PassLock on a 98 Malibu

I have 1998 Malibu that has had intermitent problems with the PassLock system for the last few weeks. Every once in a while the system activiates and will not let me start the car even though I am still using the original keys. After a 10-20 minute wait everything is fine and the car starts.

I am looking for help on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem or at the very least how to permentantly disable the PassLock system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kelly

As for as I know when you start having problems with your PassLock it means it's time to change the module and ignition cylinder (PassLock II)-Keys instead of ign cylinder for PassLock I I believe.
As for permantently disconnecting.....if you find out how please let me know so I can do the same thing when mine fails. Thanks and good luck

Just to let you know the problem seems to have cured itself so I don't have an answer to my original question.

Kelly

9 times out of 10 it's the Ignition Lock cylinder that is the culprit.

Hey, I am having the EXACT same problem!

How much does it cost to have the cylinder you're talking about replaced?

Also, how long am I supposed to wait until the Theft System light quits flashing? It seems like it never stops! I have a dual fuel system installed so I can run my car on propane. The propane pump isn't hooked into the Passlock system so whenever I get this NOT WANTING TO START problem I just flip propane on and start my car on that. If I drive around for a few minutes the light goes off.

Cool huh

Please answer my questions if you can!!!

Thanks

where is the passlock module located on my vehicle. ' 97 Malibu

Is it difficult to replace the key cylinder and module on the '97 Malibu?

Don't be so sure your problem solved itself. Mine did this on and off for the last year. And now, right this minute it is in the driveway dead and has been there for many hours. It just will not come back to life. I need help bad here.


Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaseee someone with answers help me out. I would like diagnostic information and or programming information. There has to be a way to reset the system and get it to recognize a new key.

Linc

http://www.catchacall.com/vatts.htm

The link above tells how to permanently disable the system.

Linc

I also have a 98 Malibu and have the same problem. The dealership said I needed my ignition lock cylinder replaced and that the part alone would cost $500 Canadian. Would replacing the Passlock system with an aftermarket immobilizer fix this problem?

Okay! This is for everyone to do. I called the corporate office and spoke with a Rep. she said in order for a recall to be done they would have to have alot of complaints. So Everyone needs to call and have your vin(Vehicle Information Number) number ready and be sure to let them know about this website where everyone is on here inquiring about the same problem. The number is 1-800-222-1020. We can all get together and file a class action suit if need be. I don't understand a person owning a car with a Theftsystem that is suppose to enable someone else from taking it when the own themself can't get in it with the key and go. I refuse to pay a arm and two legs for something they should have known about before all of this. I really hope everyone call that 800# and let them know this is a problem. I think all malibu's should be recalled and never made again. These are man made cars and they didn't put enough time into them.



Okay! I got my pass-lock fixed and it costed me $312.63. I had to get mind fixed. That's not safe for any woman to be in a car that will not start.

:banghead: I have had this problem for a couple of months now it does about every week and a Half and I have called that number and it doesn't doo anything but they did note the complaint so I agree that everyone calls that number and lets get it recalled so we can get all of our cars fixed

I have 1998 Malibu that has had intermitent problems with the PassLock system for the last few weeks. Every once in a while the system activiates and will not let me start the car even though I am still using the original keys. After a 10-20 minute wait everything is fine and the car starts.

I am looking for help on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem or at the very least how to permentantly disable the PassLock system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kelly


I'm having the same problem with my 1997 Malibu. I did have a complete power outage when the Alternater went bad. Having starting problems since then. The book says that the dealer has to reset the computer. I called the service department and they were not much help. Said it's hard to diagnose an intermittent problem.

I had my 97 Malibu at the dealer yesterday for intermittent problems starting the car. I indicated to them that it was probably a passlock problem. Because their computers were not getting the "error code" transmitted from the car they determined there was no problem, and I should bring the car in when it's having the problem (It won't start, how can I get it there??) I think there will never be an error code sent to their diagnostic computer because the car "brain" thinks it's protecting the car and isn't doing anything wrong. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. The dealer will not bypass the passlock system, and because there are no error codes they say there's nothing to fix. I called chevy after reading here about others calling with the same complaint...guess what, they never heard of the problem, even though a lot of the people who posted on this forum have called. Maybe a letter writing campaign will get their attention.

Ok everyone, I have a 98 Malibu as well and like you all say, I got in the car ...put the key in and it starts for about a second and then will not start for another 10 minutes while the Theft System light is flashing.

