About a year ago, my 1999 Saturn SL-2 decided not to start. More precisely, it wouldn't turn over at all. There was no clicking, no weak cranking, no lights on the dash dimming down when I tried to start it ( All of these are indications of a low or dead battery, bad battery connection, or possibly a starter/ starter solenoid problem)
I was convinced it had something to do with my anti-theft system because that acted up right before the car wouldn't start. I ended up taking it to Saturn. They told me it was indeed related to the anti-theft system, and if--- yes "IF"--- they still made the part it would have been close to a 1000.00$ fix. But they didn't have the part, so the mechanic cleaned the terminals to this faulty part and the car worked fine for about a year. Cut to yesterday. Car will not start again. Same weird anti-theft stuff also occurring at the same time. I am BROKE right now and can't afford to drive it into a Saturn repair facility and hand them a blank check. I can't afford to scrap this car which, otherwise, works just fine, but if I can't rely on it to start, what am I to do.
I started researching on the internet, and after an hour or two, I came to a forum that discussed faulty PassKEY and Passlock Systems in GM cars. Apparently this is a fairly common occurrence in older GM cars. This gentleman has figured out a way to fix the problem for good, and it doesn't cost anywhere near the 1000 dollars. I just ordered it today. I posted this for the other folks out there who I see are having a very similar problem, and were told to look at their starters, or batteries. More cost without a fix. I will post again when and hopefully if, this fix, fixes my car.
Good luck with your problem. I hope this site can help you:
How to disable and remove VATS, PASSKey and Passlock Security Systems in GM cars