Hi There Folks
First I probably give you the info on what happened to me.
I own a 2003 3.4l impala. I bought it in June and it had 34 500 km. It now has approx 47,000 km. About a month ago a light came on indicating I needed an oil change. I ignored it and about a week later the check engine light came on. I usually only drive in the city, fairly short runs. About 3 weeks ago I drove out of town approx 200km. Stopped in to get some grub, came out, car wouldn't start. Not a gig. Tried a boost, nothing. With the key in the on position, the security light came on along with the battery light and the pic of a car with an opened ended wrench on the side of it. The door transponder wouldn't work or the trunk opener. The power windows buttons worked, the wipers worked but the radio didn't work and the dome lights didn't work. Waited 1/2 an hour, turned the key, perfect. Drove back to town and stopped at a store, come out turned the key, not a gig. Waited 20 mins and it started. Drove the car around in town for 3 weeks not a hitch. Went out of town again (200km) same thing happened. No start. Waited 1/2 an hour and she started. I thought that it might have something to do with the long run. Now the problem is occurring on a daily basis. Broke down the other day, called the dealership and they suggested it was probably the battery. They also told me that they never came across this problem before. What a crock. Bought a battery for $116.00, put it in, car started, eureka, problem solved right, Wrong! Later that afternoon of about 3 stops and starts on the 4th, no start. Waited 1/2 an hour, car started. The next day I decided to go do my business so I took the extra set of keys and would leave the car running, lock the doors with the remote. I would come out press the unlock door button, best kind. Done this about 5 times worked ok. The 6th time it didn't work. Had to use the key to open the door. My buddy is a mechanic and he put it on the scan tool. Apparently it showed a "u" code which is a communication code. Apparently there are 4 computers in the car. The BCM, ABS computer, Air Bag computer and the anti theft. Apparently all these computers are supposed to be yakking to each other. For some reason the anti theft is not talking to the air bag, which in turn is causing my car not to start. What's up with that? If someone needs the exact code numbers let me know.
GM has a serious issue with their Pass Lock system.
Now I have investigated a lot of weird stuff but this one is all GM (To blame).
To make a very long "root cause investigation" short...
1) They (GM) have used connectors in the ignition Pass Lock system which do not
mate up properly.
2) They (GM) did not use gold plated connector pins for this specific application.
3) They (GM) did not understand compensating software for the Body Computer.
The main issue is that, over time, the Pass Lock connector pins oxidize.
This oxidation changes the critical analog Pass Lock signal to the Body Computer.
So the Security light comes on whenever and the car does not start whenever.
You can buy a Pass Lock "bypass kit" online and disable the system... easy and cheap.
I ended up hand soldering the three wires (Black, White and yellow) directly to the
Pass Lock sensor on the ignition switch. Not so easy but it does not disable the security system...
My Impala is finally fixed and it cost me nothing...
So now everyone knows the truth about your expensive GM problem!
Maybe a Consumer Advocacy group would like to contact me as a "key wittiness" in some litigation?
I have a very advanced background in Electronics, Automotive Engine Management Systems and a Degree in Computer Science. Presently I am working as an Embedded Software Engineer.
Dr Zach
I have to go to the Dealer on Monday and their going to do a scan $95.00 an hour and if the ignition is gone and they have to replace it, it takes another 1/2 an hour to program it and I don't know the cost of the switch. Should I try to bypass the Passlock 2 system by cutting the yellow wire and installing a toggle switch.
Thanks
Bill