"Pass-Key" Problem

[Tutype]

Greetings Anyone & Everyone
I have purchased a 96' Grand Am SE (2.4)for my son, however, it will crank over, but not continually run due to the security system locking up. She runs for about 2-3 seconds and shuts off; I do hear the fuel pump running though. The security light flashes, then after let sitting 10 minutes it's a constant light (tried this "reset" after suggestions from other forums). I'm stumped. I read it could be either of the following: BCM, something in the Dash Board, or anti-theft system.
If you have any information, direction, literature, or input on how to override this issue it will be greatly appreciated.
Any Help is greatly appreciated. Please.
Thanks in advance,
-TuType

[thephantom1492]

Can you get it running atleast once ? or it always goes back into tamper deterant mode?

[Tutype]

I bought the car "as is" a week ago. It only ran a few seconds for me. However, the previous owner stated he drove it to K-mart and it wouldn't start thereafter. He had it towed about a mile to a mechanic, who told him the problem was the security system. The car was going to be junked; I couldn't bare the thought of that; i felt led to buy it, so I did. Again, any help is greatly appreciated.

-TuType

[thephantom1492]

then locate the 3 wires harness going from the top of the ignition key. it's 3 small wires, black, yellow and white.

cut the black and yellow (and leave enought wire in case you want/need to reconnect it). on the wire going to the BCM (so not those going to the key), solder a resistor, any value between 470 and 10k ohms.

then put key in ignition, put to run, wait about 10 minutes until the security light stop blinking, turn to off, wait 5 seconds, start the car.

This should fix the issue... if not you might have a BCM issue.

A note of warning: this may not be legal for your insurances, as you bypass a security feature (anti theif). but hey, who care about an old car, and I doubt you will insure it for theif anyway

[Tutype]

Wow! Well I bought a new battery for the GA and installed it. Tried to start her, but got same results, ran for two seconds. So I didn't want to attempt the reprogramming with the Day-time running lights on therefore I engaged the emergency brake and attempted to start the reprogramming process. To my much suprise she started and kept running. I took her to the car wash (but never turned her off).
I also stopped at Advance Auto in hopes they could diagnose why the following lights stays on:
- "Air Bag"
- "ETS" (what does "ETS mean)?
- "Theft Sys"
*** I finally turned her off and she restarted each time, but those lights stayed on.
Can anyone tell me what I should do from here?
Again, Thanks in advance,
-TuType

[Tutype]

Didn't last. I started her up this evening and let her run for about 20 minutes; turned her off, and went in the house. Started her again, went to the store, but forgot something so I came back home. I turned her off, ran into the house for a second, came back out only to find out, she would not start.
I would get constant cranking as if she wasn't getting any gas, so I would turn her off. Try again, and I would get the two second stalling (cranking).
Each time lights would stay on constantly. I disconnected the negative battery cable and tried again to no avail, same symptoms. Believe me as soon as I get her started she's going straight to the mechanic who has a GM Scan Tool.
I'm thinking this may be the Dash Cluster/Gauges you guys have been talking about; any clues; should I replace the gauges first, or take her straight to the mechanic/Dealer?
Well, I still give Honor to my Lord JESUS, because it could have been worst; I could have been stuck at Blockbuster in the rain, and my wife not answering her cell phone...Praise HIM !!! 8)

[thephantom1492]

I'ld check the fuses first, but chance is that you have a bad wheel speed sensor, which disable the ABS and also disable the traction control. A bad ignition lock cylinder is possibly the cause of your passlock problem.

When the passlock detect a wrong key it cut the fuel injectors. the 2 seconds you get is the gas left over in the system...

[Tutype]

1. I got a key made from Wal-Mart becaused a Dealer here in town told me that they can't/don't make keys for vehicles over 10 years old using the VIN the information is no longer in their system.
2. I'm thinking of just installing an after-market (Viper/DEI) alarm system with remote-start. The shop owner told me he could override the factory (Passlock) system with a module. Would this rectify my "Passlock/Security" problems?
Again, Thanks to all,
-TuType

[thephantom1492]

Depending on the module, it could make things worse

I'ld just bypass the passlock with a resistor and be done with it.

[xeroinfinity]

even if you by pass the pass lock, if the ignition switch or BCM are bad you'll continue to get the same results, no start. The lock cylinder is a cheap part.

If the air bag light is on could be the SRS module flaking out. I think its under the pass seat, typically they get wet from leaks and get toasted.
The ETS is your traction control, sometimes the switch on the shifter gets stuck or damaged. I doubt the wheel speed sensor(s) is the issue, advance auto scans would show any ABS codes ie. wheel speed sensor fault.

You might try and find a different instrument cluster. These are prone to fail and can cause many problems, no start, multiple lights on etc etc.

[thephantom1492]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

even if you by pass the pass lock, if the ignition switch or BCM are bad you'll continue to get the same results, no start. The lock cylinder is a cheap part.

If it's the ignition, it will be fixed. Bypass... what do you think it does? However if it's the BCM it won't fix. The lock cylinder is still about 100$ last time I checked it, might not be the cheapest, but it wasn't the most expensive at all, seen some at up to 280$... damn theif...

But I do agree with having the code scanned for the airbag and ETC (and yes, the airbag module is under front passenger seat, under the carpet, hence why it tend to toast when water get in, from a simple occurence of forgetting to close the window and you get rain)

Passlock is done by the BCM, under the glove box
Airbag is a dedicated module under the front passenger seat, under the carpet.
ETC is done by the EBCM, passenger rear of engine...
ABS is also EBCM (duh... Electronics Braking Control Module)

[Tutype]

Got her started again, however, the Air Bag, ETC & Theft lights are still on. Problem: The Air Bag module, located under the pass seat was soaked. It actually looked as if it had corrosion around the plug. I unplugged it then she started right up.

Questions:

- Where is the BCM located?

- Which switch on the shifter gets stuck (xeroinfinity)?

- How do I prevent a new SRS module from getting wet? Can I wrap it in something to protect it, does it get hot, or what?

- If I purchase a new Instrument Cluster, can I tell if it's good prior to the purchase? And what are my vehicle options & year range that will fit? Do I have to remove the entire dash to take out the cluster?

- When I replace these parts will the car start right up or will I have to do the "10 minute" relearn process?

Thank everyone for all the help. I greatly appreciate it,

May the Lord Bless you!

-TuType

[thephantom1492]

Actually, your problem could be only the airbag module...

See, every module talk over a single bus, which is present on every module. If the airbag module corrupt the bus due to the corosion and all, then it's possible that the PCM don't get the "Passlock code ok, enable fuel injector" from the BCM or something.

I wouln't replace the IC, it seems to be working fine.

I'ld replace the airbag module and if there is anything else that show up have the code scanned and see what's going on. Make a few calls, some places do free code scanning.

[littlebitofinsanit]

go to youtube tells you to bypass security light alot here is a friend of mine called redneckrickem enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKfn7J9CeZM&feature=fvw

[Tutype]

Jesus! I just viewed the Youtube link on the VAT system. Is this really all I have to do to finally rid myself the the Passlock system? (1) locate the orange wire under the dash; cut it; solder the right number of resistors to the orange wire? Is the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am done the same as in this video?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKfn7J9CeZM&feature=fvw. If so, one more question. Is there only 1 orange wire; I want to make sure I cut the "correct" wire.

Thank you all.

Much Blessing,

-TuType