2000 Sunfire check engine light

Can you turn the steering wheel at all? And what about the key? Is it worn or damaged?

If the cig lighter fuse is powered, the engine computer may have died.
Does the check engine light come on when you turn the key switch on ?

could be a bad earth, somehere, I would check the connections on or to the rear light `cluster` for a starting point.
good luck

doug

hope this will help a friend of mine told me he changed the ignition and because of the antitheft device it wont start u he said u need to reset compuyer to accept new ignition im not quite sure but the way to do that he said was to turn key on just befaure it turns over leave the key on for i think half hour then turn key off then back on repeat that 3 or 4 times yes it will drain ur batt but it will reset computer for new ignition hope this helps u

The problem is in the ignition cylinder lock.
The body control module (BCM) is what controls the theft deterrent system on the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire.
It can be reprogrammed, but is complex to do.

Here are some pictures for you.
http://www.autofuseboxdiagram.com/4232-2000-pontiac-sunfire-2-2-fuse-box-diagram/

http://www.automotix.net/usedautoparts/2000-pontiac-sunfire-chassis_computer-inventory.html?fit_notes=e1360a49a192739e006f059ad1d62904&seq_num=8

Are you saying the key won't turn in the ignition or the engine will not turn over?

If you are talking about the ignition, the first thing I would check is to make sure I had the right key. And then I would look for my less used keys and see if that made a difference. If none of the keys make a difference, then it is your ignition switch.

If the key turns in the ignition, but the engine does not turn over, then I would check the battery first and then the starter solenoid.

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock theft-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent systemT. he system is armed once the keyi s removed from the ignition. Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinderi s turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used, fuel is disabled.

During normal operation, the THEFT SYSTEM light will go off after the engine is started. Ln the unlikely event that the engine stalls and the THEFT SYSTEM light flashes, wait until the light stopsf lashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release thkee y from the START position as soon as the engine starts. If after several tries the vehicle still does not start, the vehicle may need service. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses. See your Pontiac dealer for service.

If the THEFT SYSTEM light comes on while the engine is running, a problem has been detected and the system may need service. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1 -800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.

This ans other details can find it in this link for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire - Owners Manual.

I hope helps (remember to rate and comment this).

It sounds like it might be a bad crank sensor. Although I had a sunfire one time I was working on that did this from a bad ignition switch. Check for power on the pink/blk wire at the ignition module plug with the key in the run position and when cranking the engine. Also do you have a security light flashing?

i would check for power and ground at the security module with the key on and off uasully the ignition electrical swicth causes this problem but it can also be the security module also if that module is missing a power wire it will turn the light on and give you this problem hope this helps thunderboltz.

security system . Trun the ignition key on and leave it on for about twenty minutes,(light should stop falshing) then try and start it.