the "SECURITY" indicator to go out, try to start the engine with a known good key with the proper key code.


Bulb Flashes and Engine Does Not Start. If the "SECURITY" indicator flashes once per second and the engine does not start, this indicates that the PASS-Key II module sensed an open, a short or otherwise invalid (value matched none of the available 15 key codes) input from the ignition key resistor input. The PASS-Key II module does not start the disable timer during this operation mode. This operation mode could also be caused by a malfunctioning power or ground circuits.

OR:

There is 2 more ways to fix the problem:

1) replace key cylinder (very difficult)

2) look for 2 small white wires encased in an orange cover at the bottom of the steering column at the big steering column connector. Cut the two small white wires and connect a resistor of the same resistance of your key chip onto the two white wires leading into the connector. Problem solved!


I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

if the pass key light is flashing you may have to take it to a shop and have it diagnosed. i had this problem with my 98 sonoma. my problem was that the pass key sensor was bad. for some reason the car is not recognising your ignition key and is going into security mode. this one is almost impossible for the do it yourselfer unless you have a scan tool. (not a code scanner) this is how gm gets you.

Sounds like a RFID issue. Your key most likely has a chip inside of it. Most of the time people will have multiple keys on their key chain that can cause interference with the receiver in your steering column. Try using the one ignition key to start.

Ok..
Your vehicle is equipaded with Factory Anti Theft System.
Called Pass key II . If the mechanic found the Code
Pass key error....
Is there a few test to Do. to know exactly the problem.

1--- check if the Old and New key Are equipaded with a Little thing (Chip or Ressistence) in the center of the key.
If not you need a key with the chip. and the correct Ohms.

2. If you just replace the battery,
Full charge the battery Attemp to start the vehicle and leave the key in run position for exactly 11 Minutes, Them turn the key to off position for 30 seconds and try to start, if the vehicle start . you did the prosses to program the key.

If the vehicle not start.
Some times this procedure will require Up to 3 times to setup.
Or more with intervals of 30 minutes,, But if not start.
Remove the lower cover of the steering column. and the the Connector orange with 2 white wires shielded with a orange cover.
NOTE.. Be sure to not Confuse with the Yellow wires and connector, They are for the AIR BAG. Dont use a Convencinal Test light on any of the Mentionated wires....

After you find the wire and saw everything ok.

3-- You will need to remove the Ignition Lock cylinder.
The ignition lock cylinder is use 2 white wires shielded with orange cover, On 90% of the cases one of the wires come broken. and the ECM loss the comunication with the Chip incrusted in the key..