Passlock System

[03Alero]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

OK you sure you got it back together correctly? The resistor should be between the black wire and the cut yellow wire going to the BCM and not the dash and DO NOT CONNECT THE 2 YELLOW WIRE ENDS BACK TOGETHER. Also, when reading the resistance don't forget to meter the other end of the cut yellow wire after you have it started. If all of that is correct then you have another problem going on. You may need to run another wire from chassis ground to the black ground wire as well. If or when you are 100% you've got it right you can play your dice and unhook the battery for 5 minutes then try to start it. It'll either work or lock you out and then you'll have to do the PK2 relearn sequence.

Ok, I tried disconnecting the battery and nothing happened. First, I just unhooked the negative cable for a few minutes. When I reconnected the terminal, the security light was still on. Not wanting to mess around, I went ahead and disconnected the entire battery (positive and negative) overnight. When I reconnected the terminals, the security light was still on. Also, I was surprised that I did not lose my pre-sets in my radio, although my clock was reset. Any thoughts?

[ponchonutty]

Do you mean the security light is on constant or just when you try to start it? If it's on all the time you have an issue with the BCM. You can try to unplug the BCM then see what happens when you plug it back in.

[03Alero]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

Do you mean the security light is on constant or just when you try to start it? If it's on all the time you have an issue with the BCM. You can try to unplug the BCM then see what happens when you plug it back in.

It is on all the time, even when it is running. I will try unplugging the BCM and report back. Thanks again for your help.

[ponchonutty]

If it stays lit even when you are not running the engine it's certainly a BCM or harness to the BCM problem with out a doubt.

[tech JK]

Nope, no such thing as a toggle switch from the factory.

[tech JK]

No such thing as a toggle switch from the factory. This is aftermarket. The aftermarket systems play havoc on the factory system.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by tech JK

No such thing as a toggle switch from the factory. This is aftermarket. The aftermarket systems play havoc on the factory system.

What in the world are you talking about???? Even not knowing what you are talking about, not ALL aftermarket systems play havoc with ALL factory systems. If that was the case, there wouldn't be an aftermarket segment.

[tech JK]

Toggle switch definately NOT factory. There must be an old alarm or remote start. These play havac with the factory system.
-----------------

Originally Posted by raycorri

Yeah, I'm not so sure that the toggle switch is original equipment. As for disabling Passlock 1 or 2, it can be done fairly easily. I did this to my 2002 Olds Alero with Passlock 2. Yours is apparently Passlock 2 also according to these photos that follow. You don't have to install a toggle switch, but I would suggest it in case you go to a dealership for service and they need the Passlock re-enabled. I'm sure they will try to tell you that you shouldn't do this. You can just print out this article to educate them on their own system. The BCM is already programmed to go into "fail-enable" mode when the key reference circuit (yellow passlock wire) is broken (cut) while the engine is running. That's the key ---- while the engine is running. The security/anti-theft light will come on and stay on until the circuit is repaired. Your Passlock is now disabled. Just don't repair the circuit (reconnect the wire) unless absolutely necessary. I have read where others just tape up both ends of the cut yellow wire and leave it that way. This probably works fine, but I like the idea of being able to repair the circuit by the flip of a switch. (Just in case.)

This is the MOTOR AGE article describing "fail-enable" mode:
http://www.motorage.com/motorage/dat...09/article.pdf
page 3, If the correct key is in the cylinder and that circuit
fails while the engine is running, this is considered a
malfunction, not a theft attempt. The “Security” light
may turn on to warn of a system malfunction, but even if
it doesn’t, a key recognition circuit failure with the proper
key in the lock will cause the TDM to enter what GM
calls a “fail-enable” mode. Essentially, the theft-deterrent
system goes offline and the engine will start and run
with any key that turns the lock.

Here are 2001 Malibu photos to help you get to the Yellow Passlock 2 wire to cut it while the engine is running. Read the directions below each photo. By the looks of these photos, you should probably go ahead and start your car with your key (no keyring or keys attached) so you won't have to figure out how to start it with the Switch in an unsecure position later in the process.

