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Pontiac Grand Am Security Passlock Problems

1227 messages,  Last post on May 24, 2013 at 10:37 AM

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 64 of 123

#630 of 1227 Re: No Luck! [aha002] by lovemygrandam

Jun 03, 2009 (7:54 am)

Replying to: aha002 (Jun 02, 2009 5:58 am)
aha002
OK, As I understand it, your history is:
1. Security light On solid, car won't start
2. You performed resistor bypass, did 10 minute reset... Security Light out. Car still won't start.
3. No pressure in the fuel line.
 
If all this is true, your problem is probably either:
A. bad fuel pump
B. bad fuel pump relay
C. problem with Pwrtrain Control Module (PCM)
D. broken wire.
 
If you aren't getting pressure in the fuel line, the fuel pump is either defective or not running.
If the problem were with the Security system, the light would be flashing, or on continuously. Since it is off, you have eliminated that.
When the Body Control Module senses a theft condition, it starts the security light flashing, and simultaneously sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module telling it to shut down the vehicle. Then the PCM turns off the power to the Fuel Pump Relay, thus shutting down the Fuel Pump. In most cases, that's why the engine starts, runs for a second or two, and then stops. (because there was residual fuel pressure in the lines, but as soon as the theft attempt was detected, the fuel pump was shut down, then there was no more fuel pressure, so it stalled.
Now, if you want to fix your own car, you definitely need a Service Manual, because you need to trace down your problem and determine which of the many possibilities is causing you not to have fuel pressure. A scan tool would help too, because then you could determine for sure whether or not the BCM is telling the PCM to shut down the vehicle.(This signal is on the Serial Data Link)
If it were me, I would take it to Veks Garage in downtown Fenton, Michigan. He has a perfect record with all my cars.
Dick

#631 of 1227 Success!!! by aha002

Jun 03, 2009 (8:37 am)

After checking the relays, wires and few other parts I decided to replace the fuel pump this morning. I bought a used one from the junk yard for $100 (with 4 months warranty on it) and installed it. Car started with no problem. Security light is out and car runs great. I guess the issue with the car was the security system and the fuel pump.
 
Thank you Dick for the bypass instruction. It was very detailed and helpful. Yesterday I tried the same steps on another Grand AM and it did the job and both cars start and run great, and security lights are out.

#632 of 1227 99 grand am ignition by brainpain

Jun 23, 2009 (8:45 pm)

I am looking at the problems with the g.am passlock system. I am thinking of buying this car but the owner is hinting towards the passlock system problem. I have read about the by-pass and ect... My question is if I choose to replace the ignition switch do to key wear and poss. passlock problem, will doing the key on / off after 10 minutes reset-relearn the system for the new ign. lock. The dealer is saying that it will cost me 200.00 to reset the system? Sounds confusing and crooked, any help much appreciated.

#633 of 1227 Re: 99 grand am ignition [brainpain] by nobullchitbids

Jun 23, 2009 (11:36 pm)

Replying to: brainpain (Jun 23, 2009 8:45 pm)
If the car otherwise is sound, with a '99, I wouldn't even bother with keeping PassLock. I don't know where you are, but these cars are subject to electrical corrosion in humid climates. Inevitably, your anti-theft system will act up again. Spend the $3 at Radio Shack and bridge the thing. The dealer won't help you here -- it is an unauthorized repair -- and everything he tells you costs big money (why Pontiac is going belly-up?). But, you can do it by yourself for $3 and half an hour's work max. Or pay someone at Firestone or Tires Plus to do it for you (about $75). Keep the toggle off except after changing out batteries, and it will be fixed forever for the inconvenience of driving with the red light on. And that does not bother me a bit.

#634 of 1227 Re: 99 grand am ignition [brainpain] by lovemygrandam

Jun 24, 2009 (11:49 am)

Replying to: brainpain (Jun 23, 2009 8:45 pm)
Don't worry about replacing the ignition switch, and don't worry about having to pay $200 to have a Pontiac dealer reset the system. Bypass the security system as described in the link on post 394 by using a 12 cent resistor, do the 10 minute reset, and be done with it. Then keep the car, cause it's one of the few made by a US manufacturer that gets over 30MPG, and soon the price of gas will be back to $4.00, and you'll be glad you can afford to drive.
Note: Be sure to read all the posts mentioned in post 599, and most of all, be sure to get yourself a service manual, or subscribe to an online service manual. GM makes some good cars, but their dealers are crap.

#635 of 1227 2003 Grand AM GT Ram Air by miss_jinxy

Jun 25, 2009 (7:25 am)

I have been plagued with the infamous Pass Lock issue. The Security Light doesn't blink but it does stay on. I have replaced the Fuel Pump Relay because it fried the first one. What happens sometimes is when I start the car it will idle and out of no where it will shut off and that's when I can't get the car started without performing the 10 minute reset. I have never had the car stall while I was driving. I found this website http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79832 with someone having similar issues except his lock cylinder broke. I believe it is the part that is needed and it would include the Hall Effect Sensor for those of us that are having issues with the Pass Lock not allowing to turn on the car. Just wanted to post my similar issue I have been having.

#636 of 1227 Re: 2003 Grand AM GT Ram Air [miss_jinxy] by nobullchitbids

Jun 25, 2009 (8:03 am)

Replying to: miss_jinxy (Jun 25, 2009 7:25 am)
I've never heard of PassLock kicking in once the vehicle is running. Sounds to me like you have some other difficulty added on.

#637 of 1227 Re: 2003 Grand AM GT Ram Air [nobullchitbids] by illadelf

Jun 25, 2009 (9:54 am)

Replying to: nobullchitbids (Jun 25, 2009 8:03 am)
Hey I just wanted to thank you guys for your help and advice on this site. I have had my car since '03 and am really short on cash right now. Rather than briging it in and spending $500 on some bulls***, I fixed this myself (with y'alls help). To everyone who is worried about doing this themselves, I don't know anything about cars and it was an easy fix. Save yourself the time and money by just following the simple steps clearly laid out by all of these guys. Thanks!!

#638 of 1227 Re: 2003 Grand AM GT Ram Air [miss_jinxy] by lovemygrandam

Jun 25, 2009 (10:04 am)

Replying to: miss_jinxy (Jun 25, 2009 7:25 am)
Quote: What happens sometimes is when I start the car it will idle and out of no where it will shut off and that's when I can't get the car started without performing the 10 minute reset
 
Most GM manuals advise replacing the fuel filter as the first step when you have problems similar to this. Often, with a clogged fuel filter, letting the car sit for a few minutes will allow the clog to free itself.
 
At any rate, the security system DOES NOT require a 10 minute relearn when the light is on, but the car starts. You would be better off just turning the ignition off and waiting 10 minutes and trying to start again. That way, you don't drain the battery with those infernal DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS!!!

#639 of 1227 Re: The Definitive Fix for Security Passlock Problem [lovemygrandam] by ace39

Jun 26, 2009 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: lovemygrandam (Aug 22, 2008 4:49 pm)
I just had to write to, lovemygrandam, thank him and tell him he was right on! After being very frustrated with this auto problem, I found his article on fixing the 2002 Pontiac Grandam Passlock security system. I copied his step by step procedure (selected solution 3) and it fixed the problem 100%. What I can't figure out is why this wasn't a pontiac manufacture recall item? However, I am truly thankful for your easy to follow solution and saved the headache and cost of going to a dealer. Many thanks and kudos!! Ace39

Messages Page 64 of 123

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