Ask the Car People.SM


Pontiac Grand Am Security Passlock Problems

1230 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2013 at 12:34 PM

You are in the Pontiac Grand Am Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Am, Security System, Sedan

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
 
    For those experiencing the security passlock problem, please see long-time member lovemygrandam's GM Security Passlock Fix tutorial.

Messages Page 1 of 123

#2 of 1230 passlock problems by curlylocks1014

Apr 10, 2006 (3:47 pm)

just a note i was having the passlock/security lite issue every 4 month or so.. now it has become a daily thing! i see where there is a class action lawsuit against gm for a wiper issue for the grand ams... hmmm i think perhaps we should start one up for this passlock issue...
 
i just contacted pontiac if anyone would like to join in and let GM/pontiac know that this is not just an issue affecting one car please do so i think thats the only way we can get some action on this... toyota had the same problem with the prius only they cared about their buyers and recalled them..
 
heres the link
 
http://www.pontiac.com/divisional/contactus/contactus_owners.jsp

#3 of 1230 Re: passlock problems [curlylocks1014] by chelm

Sep 03, 2006 (8:36 pm)

Replying to: curlylocks1014 (Apr 10, 2006 3:47 pm)
Please if it not too late I would totally join in. Only I have alot more problems with my car. It is a 2002 grand am and so far I have had to replace the Catillic (not sure on the spelling) converter, master cylinder, fuel pump, gastic manifold, rack and pinon (spelling), hazard light switch (which still is clicking), and power steering pump. Also I need a new raditor. I have forked out so far around $3000.00, and it is still sitting in the driveway broke down.
 

#4 of 1230 Re: passlock problems [chelm] by n5445

Sep 19, 2006 (9:35 pm)

Replying to: chelm (Sep 03, 2006 8:36 pm)
THE CLICKING IS from THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN.It's not the hazzard switch.These (turn signal)switches get dirty and send false signals to the clicker switch which is also used by the hazzard lights.
The car oviously over heated from a gasket leak and thus the need for radiators and such.
Don't take cars to the dealer. I have a 2000 grand am and found all of my pronlems located on the internet and how to fix them.
I have 100k miles with problems, yes, but not real bad unless you don't fix the problem when it first arises.

#5 of 1230 Re: passlock problems [chelm] by n5445

Sep 19, 2006 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: chelm (Sep 03, 2006 8:36 pm)
list the problems with your car. Maybe someone can help.

#6 of 1230 2002 Pontiac Grand AM by kristenn16

Jun 20, 2006 (11:13 am)

Someone help me please!! I think my car is possessed. The security light comes on and then I can't start the dang thing. The dealership says to put it in the ACC mode until the light is solid. But that takes 10 minutes. Does anyone know what this problem is? Also the new thing the car is doing is the Traction off light, ABS and service engine soon light is coming on. What is this from? Someone help me please.

#7 of 1230 Re: 2002 Pontiac Grand AM [kristenn16] by rebelman

Jul 10, 2006 (11:43 am)

Replying to: kristenn16 (Jun 20, 2006 11:13 am)
yeah i have the same problem too. when i first got the car it would do that every few days and you had to turn the car off then turn the key to "on" until the security light stopped blinking. it is just a security system issue though. nothing wrong with the car. i put dual exhaust on my 2001 Se and added a k&n air intake and some upgraded spark plugs so it starts with no problem now and doesnt give security a chance to shut it off. also if you use 89 or 93 gas it will help it start a whole lot better. the security system just cuts on if you fail to start it. thats my experience at least.

#8 of 1230 Re: 2002 Pontiac Grand AM [kristenn16] by n5445

Sep 19, 2006 (9:47 pm)

Replying to: kristenn16 (Jun 20, 2006 11:13 am)
traction light is likely one of your wheel hub sensors is going out. Had the same problems with the dsh lights.
 
I was lucky as the first one I changed was the problem.
It was very difficult to change it out. Lots of elbow grease if you know what I mean.
 
Security light is likely something to do with the passlock system which is behind the ignition key hole.

#9 of 1230 2001 Grand Am Won't Start by neptune

Oct 23, 2006 (12:18 pm)

I had a problem with my Grand Am not starting and found this on the web which describes my situation exactly. Is this what this forum is referring to as the Passlock problem and is there no known fix?
 
(PRWEB) February 21, 2005 -- If you own a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, you'd better hope you're not stuck somewhere bad when this hits: You go to start your car, and the engine cranks, but it seems like your out of gas, and won't start. Numbers of people then have the car towed to a shop, only to find that the car easily starts after being towed, but no cause is ever found.
 
The problem is that the RKE (remote keyless entry) system has a defect in it that causes car not to start. As of now there is no recall on the passlock systems. As for a fix, the experts are honestly not sure.
 
To reset the computerized system, put key in the ignition and leave it in 'On' position for about ten minutes. Then turn it off, and try - it should start then. Warning: Continued resetting of the computer this way will eventually damage computer and will cost lots to replace/fix.

#10 of 1230 Re: 2001 Grand Am Won't Start [neptune] by burdawg

Oct 23, 2006 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: neptune (Oct 23, 2006 12:18 pm)
Well, there's truth here and there's not. The passlock system really isn't part of the keyless entry. It can be repaired by someone with the diagnostic tools and skills needed to find the root cause, usually the Hall effect sensor on the ignition switch, which typically means a trip to the dealer.
I can't think of any reason why "re-setting" the computer will cause any damage, but eventually it won't work because the root cause will completely fail, and will re-trip the passlock as soon as it re-sets and you try to start it.
The Hall effect sensor runs about $125, with labor I believe the repair costs about $375 if I remember right.

Messages Page 1 of 123

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement