2004 Pontiac Grand Am Logo
Posted on Sep 12, 2009
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2004 pontiac Grand Am with security passlock starting problems

My daughter has a 2004 pontiac Grand Am and on several instances after switching off the car from driving with the security light the car fails to start. It has been in the shop and all they did was charge me a $119 to re-set the system. The problems keeps recurring and it takes a while to get the car re-started. What is an easy fix? I read an article about bypassing the system, how difficult is this?

2 Answers

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  • Expert 64 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 12, 2009
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Unfortunately you are correct, this
vehicle has the PASSLOCK II key
based engine disabling system, and currently it
is engaged. The sensor does not recognize &
retain the passlock reader chip in your ignition
switch any longer.

A bypass is required to circumvent.
If left unchecked, it will lock down the fuel injector
rail (as it has now), and you will need to
tow it in to GM for evaluation, and resetting.
Eventuall, the 10 minute over ride will cease to
work and you will finally be forced to visit
a Pontiac/GM dealer.

But, if you want to just remove this system
from the equation entirelly,
I suggest the PLJX bypass kit to get around
this issue.

This Passlock Bypass Module is designed to momentarilly
allow the engine to remote start by sending a proper
coded pulse to open the fuel rail passlock injector
cut off circuit.

The output from an alarm/remote starter
would then shut down the pulse, once it has detected
the engine has engaged, and preserve the integrity
of the passlock system.

That is it's designed purpose.

However, in your case, this input wire on the PLJX module,
instead of going to a momentary ground pulse from
an alarm/remote starter,
would go to a constant chassis ground, through
the bypass module, grounding out the PASSLOCK.
The PASSLOCK would then always be bypassed as long
as that wire is chassis grounded.

I can not speak about a damaged passlock system,
like if a thief has destroyed it, because I do not
get into this part of GM'S security application.
Coincidence to installing
after market remote starters, this does work on bypassing
passlock in most all GM vehicles,
including your year GM vehicle as well.

Also, this is a self learning, resistor sensing
and adjusting module. Once the VATS wires have been tapped,
you would press the program button to learn,
and it does. The car should then allow start
with any hardware store key.

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  • Posted on May 06, 2019
A_Tune e
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Would this work for a 99 mercury grand marquis? If so what model from pljx to buy?

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Does a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am have a chipped ignition key ?

Hello, no chip in the key. this vehicle uses a passlock sensor inside the ignition lock cylinder. if you are having a security light problem and maybe a no start. this usually requires the ignition lock cylinder to be replaced
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2004 pontiac grand am car starts but stalls immediately, what is wrong?

Hi, is the security light blinking or staying on? Welcome to the dreaded GM Passlock malfunction. There are several procedures online to check and try. Most involve leaving the key on for 11 minutes. Some say to do it several times. Take a look here for the horror stories: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Pontiac/Grand_Am/2001/electrical/passlock_problem_wont_start_anti-theft_light_is_on.shtml

There is some limited explanation here: http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/repair-topics/gm-anti-theft-systems

Sorry, but there is no easy fix.
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I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT. Security light stays on. Hve to turn ut to ACC, wait 10 min and hope and pray it will turn over and start. This is becoming a nuisance! Is there any way possible to...

I found this web site and it works great to disarm the securuty system and only cost you about .75 cents and some time and paitients. The dealership will charge you hundreds of doliars and the problem will come back. We did this to our daughters car and she hasn't had any futher problems with the car not starting because to the security system. Hope this helps !
http://www.bergerweb.net/grandamsecurityfix.htm
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My pontiac grand am will not turn over or nothing it was fine when i parked it this morning the security light stays on and keeps flashing

Passlock Security is activated.....Turn key to "on" but do not start....leave it for 10 minutes.......turn key off and then start it.....Get used to it......it will happen over and over and keep getting worse....
1helpful
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What causes the security light to start flashing and disable the starter? have to wait with the key on, and it is becoming a real hassle

Hello! Unfortunately, you are experiencing a common issue with many Grand Am owners. The problem is that you have a defective PassLock sensor. When the sensor doesn't "close" when you turn the ignition, it detects a fault and will not start. If you leave the ignition in the "On" position for 10 minutes, it will reset and allow you to start the vehicle. The ignition cylinder contains the sensor, and this part is roughly $400 and not particularly easy to replace.
There are however, bypass methods available that will disable the PassLock feature entirely. I have included a link to the instructions here.
NOTE: Be aware that some of the bypass options will disable your PassLock anti theft system ENTIRELY. I recommend utilizing one of the options that explicitly states that your system will be fully operational after modification (toggle switch method, for instance)

Hope this helps and good luck! Thanks for using FixYa!
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2004 pontiavc grand am will not start

Try to reset the passlock first. It's free and won't cost you anything to try. My car did the exact same thing and I didn't see the security light on..I'm not even sure it was on but, reseting the passlock fixed the problem. Look at dvj2a's solution.
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Not starting

It was the security Passlock system on my car as well. I did't notice that the security light had come on the first time. Look up Passlock in the owners manual.
  1. You can reset it yourself for free by turning the key to accessory position
  2. Leave for ten minutes on accessory mode.
  3. Turn car off completely
  4. Try to restart.
This fixed my problem on my own after I paid to have it fixed and it happened again the next day.
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