# Weird Message from Computer at startup

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [January 23, 2015, 7:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792 "2015-01-23T07:05:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wonderingsamk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bc8723/32.png) [@wonderingsamk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wonderingsamk)\
**Post date:** [January 23, 2015, 7:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792/1 "2015-01-23T07:05:33Z")

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Hello, I have a 1992 Buick Olds88 Regency. I just went out to start up my car, and it would not turn over and this message came up,“please clean your key and try again in a few minutes.” It is cold outside, but its been way colder, so I thought maybe the weather? But it seems like somethings been tampered with? All electric came on, just wouldnt turn over to start. Waited a few minutes, then it did, but …isnt this bizarre?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [January 23, 2015, 7:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792/2 "2015-01-23T07:15:44Z")

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For some reason the anti-theft system didn’t recognize the chip in your key and thought the vehicle was being stolen. Thereby preventing the engine from starting.

Tester

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**Author:** ![wonderingsamk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bc8723/32.png) [@wonderingsamk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wonderingsamk)\
**Post date:** [January 23, 2015, 7:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792/3 "2015-01-23T07:16:53Z")

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Never mind, just read up on the passkey passlock recall anti-theft stupid thing that should have been fixed. thanks, anyway.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [January 23, 2015, 7:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792/4 "2015-01-23T07:20:30Z")

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Sounds like an older anti-theft system that uses a key with a “chip” in it that must match what is in the computers memory…The chip is actually a simple resistor and the computer reads its value before allowing a start…A new key might be cheap insurance as they do wear out…

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**Author:** ![wonderingsamk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bc8723/32.png) [@wonderingsamk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wonderingsamk)\
**Post date:** [January 23, 2015, 7:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-message-from-computer-at-startup/88792/5 "2015-01-23T07:53:10Z")

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Yes, thanks, guys, for your reply!! Appreciate it!!