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...1&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...2&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...5&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...6&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...8&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...9&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...2&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...5&link=BULLDOG

http://www.directwholesale.net/diagr...7&link=BULLDOG

That yellow wire is the one to clip while the car is running! Incidentally, Malibus, Grand AMs and Aleros are all having the same Passlock problems. Coincidentally, we all have the same part # for the Ignition Lock Cylinder. A Passlock sensor is built into this cylinder. If this sensor goes bad, you have to replace the entire Ignition Lock Cylinder. GM is making a killing and so are the dealerships. I'm not knocking the Certified Technicians, they are just doing what they are trained to do. How can anyone deny that this part is defective? If you are tired of having to wait to start the car that you worked so hard to buy with your own money, you should be able to disable the Passlock if you want to. This is just one way to do it. Here is the Ignition Lock Cylinder part # and I hope this disablement will really help some of you.
1999 - 2004 Alero
1997 - 2003 Malibu
1999 - 2004 Grand Am

The GM part number is 12458191.

[ponchonutty]

OK That post talks about just cutting the yellow wire in the passlock system which yes will work until the car's battery fails or goes dead. He'd be better off using my resistor method instead.

[xuberantz]

I'm back again with some more questions, I bought a new ignition key cylinder, and key. I replaced it and turned the car over. With the key on the run position the security light started blinking (IT HAS NOT DONE THIS SINCE THE ISSUE AROSE). I let it continue for 10 minutes, and it stopped blinking -but stayed illuminated-. I turned the key off for approx 1 min and tried to start the car.. nothing the light is on again and not blinking. Is this a problem with the PCM or what? I have another on the way recoded to my vin, but why did all of the sudden when I replaced the key lock it started blinking like it was going to do the relearn procedure but ultimately stay on?

I unhooked the batter for awhile, and tried it again.. and the light was on, and stayed on like it did before I replaced the switch.. I'm so confused!!!

Thanks for any insight.

[ponchonutty]

It did this becuase you didn't replace the PK2 decoder. The switch has nothing to do with the problem you have.

Originally Posted by xuberantz

I'm back again with some more questions, I bought a new ignition key cylinder, and key. I replaced it and turned the car over. With the key on the run position the security light started blinking (IT HAS NOT DONE THIS SINCE THE ISSUE AROSE). I let it continue for 10 minutes, and it stopped blinking -but stayed illuminated-. I turned the key off for approx 1 min and tried to start the car.. nothing the light is on again and not blinking. Is this a problem with the PCM or what? I have another on the way recoded to my vin, but why did all of the sudden when I replaced the key lock it started blinking like it was going to do the relearn procedure but ultimately stay on?

I unhooked the batter for awhile, and tried it again.. and the light was on, and stayed on like it did before I replaced the switch.. I'm so confused!!!

Thanks for any insight.

[xuberantz]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

It did this becuase you didn't replace the PK2 decoder. The switch has nothing to do with the problem you have.

Mind telling me how to replace the PK2 decoder on a PK1 car? It's either wiring (highly unlikely) PCM, instrument cluster, or the ignition key switch that plugs into the back of the instrument cluster (I just replaced that).

I'm leaning more and more towards the computer.

[xuberantz]

Replaced the PCM (programmed to vin) and still nothing... The light stays illuminated at all times. I still can't figure out why yesterday when I replaced the ignition key switch (wires that go to the instrumetn cluster) it actually started blinking like it was going ot do the relearn, but ultimately stayed illuminated.. The only thing left to replace is the instrument cluster?

ughhhhhh, I hate going in circles with this pos car.

[ponchonutty]

Sorry, I thought it was a newer cavalier. The one your mom has can be very tricky because it can indeed be the instrument cluster being the issue. You could try to use my resistor trick but you might have to use a relay being triggered off of the starter wire to send both the proper r value and a ground to the bulb check wire.
try to get on to this website. Not sure if it'll let you or not.
http://www.directeddealers.com/manua...tion_Guide.pdf

[xuberantz]

I replaced the instrument cluster with a used one, and no go. I was wondering if you could PM me ponch and walk me through what I need to do to try, (I can solder, but i'm very new to all this so you may have to hold my hand and walk me through it with exactly what I need to do) because I am really running out of ideas and it's her only transportation so I really need to get it running.

Thank you.