Issues resolved

[JTrujillo86]

So I'm not sure if I posted it here, but I found out that my vehicle had an extened warranty from GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan). I just recently transfered it over from the previous owner and decided to take advantage of it, seeing as how I only have about 5K miles left before it runs out.

I went to the dealership today because they had to replace a cracked A-pillar cover they broke when the replaced my dash for the 2nd time. After the replacement of the dash, I noticed a few rattles as well that I needed to be remidied. I decided to also have them re-check the steering because I was still getting some funky symptoms of a steering issue. Finally, I had them check what was causing my SECURITY light to come on from time to time while I was driving. (The other day it came on while I was on a mini road trip and didn't go off for almost three hours!).

Here's what they did: replaced the A-pillar cover fine, but found a few rattles were being caused by a cracked steering column cover which wasn't in stock, but that they'll replace for free when they get it in. The steering they fixed by replacing a bad P.S. pump, which is the second one that I've had since 28K miles. They also ran a diag. on the SECURITY light issue, and found the body control module to be at fault and replaced that as well and did a software update to it.

All of this was at no cost to me! Hopefully the BCM replacement will forever remedy any issues I have with the Passlock II system. By the way, is that the same as the Powertrain Control Module? Is it located under the drivers seat?

- Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Thats sound like good news for you.

The BCM and PCM are two different modules with unique GM part numbers. The BCM is the brain for theft deterrent, power door locks, courtesy lighting, and battery rundown protection (RAP), etc.

[lostidealist]

Good news indeed.

I am taking my car in tomorrow to get everything under the sun checked out. I plan on using the warranty to it's maximum extent. There have been enough stupid problems that I'm sure there are other things I am not even aware of... I have another 1 1/2 years or about 18,000 miles left on it. Boy did that car need a warranty! I am going to treat this warranty kind of like pre-paid repairs. I have a feeling the previous owner didn't really abuse the car but wasn't as mindful about getting the car in for regular maintenance and diagnostics. Add lots of miles to that, and you have a recipe for problems.

I'm already plotting my next purchase, and NOT a GM! Probably an affordable Dodge Neon, Honda Accord, Toyota, or maybe even a VW Jetta just because my brothers can help me with tinkering since they're in the "Jetta" club.

Thank god I don't have TOO many financial obligations at the moment, so I can aggressively save for a new car while paying this 2000 Alero off asap. I hate learning expensive lessons!

[JTrujillo86]

My warranty is good until Sept. 06 so I have a little while, but I get my baby paid off in about 2 years.
I can't wait!!! I love my car, and I'll love it even more once I own it out-right.

As for having every thing checked out, that's always wise, no matter which type of car you have. For your next vehicle, I say go for the Jetta. They're awesome. Not always trouble free, but their features, handling, and looks outweigh any bad, I think. Before I got my car I was looking at the 99-2002 Jetta's, but couldn't afford the insurance. My mom just got a 2005.5 and its sweet.

Good luck!

- Jeremy

[JTrujillo86]

So that pesky problem has returned with the SECURITY light. It will pop up like 5 minutes after driving and will stay on steady. I thought the BCM swap fixed it, but aparently not. I'm gonna end up having to replace the stupid lock cylinder.

- Jeremy

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

So that pesky problem has returned with the SECURITY light. It will pop up like 5 minutes after driving and will stay on steady. I thought the BCM swap fixed it, but aparently not. I'm gonna end up having to replace the stupid lock cylinder.

- Jeremy

Yep. Dealerships and GM do not know how to fix this problem. They usually try the BCM because it's easy to do but usually it's the decoder in the ignition cylinder. I'd just bypass it if I were you, that way it'll never go bad again. Do a search on here to learn how you can do it. No, GM will not bypass it for you either. Also, you'll need to get it fixed soon because it'll get to the point where it won't let you start it at all.