98 Malibu Theft control ignition shut off activates when starting the car

Hi Carol , do you mean PATS passive antitheft system ? Locked up your car ,do you mean it won't crank over an start ?
The passive anti-theft system uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user.

• During each vehicle start sequence, the ignition key identification code is requested by the vehicle protection anti-theft electronics.
• If the key's ID code has been programmed into the system, the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) is signaled to enable the vehicle to start.
• If the key's ID code is not programmed into the system, or if no encoded key is detected, then the powertrain control module is signaled to disable the vehicle.

The passive anti-theft system communicates the state of the security system to the powertrain control module via the J-1850 communications network data link connector (DLC). The powertrain control modulebased on the communications from the passive anti-theft system, will determine if the vehicle's engine is enabled to start. The passive anti-theft system differs from the active anti-theft alarm system in that the passive anti-theft system enables/disables the vehicle from starting and only operates with the ignition switch in RUN/START position. The active anti-theft alarm system has perimeter protection capabilities and operates only with the ignition switch OFF. Refer to Section 13-11A for active anti-theft alarm system information.
Vehicle Disabling The passive anti-theft system will be activated and disable the vehicle from starting if any of the following conditions exist:

• damaged encoded key
• unprogrammed key
• non-encoded key (key has no electronics)
• wiring concern
• transceiver concern
• Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) control module concern
• J-1850 Communications Network concern
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

IT is the RING around your KEY

Go here.
http://newrockies.com/

when we try to start the car it will not stay running are theft system stay on how can can we fix it

You need to reset the theft system. To do this, try to start it. It should start and die. Then after it dies and the theft light is flashing, leave the key on for 10 minutes. After 10 min, the theft light should go out. After the theft light goes out, turn off the key. Count to 5, then restart it. Then it should work.

if the theft light comes on and wont let you start the car put the key in the on position untill the light goes off then start the car

turn key to on position leave on for 15 minutes turn key off for 20seconds then then theft lock will reset car should restart

I have a 97 Malibu and when the theft system light kept coming on and would only start after letting the car sit for 10 minutes we ended up replacing the complete ignition where the key goes in. Then it was fine. It wasn't cheap either. Sorry, good luck.

theft protection rsets itself. I have never seen a PCM go bad. Some just need a reflash which costs much, much less. You can get a used PCM if you really think you need one, at car-part.com. Page with asterisk is lowest price.

here's some info on antitheft. What's your red light doing on the dash when you turn on the key or try to start the car?

The passive anti-theft system (PATS) also contains the following components:

• Theft indicator.
• Encoded ignition key.
• Passive anti-theft transceiver module.
• Hybrid electronic cluster (HEC).
• Powertrain control module.
• J1850 communication network.
• Lighting control module (LCM).

The passive anti-theft system (PATS) uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. This system is known as SecuriLock® in North America, Safeguard® in the U.K., and PATS in Continental Europe. This information can be found in customer literature such as the Owner's Manual.
PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code out of over 72 million billion combinations.
Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into a vehicle's hybrid electronic cluster (HEC) before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic service procedures outlined in the workshop manual that must be performed if the encoded ignition keys need to be replaced.
The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require batteries and should last the life of the vehicle.
The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is located behind the steering column shroud, and contains an antenna connected to a small electronic module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to the HEC.
The control functions are contained in the HEC. This module performs all of the PATS functions, such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling engine enable. The HEC initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or START.
PATS uses the powertrain control module (PCM) to enable or disable the engine. The HEC communicates with PCM over the J1850 network in order to enable engine operation. The HEC and the PCM use sophisticated messages in order to prevent a theft. The HEC communicates with the lighting control module (LCM), which controls the theft indicator.The HEC and the PCM share security data when first installed together that makes them a matched pair. After this security data sharing, these modules will not function in other vehicles. The shared PCM ID is remembered even if the battery is disconnected. The HEC also stores the vehicle's key identification code even if the battery is disconnected. There are special diagnostic workshop procedures outlined in this service manual that may be performed if either the HEC or the PCM needs replacement.
All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working properly, the vehicle will not start.
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indictor will either flash rapidly or glow steadily (more than three seconds) when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
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.

This sound different again, I am thinking, since there is a valve (controlled by on board theft system) to shut off the fuel that there is the problem area, but just dirt, you know, the usual stuff.
I do know that car runs very shortly if theft system kicks in, maybe it kicked in but valve does not quite close?
Make sure you do your 10 minute routine to disable the theft system