Advice about passlock problems

I need some advice as to what to do to deal with my problems with the Passlock system on my 2001 Alero. Car wouldn't start month and a half ago, dealer said Passlock sensor was bad and needed replaced at $450. Last week security light came on, took it back to dealer and they couldn't find a problem. Next day light came on again so I drove it straight to the dealer so they could see it. They said the sensor was faulty and needed replaced again. Luckily it was covered by the warrenty from the one put in last time. They then called to say that the ignition switch was starting to go and needed to be replaced, of course for about $300 this time. After reading numerous posts about this problem I wanted some advice/feedback on what to do. Replace the switch, use my non worn spare key and hope for the best? Where to go to disable it, dealer said it couldn't be done. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Where to go to disable it, dealer said it couldn't be done.

Can be done! Print this out and take it to an Automotive Wiring mechanic or someone good with wiring. Go to the link regarding diagrams and print out the high resolution photos that will show you the passlock wires and how to access them. You don't have to add a remote starter to use this modification.

PASSLOCK I or II DISABLEMENT

The following is a procedure to disable Passlock I or II Systems for vehicles in which remote start/stop system installations are required. This procedure is required because a remote start system will not function with the current Theft Deterrent System (Passlock) which is included on many 1996 and up GM vehicles.

Please note that this modification is intended to be used only in conjunction with the installation of a remote start/stop system and does not provide a procedure to install a remote start/stop system.

CAUSE
If an attempt is made to start a vehicle by a means other than a key rotation in the ignition switch, the Body Control Module (BCM) will interpret this start as a vehicle theft and disable the fuel injectors.

CORRECTION
A minor wiring modification may be made to allow the vehicle to be started remotely. This modification includes adding a switch to allow the customer to select “ON” to disable Passlock or “OFF” for normal Passlock operation.

CAUTION: When this modification is performed and the switch is set to the ON position, the theft deterrent feature will be disabled. When the theft
deterrent is disabled the SECURITY or THEFT telltale will light up indicating that the theft deterrent system is NOT functioning.

PASSLOCK MODIFICATION

Refer to appropriate GM service manuals and/or SVMQP Electrical Guideline Manual for instruction on splicing and electrical connections.
1. Select a suitable on-off switch (see note below) which will be used to disable/
enable the Passlock System. Mount the switch in a location such that it is
accessible to the driver and will not interfere with normal vehicle operation.
NOTE: This is an extremely low current circuit (approx. 7mA), it is therefore very important that a high quality, low energy, fast acting switch be utilized
for this application.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Locate the Main Ignition Switch Harness. GM's Passlock System wires exit the Ignition Switch Tumbler together and then join with the Main Ignition Switch Harness. (See http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/ or http://64.85.6.118/diagrams/diagrams.asp and select your Make, Model and Year for wire colors and clues on the quickest way to access these wires.)
4. Locate the Yellow Passlock Data Wire which is included in a bundle of three tiny (20 GA) wires wrapped in friction tape.
Cut this wire and splice a 0.5mm2 (20 GA) yellow wire to each end of the cut wire.
Keep wire length to a minimum. Route modification wires clear of moving parts.
Connect the yellow wires to the switch such that the contacts are OPEN when the switch is in the ON position.
5. Turn modification switch to the OFF postion (contacts closed).
6. Start vehicle to verify normal operation. If engine “cranks but will not start"
recheck the switch position (contacts should be closed), wire connectors and
modification wiring.

SWITCH OPERATION

To enable remote start:
Start the engine with the ignition key (modification switch must be in the OFF
position). Turn modification switch to the ON position (contacts open). The
SECURITY or THEFT telltale will light up indicating that the Passlock System is inoperative.
Once the SECURITY or THEFT telltale has been on for at least 5 seconds the vehicle can be turned off and then remotely started.

To disable remote start:
The Passlock System can be reactivated by turning the modification switch OFF
(contacts closed). Vehicle can either be running or off when this is done.

Please note that the VCM/PCM will record Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the security system when the modification switch is in the ON position (circuit open). This is due to the way that the VCM/PCM interprets this condition.

NOTICE
Any condition which removes battery power from the Vehicle Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (VCM/PCM) (e.g. dead battery, disconnected harness connectors, etc.) will prevent the vehicle from being restarted. If the engine exhibits a “cranks but will not start” symptom, place the modification switch in the OFF (contacts closed) position. This will reactivate the Passlock System and allow the vehicle to be started with the ignition key.


