Top 10 1998 Pontiac Sunfire Questions & Answers

I had the same thing and I had to do the bump starter and wait 10 min. and do it again.I did this for about 15 times.I was told that it depends on how far out of sink it had become.hope that it works for you.I asume that you do not have a chip in you key.

There are 3 transmissions that could be in your car,the 3 speed auto and 4 speed auto overdrive,and of course the manual 5 speed.The 3 speed is designated the 3T40,the 4 speed auto is the 4T40E trans.To check the fluid level,first,the car has to be warmed up to at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.The car has to be raised in the air,as there is a steel plug in the trans case that has to be removed to check the fluid level.The plug takes an 11 mm or 7/16" socket or wrench and is located on the passenger side of the trans case,near where the passenger side axle engages into the trans.The procedure is to warm the car up to at least 100 degrees,engage the shifter into each gear selection pausing for about 5 seconds in each gear,then remove the plug.If fluid drips out,it is full.If no fluid drips out,add fluid through the top of the trans after removing the red plastic cap,and make sure to use a long funnel to avoid a mess.Add fluid until it drips out the hole.When done,replace the plug and cap.Just a note,a transmission does not "use" fluid like an engine uses oil.If you have to add fluid,that means there is a leak that needs to be repaired.Good luck

I have your fix, Disconnect your Heater Core hoses and flush out the Heater Core or replace it. The coolant has to pass through the Heater Core before it gets to the Thermostat. GM designed the cooling system this way to speed up in-cab heating.

I had the same code for my 2004 chevy cavalier and it turned out to be the evap solenoid behind the passenger side rear tire. It has a small wiring harness coming out of it and a rubber hose connected to it. It just pops out of the frame of the car after unplugging said wire and hose. But you can only get another one by finding a junkyard that has one or going to a dealership.

Need a bit more information, Is the security light on, have you checked for spark and fuel pressure, just in case you did and know it is the passlock system then check this out, hopefully it will ansewer your problem, please rate your mechanics help.
have a great day.

GM Passlock I & II Information
Please study the following information carefully WHEN INSTALLING REMOTE START systems on a 1996 or later GM car or truck.
Introduced in 1996, GM has changed the VATS anti theft system to Pass-Lock system. This is a similar device to the VATS system, in that there is a resistor present during the start cycle. However, in the PASSLOCK system, the resistor has been placed inside the ignition switch, instead of the key. See the GM V.A.T.S page for more information.
To remotely start a car with this feature, you must bypass the PASSLOCK system. There are two methods of doing so.. The first, is to permanently bypass this system. This is the easiest method for accomplishing your task. The second way, is to temporarily bypass the PASSLOCK, by introducing relays into the system, which retain all of the features of the system, while allowing your remotes start module to bypass it automatically during a remote start cycle.
Vehicles effected
(1996 and newer): N & J body cars, such as
Pontiac Sunfire and GrandAm Passlock-1
Chevrolet Cavalier Passlock-1
Buick Skylark Passlock-1
Oldsmobile Achieva Passlock-1

1997 or newer
Chevrolet Malibu Passlock-II
Oldsmobile Cutlass Passlock-II

1998 or newer
All trucks , SUVs and Vans Passlock-II

It is important to pay special attention to the fact that there are many different ways of achieving the same goal. There are actually 2 different Passlock-II systems. On the next page, there are tests to establish which type of passlock-II your car has.

Relays shown are standard automotive 5 pin spdt relays, available from IEI.
A multi meter is required to measure the resistance values. Accuracy is important within 5%.

Once the value of the resistor is measured, a resistor of the same value +/-5% must be purchased (Radio Shack, for example). You can also use a Potentiometer (POT), which can be adjusted to the same value of the resistor in the ignition switch.

Passlock-I bypass procedure....

1: Remove the top and bottom shrouds from the steering column.
2: Find the 3 wire ribbon cable, coming from the ignition switch, containing White, Black, Yellow (Sometimes White, Black, Black). These are THIN wires.
3: Locate the Black 6 position connector on the LEFT side of the steering column, right above the ignition switch position. There is a BLACK (Thin) wire in this connector, called "Bulb Test", which shows Ground with ignition in the Off position, OPEN in the "Run" position, and GROUND in the "Crank" position.
4: Turn the ignition switch to the "Run" position. Do not crank the car.
5: Cut the Thin Yellow wire and strip both ends.
6: Without cutting the Black wire, expose some of the copper.
7: Using the ohmmeter, measure from the Yellow wire (the end coming from the ignition switch), to the exposed Black wire and record the value. Measure more than once to assure you have the right value.
8: Acquire the same size resistor and 3 relays, and perform the connections shown in the diagram below.

PASSLOCK-II bypass procedure

There are 2 types of Passlock-II systems. To determine which system you have, follow these instructions;

1: Locate two wires, which are THIN and are in the main ignition harness.. Orange/Black (or Black) and Yellow.
2: Cut the Yellow wire, and strip back some of the insulation from the Orange/Black (Or Black) wires.
3: Turn the ignition to the "Run" position ( don't crank the starter). Measure and record the value measured from the KEY SIDE of the Yellow wire, to the Black/Orange wire.
4: Turn the key to the "Crank" position and release. Now read the value again.
5: If the value changed, follow "Method#1". If the value stayed the same, follow "Method#2".







These diagrams are from our friends at ALARMTEK AUTO ALARM

try leaving the key on for 5 to 10 minutes
for the BCM (body control module) to relearn

Hello! ETS stands for Enhanced Traction System. It is a system that limits traction loss by utilizing the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to keep the tires from spinning on slippery or loose pavement. If you press the button, and the ETS light is illuminated on your instrument panel, that indicates that the system is disengaged. To engage the system, push the ETC button on the shift handle, and the light should go off. If it doesn't, that could be an indication that you have an ABS malfunction and you should have that diagnosed.

I hope this helps and thanks for using FixYa!

This code is for an internal problem with the powertrain control module.(pcm)The PCM is located on the passengers side fender under the front.The plastic wheel well cover has to be removed to see it.This is a bad area and the pcm gets dirt,wet,and dust on it.There was a recall for installing a cover on it and you can check if your has one.This could be the problem with your vehicle and you might have to replace the pcm.Hope this helps.Good luck.

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I must have a broken or bent wire in the shifting area on 1998 pontic sunfire shifter area the wires next to the . shifter are visual I don't won't to go to the libiary for a book witch I'm sure is faster but it's cold vickie