Error code 31 'Theft deterrant signal missing'

[joe_rolls_commo]

Hey guys, checked my codes yesterday & got 12, 31 & 36.
36 'vacuum leak', is a rooted valley gasket (i think) but 31's got me stuffed. Did a searchy for it but couldn't find anything, anyone got any ideas?

Cheers.

[hako]

Sometimes you'll get a code 31 if the key didn't make correct contact when inserted in the ignition....also if the battery in the key is going flat it can cause this.

[joe_rolls_commo]

Sorry bout posting, ended up finding like 5 other threads on this subject.
Could this problem cause the car to cut out? I've posted elsewhere about how my car's been cutting out & I got my CAS replaced & I'm gonna replace the EFI relay, DFI & Coil Packs. Could this code 31 cause the car to cut out, or atleast be the reason I have trouble starting it when it does?

[kopper69]

Code 31 wont cause your car to stall. If you put the key in, turn it to start but nothing at all happens, you turn the key back and turn back on and it starts fine, it has not read the key properly and will log this error 31. Once the car is started the theft deterent system is off. Try bending the metal contacts around the ignition barrel so that they will make good contact with the key. If key battery is getting low, replace the battery or the key. Otherwise could be a fault with the key reader (cheap if you do decide to replace from holden, lives behind the barrel).

You are swapping a lot of parts, perhaps we can help. Does the car start and run fine most of the time? When the car is struggling to start is when you can find the problem. You need to check for spark, you need to listen for the fuel pump priming, you need to check for signal at the injectors. EFI relay wont fix the problem, coil pack failing would cause a rough idle and would be fairly constant, not going to be the cause of your problem. Could be the dfi module.

[joe_rolls_commo]

Cheers kopper.
Yeah I bent the ignition contacts out. Reckon I'll change my key batteries, then I'll keep an eye on my coges & if I get another 31 I'll change the reader. No sweat.

The cars started cutting out back in June. Got the CAS replaced, seemed fine, then started doing it again recently. So yeah, I guess it'd be the DFI. Found meself a new, cheap, genuine one with coil packs & warranty.
Never really had any ignition problems, except central locking a bit sluggish at times. Wasn't until I got the code 31 that I thought that it might be the reason I was having trouble starting the car after it cuts out. Thought it was maybe going hand in hand with the DFI problem.
If/when it cuts out, I can usually drop it in into neutral & start it up again. Sometimes not.

[hako]

Try pressing the unlock button when it stalls (with key in ignition).