I brought it to the dealership the first time and they replaced the lock cylinder....then...not even a year later..surprise..I'm stuck in a dark parking lot and my car won't start. Brought the car back to the dealership and they said it was all set. Well..here I am 5 months later and almost everyday the light goes on and at least once a month the car won't start. I'm out of ideas....like someone else mentioned..the dealership can't(or won't) detect the problem and I really wish I could just remove the theft system altogether. I agree we should write letters or something. This is getting ridiculous, I have 8 copies of my key that I carry with me so when one activates the system, I use the other one!!! GRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys, Im not surprised to see that eevryonehas these problems, ive been having the same problem as all of you ever since ive owned this vehicle, but it never got as saveer as today, i was in the car for about one hour rying to start the car/wating for the theft light to stop flashing, and it doesnt start, no go, no how, not gonna happen, the lgiht stopped flashing, and the car is still not starting, its too dark out right now to check the VIN number, but im gonna check it out in the morning and call the 800# provided above (1-800-222-1020) this i the most reiculous effort to stop a theif from starting your car by making it impossible for n e body to start the car altogether, id rather run the risk of someoen stealing my car then dealing with this, its not necessary to put this type of system on a vehicle if its not perfected, considering car owners pay for "wear and tear" problems, this is not the case, this is not a "wear and tear" problem, this is a defect that has to be recognized by Cheverote, so if you have the problem, or HAD the problem, jus call the 1-800-222-1020 number and complain abotu it or jsut let them know with your VIN number, we're basically driving cars that are driven when they want to be driven, good luck

I found out simple way to disable the passlock1 prmanently. I did it on my Cavalier 96 and it works so far.
You can use it if ocasionally you are still able to start your car. All you need to do is to start the car (with your semidefective passlock sensor), and then disconnect the three wires plug (wires that run from the lock cylinder to the instrument panel) from the instrument panel while engine is running.
Engine will start the next time without any passlock "authorization", but "theft system'" light will stay on. If you do not like it, you can remove LED from the instrument cluster board.
I am not shure if the disablement will work after battery gets disconnected. Possible, that you may repeat it all over.

mine used to do it for a while and then it quit not lettin' me start the car...but now the theft light stays on all the time...but it starts fine...all i know is that it was aggrevating having to wait 10 - 20 mins on it...since i live in louisiana and it was doing it in July and August.

Here's my fix, or workaround, turn the key to the point where the dashboard lights up with all the different icons and you can open the automatic windows, but do not start the car. Put the car in Neutral, then turn the key the rest of the way to start the car. This method has worked every single time for me. I was told by the dealship that the ignition block or whatever it's called needs to be replaced, cost somewhere between $450-$500. I'm cheap, so this method will have to do for now. Don't ask me how I figured this out, I was just very frustrated one day and decided to try something different. Like alot of you out there, my car would choose not start at the worst times (when I was running late to be somewhere, at the gas station with other cars waiting behind me, etc.) It has been 6 months since my discovery and I couldn't be happier, just knowing that my car will definitely start everytime out. Now I'm not sure if there are any side effects to starting your car in Neutral, with my luck I'm probably slowly killing my car, but I plan on purchasing a new car in about 6 months so I hope it holds up until then. I have already vowed to never again, as long as I shall walk this earth, purchase another Chevy Malibu.

I have 1998 Malibu that has had intermitent problems with the PassLock system for the last few weeks. Every once in a while the system activiates and will not let me start the car even though I am still using the original keys. After a 10-20 minute wait everything is fine and the car starts.

I am looking for help on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem or at the very least how to permentantly disable the PassLock system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kelly
I have a 99 Chevy Malibu and it does the same exact thing. The car was fine when we first bought it but my husband messed with that thing and now it comes on and goes off when it feels it is such a headache. I will end up stranded in place for 10 to 15 minutes at a time because of it. Not good in the summer. I remember the code to get it back off but it failed to work any longer. Anyway, I ask the Chevy dealer and he told me I need a whole new starter and that there was no way to permanently disable it and the whole deal will cost 250 to 400 bucks! Soooo I will just have to let the car have its way. I can't afford that. If you have a better answer from somewhere let me know.

Any feedback from anyone on these fixes?:banghead:

This same problem has occurred on my 2002 Malibu.

I read in another forum...Put the key into the ignition, but don't turn it. Wait for the "ding" to begin (driver door open) and then turn it to the on position and then crank. This has worked. It takes about 1-2 sec for the key to be recognized. Don't be fooled by taking it to the stealership.

I also tried this one, turn the key to on (not start), shift to neutral and then crank it. This only works if it hasn't already gone into theft deterrent mode and then only most of the time.

I finally had my ignition switch replaced (about $300) at an independent shop.

Also note that there is a class action settlement on the whole DexCool leaking into the engine via the bad intake gasket problem. Do an internet serarch for DexCool and you'll find it.

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago i had a 99 Malibu in the shop, the car had the security light flashing, we put in a new fuel tank ( nothing else ) after we installed the tank, the car would not restart. I called a friend of mine at a local Chevy dealer, he said it needed to be reprogrammed. Now for the hard part...

Step to reprogram the pass lock------Ready???? Turn on the key to the start position....Walk away for 15 minutes, the security light should be steady, the car will start....Now this information is worth $75.00....Thanks you..


What a joke.....They get $75.00 to do this procedure....Thank god for friends...


Good luck everyone,
Sellncars

As luck would have it, my wife wrecked the old 98 Chevy Malibu....she wasn't hurt, I was ecstatic, we had full coverage and ended up with a 2007 Ford Taurus.....it starts perfectly!