2001 Grand Am Passlock Problem

All,

First off, Thanks to every about the 10 Minute trick (for lack of better words) for the Passlock problem.


Here is my question;

This has been happenening a little more often lately. I have had the Grand Am towed twice back to the dealership.

The First time the dealership said it was low on oil and it wouldn't turn over. When asked how low, I was told by just a small amount but enough that the engine was too hot to turn over (Granted it was turned off for 9 hours in a covered garage, but they said that was too hot). (This happened in July)


The second time, they had it for 3 days and they said it was the fuel gasket. So I get the car back and I am back in business (This happened in Aug)


Both times I had to have the car towed back to the dealership.


After the 2nd time, I just didn't buy it and so I did some research and found out about this problem on this board.

So, it happened again this past Saturday night and on Sunday Morning I did the Passlock thing and it turned right over. And Sunday afternoon it happened again and again, turned over just like it was made to do. Today (Monday) no problems.

So, the car is still covered by the GM warranty for a few more months.

So, the question is, is there someone on this board that can tell me; What exactly is creating this problem and what needs to be replaced so that it does not happen again?

I know it is not a big deal, just takes an extra 10 minutes or so to get it going again. But since it is still under warranty, I might as well have it fixed. I just need to know what to tell the warranty people (So, that they can OK the job, and then turn around and tell the dealership what i want done and what was cleared to work on so they don't spend 3 days trying to fix a problem that wasn't there in the first place)

Thanks for the help in advance.....................

Let me start off by saying, you may want to bring your car to a different pontiac dealer if you are able to. If they said that the car would not start do to low oil, they need to address their staff and mechanics and how well they do thier jobs, cuz that's absolute BS!

Anyways, to answer your question for causes, their is a few possibilities.... The passlock system itself, could be the problem, or a loose wire. It also could be your key. if you have to many keys on your key ring that could trigger it, as well if your key is getting worn down. If you still have the other key that the car came with, try using that one ( if you don't use it often) with no keys on your key ring and see if it happens, it may narrow down the possibilities. Hope this helps, Good luck

Thanks for the speedy response,

Yeah, I am going to a different dealership that can do the work. (I said the same thing about the oil thing, I have never heard of such crap before and I am by far not a car guy)

The passlock engaged with both keys that I have, so I know that isn't it per-se.

And I don't have too much on my key ring, The car key, the wife's car key and a couple of house keys, so I don't think that could be it (But then again, how could it matter how many keys are on the ring).

But none the less, it is still under warranty for a little bit. And the warranty people have been good about fixing things before. So, I would rather have stuff changed out and installed correctly so it don't happen again.

I just need to know what to tell them needs changed out.

Thanks ................

This is an on going problem with some GA's.

Which has all been gone over more than once.
Upon doing a quick little search, here is the link.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=1704909 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=1704909)

Definitly take it to a qualified dealer that can solve the real issues.

Good Luck!