Q: I own a 2003 Chevy S-10 pickup truck. I had an aftermarket remote starting system installed by Circuit City before they went out of business and the vehicle sometimes won't start when starting with the key. I noticed that the "Security" light is illuminated. When it doesn't start with the key, I use the remote start system to start it up. Do you know what might be wrong? -- Dan, Orland Park

A: Dan, it sounds like there's a problem with the theft deterrent system, not the remote starting system. Your S-10 utilizes a theft deterrent system known as Passlock. It's designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if the proper key is not detected. The reason why the vehicle starts with the remote starting system, though, is likely because the remote starting system has a special electrical circuit that bypasses the Passlock system.

It's fairly common for the Passlock sensor in the steering column to go bad. If that happens, the vehicle will not start with the ignition key. But before having the Passlock sensor replaced, the entire system should be inspected and the technician should connect a diagnostic scan tool to see if there are any DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) stored in the BCM (Body Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module). If any DTCs are retrieved, following the appropriate diagnostic procedure will lead the technician to the cause.

Q: I own a 1999 GMC van. Sometimes after starting the engine it stalls out immediately. It might do this several times and then after waiting for a while it will eventually stay running. Also, on occasion when I'm driving at about 35 mph and I try to pass another vehicle, the transmission doesn't seem to shift properly and the van doesn't accelerate normally. I would like to know what might be causing this. --
T.T., Gary, IN

A: T.T., your van might be suffering from inadequate fuel pressure and/or volume. It's possible that the fuel filter and/or fuel pump may need to be replaced. I'd recommend you have your van's fuel system tested for pressure and delivery volume.

Q: I own a 2003 Buick Century. I hear ping-ping-ping noises for about one minute after I park my car in the garage and turn the engine off. It doesn't do this when stopped at a light. Do you know what's wrong? -- G.R., Cicero

A: G.R., the pinging noise you hear is nothing to worry about. It's caused by hot metal parts on the engine contracting as they give off their heat and cool off.

Q: Someone told me there's a way to get the "Engine" light in my 1993 Dodge Caravan to flash trouble codes. Do you know if that's true? -- S.B., Chicago

A: S.B., yes, it's true. This procedure works for many older Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. You simply turn the ignition key on, off, on, off, and on again within five seconds without starting the engine. Then, the "Engine" light will flash two-digit codes. So, a flash, pause, flash, flash, would be a code 12.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708/633-6839 or e-mail Autoadvisr@aol.comAutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician