Looking at a 02-04 LS and SS models

I am looking to buy a 2002-2004 LS or SS Monte and have a few questions. I believe the SS has a 3.8 liter V6..not sure about the LS model??

1. Does anybody know what security system is onboard. (passlock 2, 3, ect)
Passlock 2 is the crappy one. Passlock 3 has a resistor in the key?

2. Anyone have any major issues starting the car relating to the security system?

3. Any problems with the computer as far as needing to replace it and how much it cost if they did?

4. Anything major that would be grounds for consideration. (Tranny problems, computer, drive train, ect)

I have a 2002 Grand AM Gt and the thing is kind of a piece of crap. It has a passlock 2 system on it and it doesn't work for shit. It randomly won't start all the time and I have read that this is a common problem with all GM cars using the passlock 2 system. I want nothing to do with any cars that have it and would like to know if the Montes in this year range and model have this security system. If so I won't even consider it. If you have had a problem relating to the above questions, state what year, model and engine..That would be a big help!! Thanks to everyone that can give me some insight and help me out!!!

only thing i replaced that was major was the computer. I have an 03 LS. It was 800. Also the gasket problem still exists. I had coolant leaking into the engine. But at 82,0000 miles I am not complaining.

Don't waste your money. Buy a Toyota. I have an 02' SS and I have had nothing but problems. I too have had the upper and lower intake manifold leak that has been repaired three times. Still leaks... It is a combination of DEX-COOl and the gasket material GM uses. The organics of the DEX-C eat the gaskets. I then had the steering linkage go out. And lets see, oh yeah I just replaced the catalytic at 48,000 miles because is collapsed in on itself. The heated seats have gone out and been replaced once, and gone out again. I am about to replace the throttle position sensor due to odd shifting in the tranny. I am now at 50,000 miles. These are 100,000 mile problems. When I bought the car new it was up for the JD Power award and had great reviews. Boy that was a load of crap. Anyway, these are all known problems by GM and Monte Carlo owners. Never before have I used my warrenty so much. Google Chevrolet Monte Carlo TSB and see what you find. The Montes have actually gotten worse over the past five years quality wise especially if you have the Super Charged SS. The 3.8L is already under powered but I have had some good runs. The LS...don't do it. It is a Four cylinder and has no power.

I wish I would have read some of these things before I bought my 2002 Monte SS. I have only had it for a few days, so far I like it. In response to the LS model having a 4 cylinder, that is not right, it has a 3.4 litre V6 (I was looking at one about a week ago) I don't know much about them, so can't give you any information about them. Prior to this I had a 2000 Grand Prix GT with the 3800 and it was awesome, that is why I went with the SS. As far as other problems I am really hoping I have good luck.

I remembered that the LS was a 3.4 Liter V6 after I read your post. I remember thinking that the 3.4L felt like a four cylinder back when I test drove one. The Monte Carlos are big heavy cars. The 3.8L was the better choice. I have to say that I have never been stuck in the snow or want for traction in the winter. If you are mechanically inclined you can do some of the repairs yourself if they occur. It also helps if you have the OEM repair manuels. They sell them on CD Rom. I bought the books and they are huge! If your turn signals randomly stop working you will need to replace the hazard switch. It is a $45 switch. The hardest part of the job is getting to it by removing the dash cover. The throttle response snesor is a "plug and play." The sensor is just expensive ($88). I just repaired my rear window defroster today using a silver laced epoxy from a company called chemtronics. It is what Chevrolet uses to repair defroster bus bars. I determined a while back that I bought a "Friday" car. This is a car that was assembled at 4:55pm on a Friday afternoon. I keep hoping that after each fix, that will be it for a while. Good luck with your Monte Carlo SS!

Hey, thanks for the reply. I wish I would have found this site before I bought it, lol. So far its been pretty good, I bought it on 07-07-07, so I'm hoping that is good luck for me. I have had a couple issues with it, but also have a warranty, so they'll be covered. Just thought I'd ask you, you seem to know alot. My daytime running lights aren't working and I have no interior lights when you open the door (dome light & lights under dash) The dome light turns on when you turn the switch for it but thats it. I thought maybe it was a fuse, but also have no owners manual to check which fuse runs them. I have to buy one here soon.