Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Flatrater
Your theft system works off a Hall effect switch mounted in your key cylinder housing! Usually the problem isn't the key, their is nothing special about the key. All you need to do is change the passlock sensor.
|
Hello Flatrater,
I also have 1996 Grand Am (SE; 3.1L V6) that does not start at random times.
I noticed that the original message showed this gentleman's Grand Am would cut out while driving, which mine does not, but our intentions are the same.
My car does not want to start, it will crank, it just sounds like it's out of gas that's all. Once it does start (again at random times) the engine runs fine, so it's a complete mystery to me.
I've had it to different shops, and I've been told that a code appears (I think it's a 1401 or something close) but basically the mechanics have all told me that it is a factory code that MUST be removed at a Pontiac dealer ONLY.
The last time I had it at the dealer, they cleared the code, and it started fine for about a day, I guess until the computer re-inserted the code back into the mix. My key is the original key that was given to me when I bought the car used back in 1997 - but it does not have the small piece of metal that I think is called the "passkey" it is just a standard key.
Every now and then the "Theft System" light luminates on the instrument cluster, but again at random times. There is no set pattern to how this car fails on me.
What I'm looking to do is remove the theft system from the equation all together. The car is old, it's paid for, but I just need it for transportation. If I had to replace the computer it would probably be more money invested than the car is worth.
Let me know if you have any ideas. It seems a waste of time to tow the car to the dealer and have them clear the code and say "It's okay now" only for it to not start again when I get it home.
Please reply in an email directly at
[email protected].
Thank you,
Bill Wieland
[email protected]