Ray

Proud Member of The Anti-Passlock Club:smokin:

Thanks for your help. :grinyes:

I started experiencing a problem with intermittent starting with my 2003 Alero in October 2005. I took the car to dealer. They had the car 4 days and ending up replacing the PCM. Four hours after I picked it up, it wouldn’t start. I had to do the 10 minute procedure described in other posts here. I called the dealer and arranged to bring it back to them. They had it 7 days and said they couldn’t duplicate the problem. I picked it up on a Monday and on Tuesday it wouldn’t start. This was only the fourth time I started it after picking it up. Started fine three times; had to do the 10 minute procedure the 4th time. I took it back to the dealer; same thing; they couldn’t duplicate the problem. I picked up the car and had a problem starting it within 2 days. According to the dealership, it isn’t throwing any codes (since the first visit when they replaced the PCM). I also don’t get any warning lights: security, check engine, service engine, etc.
Since the beginning of Jan 06, I haven’t been able to go more than 3 days without experiencing the problem. I finally got sick of taking it back to the dealership and have them tell me they can’t duplicate the problem so I followed the procedures posed by raycorri. It has started fine every time since then. Thanks raycorri!

Did they replace the PCM or the BCM?? I had similar issues with mine and they replaced the BCM...the problem hasn't shown up since.

- Jeremy

PCM. Since then, they haven't been able to duplicate the problem. They say it starts every time they try, it's not throwing any codes, so they haven't replaced anything else.

ok i just recently (6 days ago) had a Viper 5900 SST installed on my 99 Chevy Suburban....therewas also a device installed to bypass the passlock feature on the truck...(the box says "Directed Install Essentials" 556LW GM Remote Start Interface Module Passlock I & II - Auto Learning)...well i bought and had it installed on a Friday....saturday..(the next day) was my first time having my issue...WHen i went to use the remote start it attempted to start but killed quickly...(now i know from my SHO that it seemed like the key issue problem because i made a normal copy of my key for my SHO mainly incase i locked my keys in the car and i tried to start it and it would sound the same as my suburban is)....ok so after trying to remote start it (the 5900 SST apparently attempts to start the vehicle 3 times) i tried using the key....again it would do the same thing....the security light was flashing....so i called the place that installed my alarm and the guy told me to put it in valet mode....well it started.......well again today it happened (at the place having it installed actually) so i again out it in valet mode and tried to start it....well it didnt work...so by now i figured it had to sit for a little while (as did my SHO when I tried a non chiped key)....so after sitting for about 20 minutes i tried it and it started up.....the installer checked all the wires and claimes that everything is correct on his end....then after leaving the place i go home....after i park at my apartment i try the remote start again just for fun...and again it didnt work.....so i went inside for awhile and every-now-and-then i would try starting it..while watching it out the window it would start a few times in a row...then all of a sudden it wouldnt....so i left it alone foe abot an hour...then i went outside by it and tried it a bunch of times....both remote and with the key....and it worked everytime.....so i went inside....then i tried it again as soon at i got inside and it didnt start.....well i also noticed that the first two times it happened i noticed that the security light was on while i was driving...me being a freak about my gauge lights being on i put the truck in neutral while driving and turned the truck off...then estarted it and put it back in drive and kept going...well the light went off....then when i got to where i was going it didnt start again....until about 20 minutes went by.....i duno if that has anything to do with it but it just seems odd how that happened both times.....well i would be greatful for any help that can be givin on this issue...thanks

Where to go to disable it, dealer said it couldn't be done.

Can be done! Print this out and take it to an Automotive Wiring mechanic or someone good with wiring. Go to the link regarding diagrams and print out the high resolution photos that will show you the passlock wires and how to access them. You don't have to add a remote starter to use this modification.

PASSLOCK I or II DISABLEMENT

The following is a procedure to disable Passlock I or II Systems for vehicles in which remote start/stop system installations are required. This procedure is required because a remote start system will not function with the current Theft Deterrent System (Passlock) which is included on many 1996 and up GM vehicles.

Please note that this modification is intended to be used only in conjunction with the installation of a remote start/stop system and does not provide a procedure to install a remote start/stop system.

CAUSE
If an attempt is made to start a vehicle by a means other than a key rotation in the ignition switch, the Body Control Module (BCM) will interpret this start as a vehicle theft and disable the fuel injectors.

CORRECTION
A minor wiring modification may be made to allow the vehicle to be started remotely. This modification includes adding a switch to allow the customer to select “ON” to disable Passlock or “OFF” for normal Passlock operation.

