[Denman123a]

[quote=manicmechanix;6033968]

Originally Posted by Denman123a

Did the connecter look corroded? Some year of Cavalier/Sunfire there was a corrosion problem at the PCM where it was located under the fender. I'm thinking this was 95-96 years though. Not sure why you weren't getting communication with your code reader before, but maybe it was coincidental. The PCM block terminals looked OK but obviously weren't since it made the difference in being able to interface with my code reader. I think I may have helped myself a bit doing that work. I also had the steering column covers off so the tech could do just his part, and I reinstalled them (a pita awkward bit of Leggo).




This sounds like a theft lock issue. I think '99's used the theftlock system but maybe someone else can verify this. My memory is they all used the theftlock but proir to '99-'00 (?) the ignition code went through the instrument cluster and after that through a BCM. None of that really matters because either way your problem is probably the ignition cylinder.
You're correct on this, Passlock or Passlock II not sure which.

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There is a failsafe limp home mode once the car is running, but if you shut it off and your ignition switch is not working properly, it won't start. If it could be started without the ignition code it wouldn't be much of an anti-theft device. Where is your PCM located? At first GM tucked the PCM under the firewell on these models, but some of them had corrosion problems as I mentioned earlier. My PCM is just ahead of the inner fender of the front right hand wheel, needing the wheel off and a horn removed. Craziness!

Anyway I think you need to get to the bottom of why your ignition switch won't crank and then you'll probably get the car to run.

Problem resolved, .... thanks folks who helped, particularly Manicmechanix, ... turned out to be the keylock coming apart a bit making the key hard to turn. The disturbance around the key invoked the Passlock system and there I was. I forced the lock to turn to "start" with a BIT of help of a wrench, it started in "theft" mode and I was able to limp down to Mr Goodwrench who fixed the lock and cleared the theft codes for one hour labor. All's well that ends well.