Top 10 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Questions & Answers

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Question

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Security light on and won't start? " HELP!"

I have a 97 Achievia. The security light comes on and will not let me start the car. I will have to wait for the light to go off, try again, and repeat for about ten min. can i bypass the switch somehow? or what is the fix?

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you sure can bypass the security! i just had to do it on my 97 achieva and was amazed how simple it was!here are the steps to take:
1- if it has tilt steering, unscrew the handle for the tilt and remove from column.
2-remove the cover from the steering column.
3- on the passenger side of the column at the key switch you will see 3 small 20 gauge wires going from the ignition and up over the steering column..
4- the wires are yellow, white and black. start the car and let run for a few seconds and while car is still running cut the yellow wire. turn the car off and try to start. will start every time! i done mine 6 mo. ago and never fails to start. i got this info from a top certified mechanic who's been in business 35 years. dont take it to GM because they will try to give you the run around and tell you it will cost 400 to 500 dollars to fix and some of them will even try to tell you it cant be disabled! lol the only drawback is that the security light will be on and maybe blink like mine does but when i think about 400 or 500 dollars, i dont even see that light! lol trust me. it works! have a good day and good luck!

wolfgang4999

Posted on Mar 20, 2009

Question

  • 1,432 People Helped

i have a 1997 olds achieva where the security

i have a 1997 olds achieva where the security light cam on while starting with a remote starter. How can i eliminate the passlock . I dont care for the security.

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In your BCM (Body Control Module) there is integrated a TDM (Theft Deterrent Module) that is probably faulty. I saved my car in the exact same situation with this: http://newrockies.com/vatsbypass . It was the only way. The author says it works with PassKey and VATS, but It works perfectly with Passlock too as the only difference between those 2 systems is that in PassKey the resistor is in the key, while in Passlock, the same resistor is in the lock ...that's where the names come from... :)

Posted on Apr 12, 2010

Question

  • 1,297 People Helped

coolant leaking out of heater core drain tube

coolant leaking out of heater core drain tube

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Answer

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The core is bad. You're lucky you have a catchpan and drain in your car... most people end up with coolant all over their feet when this happens! You have a few options. 1. You can pick up a bottle of cooling system leak stopper (available at Wal Mart and auto parts stores), follow the directions and see if that stops the leaking. 2. You can cut the heater lines and bypass the core entirely (obviously this is only a good idea if you live in Arizona or some other warm place). 3. Replace the core.

Posted on Jun 15, 2009

Question

  • 846 People Helped

97' oldsmobile achieva turns over and starts, then

97' oldsmobile achieva turns over and starts, then dies. Replaced the Ignition switch. worked for 2 days, then same. Also the dash dummy lights and the shifter gear indicator light not working.

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Answer

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do you have a "SECURITY" light blinking on the dash?

Posted on Oct 07, 2009

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NEED TO OVERRIDE THE PASSLOCK

NEED TO OVERRIDE THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON MY 97 ACHIEVA

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Answer

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go to search on computer and type in- 97 olds passlock when page comes up click on first link, this page should help you!

Posted on Sep 27, 2010

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  • 830 People Helped

ignition keeps going into security car starts then

ignition keeps going into security car starts then stalls and security idiot light flashes

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Answer

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ignition switch problems on these cars are notorious, you can bypass the anti-theft module by placing a resistor inline so that the module 'thinks' the correct key is not an attempt to steal the car. the anti theft is located behind the glovebox and the resistor costs 15 cents at radio shack, not as hard to do as it sounds and it fixes it for good.

Posted on Dec 23, 2010

Question

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want to override passlock system. fuel not pumping

want to override passlock system. fuel not pumping

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Answer

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Hello: There is not any over-ride to by pass the pass lock system. It works in conjunction with the class 2 communication system and the engine computer. For the car to function it will have to be diagnosed and properly repaired.

Posted on Jan 08, 2011

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What if any and where

What if any and where is the 1997 Oldsmobile fuel pump switch location. Installed new pump and would not start. I am being asked if we turned on the switch? What switch?

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Answer

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The fuel pump is controlled by a fuel pump relay, and the relay is powered by a fusible link attached at the starter positive cable, and there is also an inline fuse between the fusible link and the relay. Check at the fuel pump connector at the fuel tank for current. When the ignition switch is turned on, engine not running, the fuel pump should receive current for about 3 to 5 seconds; then the ignition has to be turned off for about 10 seconds, and when turned to the on position should give power to the fuel pump again for a 3 to 5 second interval. If ther4's no power at the fuel pump connector the problem is either the relay or the wiring between the fusible link and the relay.

Posted on Jun 18, 2011

Question

  • 2,261 People Helped

how to remove GM VATS passkey passlock system from GM cars

how to remove GM VATS passkey passlock system from GM cars

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The Internet has a large number of web sites
where you can buy service manuals and schematics
from bookstores, publishers, and other collectors.

Factory Auto manuals
http://www.factoryautomanuals.com/
search for : factory service auto repair manuals

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http://www.repairservicemanuals.com/
the largest collection of Automotive Repair Service
Manuals and Owners Guides on the internet. Our
database currently holds over 54,000 entries dating
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Chilton Repair and Service Manuals
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Haynes Repair and Service Manuals
http://www.haynes.com/

Free Auto Service and Repair Manuals
http://free-auto-repair-manuals.com/

http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Free_Car_Repair_Manual


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https://www.2carpros.com/

Posted on Jan 25, 2016

Question

  • 909 People Helped

I replaced the instrument cluster on my mothers 1997 Olds Achieva and followed the instructions of a certified tech that knows this stuff. I did everything from attempt to start car and leave ignition

The details I received were as follows: Expert: Carhelp4u replied This is not an uncommon problem in this model. The problem usually is caused by a faulty passlock sensor. There is not an easy way to diagnose this without the use of a scantool that can read body failure codes. The passlock sensor is part of the complete ignition cylinder on this model. Here is a simple relearn procedure that I try when this problem occurs. 1. Turn ON the ignition, with the enging OFF. 2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON. The vehicle will not start. 3. Observe the SECURITY telltale, after approximatly 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF. 4. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds. 5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes. The vehicle is now ready to relearn the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. The problem with this is that after I changed out the instrument cluster and reconnected the battery. I started the process and the car started and continued running and I drove it around to see if the speedometer was working and it was. I got back to my moms and turned off the car and thought it was fixed. I tried to restart and nothing. It trys to start but does not. I then started the above instruction and still no luck. Can You Help Please?

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The security light is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM. (Theft Deterrent Module) The TDM is what tells your computer that the correct key is being used and that it is "OK" to allow the vehicle to start and run. These 3 parts must be in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending important signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, (normally due to a failing/broken part) the car goes into antitheft mode. The car misinterperates this and thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is NOT getting that signal from YOUR specific key. There is where the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. So basically, if that light is on, your system has some sort of failing part. This can start as an intermittent "no start", to your vehicle not running for days at a time, to the vehicle NEVER starting again. The problem is electrical and computer based, so don't count on an easy reset button, or the problem fixing itself. The hard part is isolating which part is the problem. You can spend a thousand dollars through a mechanic very easily. I have had great luck with bypassing the entire system. This way the problem will never return. It actually CAN'T ever return because it is eliminated. This can also be done yourself at a much cheaper cost. Read through this link very carefully. You'll find alot of information and pictures, along with ways to help you fix this.



http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Posted on Jun 21, 2012

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