97 Z28 auto. Won't crank, won't start. At first, I thought the battery was dead. Tried to jump it, and it still didn't start. I have a 99 olds aurora that did the same thing a few months back. I disconnected the battery overnight hoping it would 'reset' the security system and it started right up the next morning. Will that work here? What are my options?

 

You could try that and see if it works.

 

check all fuses under hood and side of dash. could be vats, could be poor connection, could be fried starter. first clean your battery terminals and cable ends, wire brush the hech outa them. then with someone holding the key to the start position see if your getting 12 volts to the small wire at the starter. if not its your wiring, ignition switch or vats.

 

Ehhhhhh...... is your "security" light on?

 

Well she started right up this morning. I had the battery cables disconnected all night. I was kind of doubting that it was the security because the light would come on then turn off right away like it is supposed to. Oh well shes starting up just fine now.

 

I offer this troubleshoioting tip,
The next time there is no cranking, but you have all dash warning lights,
remove the key and wait a min of 3 minutes.
Then retry to start again with the same key.
Supposedly, the engine will start as given by directions from the Owner's Manual.
Do this tip a couple times to get a good history.

If the above happens, the fault can be the tumbler in the column not 'reading' the key. Tumbler needs replacement, comes with a new key, and you will need to provide ownership proof of the vehicle at any GM dealer. Steering wheel, lock plate needs to come off, two thin white wires in the column connector need extracting, tie a string to the wires and pull out the tumber with wires.

New tumber goes in with the string just pulled tied to the new wires and gently pull them through the column and connect to the connector. You will need a Torx bit, T25 or T30 for removing the tumbler screw and either the $10 lock plate pusher, from Harbour freight, or a good pair of thumbs and patience, in depressing the spring to use a scribe for removing the lock plate retaining ring. When pulling out the combo switch handle, be firm and do not pull more than 1 inch from the wheel as any more length will skin the wire insulation and maybe pull off the wire from their soldered place. When replacing the combo handle, be sure to place its harness back into the clips keeping the harness out of the column path and may resulty in seeing how much 'smoke' GM packed into the column.

Or let the dealer or an independent shop do it for a nominal fee.
On an easier tip, it might need a starter relay replacement.