Pontiac Grand Am Security Passlock Problems

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

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

    
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    For those experiencing the security passlock problem, please see long-time member lovemygrandam's GM Security Passlock Fix tutorial.

#1196 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [sam20777] by firstwatchman

Feb 15, 2013 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: sam20777 (Feb 15, 2013 11:47 am)
did u turn the key all the way back past the off position after reseting the passlock

#1197 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [sam20777] by lovemygrandam

Feb 15, 2013 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: sam20777 (Feb 15, 2013 11:47 am)
Go to http://bergerweb.net/PasslockFix
There are some tips at the bottom of that article on troubleshooting your system. It sounds like you might have a short or an open in one of the wires between the passlock module and the BCM. Good luck.
Dick B

#1198 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [sam20777] by jlsumme

Feb 15, 2013 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: sam20777 (Feb 15, 2013 11:47 am)
My 2004 Alero which uses the same parts had an issue with the ignition switch. You could actually pull out the key with the engine running. The switch was replaced a few months ago and no problems since. Could be a pass lock problem along with a BCM under the glove box.

#1199 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [jlsumme] by lovemygrandam

Feb 17, 2013 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: jlsumme (Feb 15, 2013 5:15 pm)
I don't think I would have gone to the expense of replacing the ignition switch just because I could pull the key out of the ignition. Many cars in the 50's and 60's were manufactured that way. Even so, this would have nothing to do with passlock, since this is a mechanical function, not electrical.

#1200 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [lovemygrandam] by jlsumme

Feb 18, 2013 (9:10 am)

Replying to: lovemygrandam (Feb 17, 2013 8:16 pm)
In the 2004 alero it has the pass lock 2 witch does not have the sensor on the key. It instead has the sensor in the ignition switch assembly and when the tumblers or something else inside the switch get really loose or worn the sensor does not send the correct resistance to the bcm which in turn shuts down the fuel injectors.

#1201 of 1230 Re: I think i have a passlock issue HELP [jlsumme] by lovemygrandam

Feb 18, 2013 (2:47 pm)

Replying to: jlsumme (Feb 18, 2013 9:10 am)
Actually, what you say is true of all of the following cars:
1999 - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
1997 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
1999 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Am
 
They all are equipped with Passlock II systems, and do not require a key with an embedded resistor. In these models, the resistor is embedded in a module that is molded into the side of the tumbler mechanism, This resistor is activated into the passlock circuit when any key is used to turn the locking mechanism. When the resistor is activated, a voltage between 1.5 and 9 volts will be present on the yellow wire [circuit #1836]. If the voltage is not what is expected by the BCM, then the bcm will begin flashing the "Security" light, and will not send the correct code to the Powertrain Control Mocule. In turn, the Powertrain Control Module will deactivate the fuel injectors, causing the engine to shut down.
If the voltage on the yellow wire is within the allowable range, the vehicle can then be left in the ON position, and the BCM will, after 10 minutes, remember the new voltage, and will shut off the "Security" light. If you then turn the ignition off for 5 seconds, and then try to re-start the vehicle, the Security light will remain off, and the car will start.
If for some reason, the voltage on the yellow wire is not within the tolerable range, the "Security" light will then stay illuminated solid [not blinking]. If the relearn procedure does not work, the solid "Security" light indicates that the yellow wire is either broken, or shorted to something else in the wiring harness.
 
That's about all there is to the circuit.
1. "Security" light off - Everything working correctly
2. "Security" light blinking - Wrong voltage. needs relearn procecure
3. "Security" light ON - Short or open in the wiring
4. "Security" light ON but car starts - Faulty wiring, and Passlock system is in bypass mode. Bypass mode will remain until battery is disconnected or discharged, at which time Passlock system will cause the injectors to be de-activated.
 
Dick Berger
Instrumentation Engineering (retired)
General Motors Proving Ground
Milford, Michigan

#1202 of 1230 blinking light by firstwatchman

Feb 21, 2013 (1:51 pm)

re: to dick berger light is blinking when door is open , put key in ignition start car no light at all, driving and car shuts off. reset passlock runs battery dead even without the lights on,half charged the battery and the alternator charged it the rest of the way full could a battery set off the passlock system if it drops below 12 volts

#1203 of 1230 Re: blinking light [firstwatchman] by lovemygrandam

Feb 21, 2013 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: firstwatchman (Feb 21, 2013 1:51 pm)
Firstwatchman,
It is common for the battery to drop below 11 volts when the starter motor is engaged, as when starting the car. The battery normally recovers to around 12.8 volts within seconds after the ignition switch is released from the "start" position, and returns to the "Run" position. During charging, the alternator generally puts out over 14 volts. Normally, the battery can go well below 10 volts without effecting the operation of any of the vehicle electronics.
Unless you have a VERY bad battery, I suspect there is something wrong with your wiring... possibly a bad ground point, or a short. The fact that your "SECURITY" light is blinking when the door is open indicates faulty wiring, since there should be no connection between the "door ajar" switch and the "SECURITY" warning light, which is completely controlled by the BCM. Also, the Passlock system will not shut the engine off when driving, as this is a safety concern. [shutting down the engine will stop your power steering from operating, rendering the car hard to control.]
During the learning period, the only things that draw current from the battery are:
The PCM and BCM
The dash lights
The Daytime Running Lights
The radio, if it is turned on
The AC/heater fan, if turned on
The Brake lights, if you have your foot on the brake, or your brake switch is out of adjustment.
 
A reasonably charged battery should be able to hold a charge under these circumstances for at least 45 minutes, so if it is running down during the relearn, either the battery is on it's last leg, or there is a short somewhere in the wiring that is causing excess drain on the battery.
 
Place a voltmeter on your battery, turn your ignition to the run position, and make sure all accessories and fans are shut off. If the voltage is above 11.8 volts and doesn't drop below that after 10 minutes, your battery is likely ok, but I suspect yours will drop slowly and get down to 10 volts or less.
 
Your next task should be to measure the current drain from the battery when the ignition is on and the engine not running, the AC fan and the radio are off, light switches are off, and the dome light is off. You can find out how much current should be drawn from the battery in the shop manual for your vehicle.
Dick B

#1204 of 1230 Re: blinking light [lovemygrandam] by firstwatchman

Feb 22, 2013 (10:34 am)

Replying to: lovemygrandam (Feb 21, 2013 7:38 pm)
tks il give that a try

#1205 of 1230 rear end by firstwatchman

Feb 28, 2013 (11:14 am)

mr. berger or anyone i need a used rear end for a 1999 ford expidition part # S 935 C-1 739757D02 373 RAITO 975 RING SIZE
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