CAUTION: When this modification is performed and the switch is set to the ON position, the theft deterrent feature will be disabled. When the theft
deterrent is disabled the SECURITY or THEFT telltale will light up indicating that the theft deterrent system is NOT functioning.

PASSLOCK MODIFICATION

Refer to appropriate GM service manuals and/or SVMQP Electrical Guideline Manual for instruction on splicing and electrical connections.
1. Select a suitable on-off switch (see note below) which will be used to disable/
enable the Passlock System. Mount the switch in a location such that it is
accessible to the driver and will not interfere with normal vehicle operation.
NOTE: This is an extremely low current circuit (approx. 7mA), it is therefore very important that a high quality, low energy, fast acting switch be utilized
for this application.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Locate the Main Ignition Switch Harness. GM's Passlock System wires exit the Ignition Switch Tumbler together and then join with the Main Ignition Switch Harness. (See http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/ or http://64.85.6.118/diagrams/diagrams.asp and select your Make, Model and Year for wire colors and clues on the quickest way to access these wires.)
4. Locate the Yellow Passlock Data Wire which is included in a bundle of three tiny (20 GA) wires wrapped in friction tape.
Cut this wire and splice a 0.5mm2 (20 GA) yellow wire to each end of the cut wire.
Keep wire length to a minimum. Route modification wires clear of moving parts.
Connect the yellow wires to the switch such that the contacts are OPEN when the switch is in the ON position.
5. Turn modification switch to the OFF postion (contacts closed).
6. Start vehicle to verify normal operation. If engine “cranks but will not start"
recheck the switch position (contacts should be closed), wire connectors and
modification wiring.

SWITCH OPERATION

To enable remote start:
Start the engine with the ignition key (modification switch must be in the OFF
position). Turn modification switch to the ON position (contacts open). The
SECURITY or THEFT telltale will light up indicating that the Passlock System is inoperative.
Once the SECURITY or THEFT telltale has been on for at least 5 seconds the vehicle can be turned off and then remotely started.

To disable remote start:
The Passlock System can be reactivated by turning the modification switch OFF
(contacts closed). Vehicle can either be running or off when this is done.

Please note that the VCM/PCM will record Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the security system when the modification switch is in the ON position (circuit open). This is due to the way that the VCM/PCM interprets this condition.

NOTICE
Any condition which removes battery power from the Vehicle Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (VCM/PCM) (e.g. dead battery, disconnected harness connectors, etc.) will prevent the vehicle from being restarted. If the engine exhibits a “cranks but will not start” symptom, place the modification switch in the OFF (contacts closed) position. This will reactivate the Passlock System and allow the vehicle to be started with the ignition key.


Ray

Proud Member of The Anti-Passlock Club:smokin:

Yeah my 01 Alero is in the shop now for this very same starting problem. If i have any more issues i will do the yellow rcode wire thing. Is it hard to do by oneself? Any special tools required?

I started experiencing a problem with intermittent starting with my 2003 Alero in October 2005. I took the car to dealer. They had the car 4 days and ending up replacing the PCM. Four hours after I picked it up, it wouldn’t start. I had to do the 10 minute procedure described in other posts here. I called the dealer and arranged to bring it back to them. They had it 7 days and said they couldn’t duplicate the problem. I picked it up on a Monday and on Tuesday it wouldn’t start. This was only the fourth time I started it after picking it up. Started fine three times; had to do the 10 minute procedure the 4th time. I took it back to the dealer; same thing; they couldn’t duplicate the problem. I picked up the car and had a problem starting it within 2 days. According to the dealership, it isn’t throwing any codes (since the first visit when they replaced the PCM). I also don’t get any warning lights: security, check engine, service engine, etc.
Since the beginning of Jan 06, I haven’t been able to go more than 3 days without experiencing the problem. I finally got sick of taking it back to the dealership and have them tell me they can’t duplicate the problem so I followed the procedures posed by raycorri. It has started fine every time since then. Thanks raycorri!

well i got the car back from the deal and sure enough about 6 hours later it did it again, and would not start. So does this really work with the yellow rcode wire and the toggle switch? Is it easy for someone to do without much knowledge? Thanks i appreciate this forum and your assistance.

Sorry guys but please check the date of the thread and do not resurrect old ones. It is best to start a new thread with whatever issue or problem you are having. Thank you for your cooperation. Thread closed.