Is the security light illuminated in the dash cluster somewhere when you turn your key forward to start? If so, you have a problem with your passlock security system that comes on GM vehicles. Passlock works by shutting down your starter to prevent theft. Problem being that when its starts malfunctioning. it keeps owners from starting their vehicles. If that security light is on, read up on this info. If not, repost your problem so somebody else can help you. Im just telling you what i know. Im a wiz on these systems...
There are 3 parts in this system.
1.The CHIPKEY
Normally a black resister chip in key which "communicates" to the lock cylinder. Sometimes is hidden in the plastic part of keys in new models. Same concept, might say PK1 PK2 PK3 PL or something similar to that. The newer ones work on frequency. Same thing tho.
2.The LOCK CYLINDER
Inside there are pins that read the chip in the key or the part that reads the frequency on new models. This then "communicates" to the TDM)
3.The TDM
Theft Deterrant Module-Sometimes called the "computer" or "brain". This is the part that sends the signal (**NOTE**) to your car and allows your car to start or continue running depending on your type of system.
If any of these parts are not communicating properly, your SECURITY light will come on and shut down your vehicle. The idea being, that without the chipped key or FOB key, the vehicle wont start and cant be "hotwired" or stolen. Pretty nice when working, but these systems are flawed and the average life is 6-10 years. Every single aspect of this system is expensive to replace and can only be worked on by "authorized" GM service men with out voiding warrenty. Most garages dont even touch them and if they do,
they will sell you every part they can before "fixing" the problem/
*QUICK FIX TRICKS*
1st trick
Try a spare key that is newer or used less. The pins wear down with use and so do the keys causing the security to fail.
2nd trick
(if not starting) turn the key forward 2 clicks till right before it would normally start, leave like that for 10 minutes. ( no less ) After 10 minutes, turn key back then forward and your car might start. I did this in my Buick for more than a year. If its shutting down while running, I'm sorry I have no quick fix...
*PERMINANT FIX*
Well since the lifespan of these systems are so short, and are extremely expensive to fix, and in my opinion far worse of a threat to owners than theives, my only perminant suggestion is to eliminate it completely. After a year of 10 minute tricks and a "key bypass" that lasted 2 months and stranded me out of state, ($375 tow charge) i have only one good suggestion. After surfing the web for hours thru forums and websites i came across
http://newrockies.com/passkey to the starter or injectors and so on. Thus eliminating the ENTIRE system completely. I came upon a fork in my road. A TDM for $600 in my $1000 car or the $200 bypass. Or throw my car away. Lets say i now drive a Buick with the chip ripped out of the key and the TDM sitting in my glovebox for show
and tell. If you have any questions or anything else. Comment on this post
and i'll get an E-mail to reply to you. If you do choose to buy the bypass,
i have pictures of what a TDM looks like and will definately help you when
installing the newrockies bypass. Good luck
Here is a list of known effected cars that can be fixed with the
newrockies bypass. This is the same list from the site and updates
frequently.
Pontiac
1994-2003 Grand Prix
1998-1999 Montana
2006 Torrent
1996-2005 Grand AM
1994-1998 Trans Sports
1988-1999 Bonneville
1988-2002 Firebird
1995-2005 Sunfire
1996-2002 Trans Am
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