passlock

[jvonz]

For months now I have been having problems on and off (no pun intended) with what I believe is the passlock system on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. I had always used key #2 with my car and it occured to me to try use the original key. When I used that key my car's radio was reset and my rear speakers which had not been working, were on again. I thought my problems were eliviated. Until this week my SECURITY light came on and finally, the inevitable, 'no start'. I was wondering if I got the GM passlock bypass w/ learn routine, if that would put an end to my problems so that I wouldnt have to wait 10 min. every morning to start my car. thanks.

[GTP Dad]

To reset the system turn the key to the on position and leave it on for 10 minutes. Turn it off for at least 10 seconds and repeat 3 times. On the third time start the car. This should reset the system. You can also research the problem by searching the forum. This is a real problem with the Grand Ams of any recent model year.

[pysco]

have the same problem with my 2002,its a wide spread problem i think gm should recall and fix the problem with the affected cars.crappy north american made cars.

[jvonz]

thank you for your feedback. I am still researching the problem...yes it is widespread.

[toby71]

I have a 99 grand am. Recently the tumbler in the ignition locked up. So I replaced the ignition tumbler and new key. After completing the install, the security light came on for the passlock system. The quesiton I have refers to an earlier comment about resetting the system. When using the ignition key to reset the sytem, does that also have the system learn the new keys as well as resetting the fault.
Also when going through the proceedure, exactly what are the steps?
1. turn ignition to on for 10 Minutes
2. turn ignition off for atleast 10 seconds.
3. turn ignition to on for 10 minutes.
4. turn ignition off for atleast 10 seconds.
5. turn ignition on for 10 minutes.
6. turn ignition off for atleast 10 seconds.
7 then start the car.

Is this the correct proceedure, or do you try to start the car on step 5 (the third attempt). Do you try to start the car in step 6 after being on for 10 minutes the thrid time. This is similar to what the dealership told me, but they said on/off for only 10 seconds. And that obviously didn't work or I would not have the question.

Do you need a code reader to put the system in learn mode to teach a new key. If so what level of code reader. I tried with a lower level scanner that read and erased basic codes only. It showed no codes available.

Any help is appreciated. I am still stranded without the car running.