security keeps flashing in message center I have a 2001 chevy impala?

Answer 1

This is a message telling you that there has been a fault detected in the passlock anti-theft system. This is a system built into the electronics that will disable the motor from starting that has mostly to do with the ignition key and cylinder. You will need to get the codes scanned from the BCM to start the diagnosis. The codes are hints as to what has caused the condition. Most of the time it is the ignition switch itself that causes these faults, but it could be a key or cylinder problem. If you do not get it fixed, this can cause the car's motor to not start as this is what the design is meant to do. More than likely the code will say something like, "recognizes the key but it is out of limits", which means it sees the key is fairly close to the programmed voltage but is slightly out of limits. Like I said, usually an ignition switch problem. Good luck.

Answer 2

Found this bulletin that address' your car. Would recommend taking it to a Chevrolet dealer and have this checked out:

Document ID# 1547837
2001 Chevrolet Impala


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Security Light On, Engine Will Not Crank, Diagnostic Trouble Codes B2958 and/or B2960 (Repair Poor Terminal Connections at Body Control Module) #04-08-47-003 - (Aug 31, 2004)


Security Light On, Engine Will Not Crank, Diagnostic Trouble Codes B2958 and/or B2960 (Repair Poor Terminal Connections at Body Control Module)
2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo

Condition
Some customers may comment on an engine that will not crank. Others may comment on the security light being on. Technicians may find DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) B2958 and/or B2960.

Cause
These conditions may have several different causes. In each case, however, testing of the BCMs (Body Control Modules) replaced for these conditions are frequently found to be operating to specifications and are believed to have been replaced needlessly. A change was made to the BCM hardware in February of 2003. An updated BCM can be identified by a GMAN169 or higher number found on the BCM part label. This hardware change was made to prevent the remote possibility that a BCM, built after the GMAN169 number, could be the cause of these conditions.

Correction
The following are the likely causes of these conditions:

Damaged or loose/unseated terminals in these BCM connectors may cause a security light or no start condition:
- BCM connector C1 (24-way, pink in color), terminal B9 (white wire, circuit 1459)

- BCM connector C1 (24-way, pink in color), terminal B12 (black wire, circuit 1835)

- BCM connector C2 (24-way, grey in color), terminal A3 (yellow wire, circuit 1836)

Important: Use only approved tools for removal and testing of terminals. Do not use unapproved tools to probe a terminal as this could cause damage. Use Probe Tool J 35616-6, from the J 35616-B terminal test kit, to test the terminals in the BCM connector.


Check all the terminals in both BCM connectors, focusing on the three terminals listed above, for damage and proper seating of the terminal in the connector. If no damage is noted, follow the normal SI diagnostic procedures including clearing codes and attempting to duplicate the concern.
Always check for and clear all DTCs after recharging or disconnecting the battery. Attempt to restart the vehicle only after all DTCs have been cleared. This will help prevent an unnecessary BCM replacement due to false DTCs being set while servicing the battery.
A BCM should not be replaced when DTCs U1016 and/or U1064 have been set, even though the BCM is turning on the security light. Diagnose and repair or replace components as directed by the diagnostic procedures for these diagnostic trouble codes.
A current or history diagnostic trouble code B2958 in the BCM and a loss of battery voltage due to a battery going dead or a battery disconnect may cause a no start condition upon recharging or reconnecting the battery. Clearing the diagnostic trouble code will allow the vehicle to start.
The security light may turn on when the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) does not receive a state of health message from the BCM within a specified window of time. DTCs U1016 or U1064 may set. Upon receiving the state of health message again, the security light will go out and diagnostic trouble codes will go to history. If this happens frequently, the vehicle may exhibit an intermittent or random flash of the security light.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

N6626
Wiring and/or Connector-Theft Deterrent-Repair or Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time




GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Answer 3

3 words.


Body Control Module.


About 400-500 to fix.

Answer 4

Those models have a sat link to the terrorist threat level meter. A security light flashing means that the threat level is rising.