Whew! Finally read through all 25 pages! LOL! That takes awhile!
My problem started last Fri night, the 24th, on my '98 S10 ZR2. I spent a few min. trying to start the truck, and like most, it would start, run for 2 sec. and shut down. I automatically knew it was something electrical. But, I've never studied anything about the factory secuity systems on GM vehicles. Never needed to...didn't have anything new enough to have these problems until I bought this truck about a month ago. My old '96 Sonoma didn't have passlock or passkey....somehow.
I spent the better part of 5 hrs doing research on the 'net that night. I'm a researcher, that's what I do. Not to mention, I'm an administrator on a forum board that is just like this and a moderator on two others (ATV sites). I help people with problems on their quads all the time. Been working on those boards for several years.
After spending the better part of my weekend learning more than I ever cared to about these GM security systems, I've finally gained a huge understanding of how the entire system works. I've been a mechanic back in my day and even work w/ electrical stuff for my job (local IBEW).
That being said, I've tried a little of everything and had some good luck and some not so good luck. I did get the truck to run the next morning after leaving the battery completely disconnected for about 8 hrs while I was sleeping. It started and ran just fine but the light stayed on. I've went through the relearn proceedures (which worked) and even pulled a diode that I found that's supposed to disarm the entire system when pulled. Didn't do squat. So if you read anywhere to pull a black diode labeled, DRL, don't bother. It won't hurt anything, but it won't disarm the security system either. Everything has been fine since the relearn proceedure but I haven't cleared the codes on the BCM so the light is just stuck on. Kinda light fixing an engine problem fixed, but not clearing the DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes). The light will just stay stuck on until the codes are cleared. Not a problem for me....I don't stare at my idiot lights when I'm driving and paying attention to the road! Unlike some of you....LOL!
I'm happy to say the truck is currently running...and has no issues starting except for the light is stuck on. I haven't done squat to it short of the relearn process...that's it. I was fully aware of the bypass module and what it does after getting a quote on a remote starter just after recently buying the truck. For those who don't understand what the aftermarket bypass module does (which has to be installed w/ an aftermarket remote starter), it simply does the same thing as installing resistors inline between the infamous YELLOW and BLACK wire. A bypass is required to circumvent for remote start applications. If left unchecked, it will lock down the fuel injector rail, and you will then need to tow it in to GM for evaluation, and resetting. This Passlock Bypass Module is designed to momentarilly allow the engine to remote start by sending a proper coded pulse to open the fuel rail passlock injector cut off circuit. The output from an alarm/remote starter would then shut down the pulse, once it has detected the engine has engaged, and preserve the integrity of the passlock system. The only difference from individual resistors and the bypass module, is the bypass module learns the resistance values and automatically matches it. It's a simple automatic process that eliminates testing for the resistance values and buying and installing those matched resistors. With the module installed, it will always match the resistance, no matter what it is. So, for those of you who aren't comfortable testing resistance, searching for the right resistors and installing them, you can search for an aftermarket bypass module used for remote starters and simply have it installed. Any car audio shop that installs remote starters will do it. You don't have to have the remote starter installed if you don't want to, but it you have the extra money, then do while they are in there. Remote starters are nice, but not needed if you just want the bypass module installed. That's just one fix...or idea to throw out there.
OK, on to my MAIN question. Most of know (if you've read all 25 pages and paid attention) how the system works and what components are in charge of controling it all. We also know the end result of a faulty code is the fuel injectors getting shut off to prevent auto theft. Sooooo, how many of you have thought about working your way backwards and go directly to the component keeping the car from running? I'm talking about the fuel injectors. I myself haven't looked into it yet, but I will. Is there possibly a way to take the fuel injectors offline from the security system? Is it possible to allow them to fire and opperate correctly without getting shut down by the BCM and/or PCM? If I'm shooting for the moon and it's never possible, then disreguard this last paragraph. I'm just thinking out of the box from what I've been reading over and over for the past three days.
In the mean time, my '98 ZR2 will be getting the remote starter and bypass module. That's what was going to happen before all this started in the first place. I made my decision to install a remote starter the day I bought it almost a month ago. I installed one on my '96 4x4 Sonoma years ago and won't go without one on this truck.
Good luck to all. Respond as you see fit. I'll be checking this thread for more problems and reading and helping as I can. Sincerlely, one hellava patient guy!