PassLock on a 98 Malibu

[Mesa98]

I have 1998 Malibu that has had intermitent problems with the PassLock system for the last few weeks. Every once in a while the system activiates and will not let me start the car even though I am still using the original keys. After a 10-20 minute wait everything is fine and the car starts.

I am looking for help on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem or at the very least how to permentantly disable the PassLock system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kelly

[krushmoto]

As for as I know when you start having problems with your PassLock it means it's time to change the module and ignition cylinder (PassLock II)-Keys instead of ign cylinder for PassLock I I believe.
As for permantently disconnecting.....if you find out how please let me know so I can do the same thing when mine fails. Thanks and good luck

[Mesa98]

Just to let you know the problem seems to have cured itself so I don't have an answer to my original question.

Kelly

[bowtiebandit]

9 times out of 10 it's the Ignition Lock cylinder that is the culprit.

[AlucardXXVII]

Hey, I am having the EXACT same problem!

How much does it cost to have the cylinder you're talking about replaced?

Also, how long am I supposed to wait until the Theft System light quits flashing? It seems like it never stops! I have a dual fuel system installed so I can run my car on propane. The propane pump isn't hooked into the Passlock system so whenever I get this NOT WANTING TO START problem I just flip propane on and start my car on that. If I drive around for a few minutes the light goes off.

Cool huh

Please answer my questions if you can!!!

Thanks

[mdmoen]

where is the passlock module located on my vehicle. ' 97 Malibu

[mdmoen]

Is it difficult to replace the key cylinder and module on the '97 Malibu?

[Linc_Linc]

Don't be so sure your problem solved itself. Mine did this on and off for the last year. And now, right this minute it is in the driveway dead and has been there for many hours. It just will not come back to life. I need help bad here.


Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaseee someone with answers help me out. I would like diagnostic information and or programming information. There has to be a way to reset the system and get it to recognize a new key.

Linc

[Linc_Linc]

http://www.catchacall.com/vatts.htm

The link above tells how to permanently disable the system.

Linc

[dman03]

I also have a 98 Malibu and have the same problem. The dealership said I needed my ignition lock cylinder replaced and that the part alone would cost $500 Canadian. Would replacing the Passlock system with an aftermarket immobilizer fix this problem?

[I_own_a_Lemon]

Okay! This is for everyone to do. I called the corporate office and spoke with a Rep. she said in order for a recall to be done they would have to have alot of complaints. So Everyone needs to call and have your vin(Vehicle Information Number) number ready and be sure to let them know about this website where everyone is on here inquiring about the same problem. The number is 1-800-222-1020. We can all get together and file a class action suit if need be. I don't understand a person owning a car with a Theftsystem that is suppose to enable someone else from taking it when the own themself can't get in it with the key and go. I refuse to pay a arm and two legs for something they should have known about before all of this. I really hope everyone call that 800# and let them know this is a problem. I think all malibu's should be recalled and never made again. These are man made cars and they didn't put enough time into them.



Okay! I got my pass-lock fixed and it costed me $312.63. I had to get mind fixed. That's not safe for any woman to be in a car that will not start.

[Princessamanda]

I have had this problem for a couple of months now it does about every week and a Half and I have called that number and it doesn't doo anything but they did note the complaint so I agree that everyone calls that number and lets get it recalled so we can get all of our cars fixed

[clown]

Originally Posted by Mesa98

I have 1998 Malibu that has had intermitent problems with the PassLock system for the last few weeks. Every once in a while the system activiates and will not let me start the car even though I am still using the original keys. After a 10-20 minute wait everything is fine and the car starts.

I am looking for help on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem or at the very least how to permentantly disable the PassLock system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kelly

I'm having the same problem with my 1997 Malibu. I did have a complete power outage when the Alternater went bad. Having starting problems since then. The book says that the dealer has to reset the computer. I called the service department and they were not much help. Said it's hard to diagnose an intermittent problem.

[clown]

I had my 97 Malibu at the dealer yesterday for intermittent problems starting the car. I indicated to them that it was probably a passlock problem. Because their computers were not getting the "error code" transmitted from the car they determined there was no problem, and I should bring the car in when it's having the problem (It won't start, how can I get it there??) I think there will never be an error code sent to their diagnostic computer because the car "brain" thinks it's protecting the car and isn't doing anything wrong. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. The dealer will not bypass the passlock system, and because there are no error codes they say there's nothing to fix. I called chevy after reading here about others calling with the same complaint...guess what, they never heard of the problem, even though a lot of the people who posted on this forum have called. Maybe a letter writing campaign will get their attention.

[AMP1982]

Ok everyone, I have a 98 Malibu as well and like you all say, I got in the car ...put the key in and it starts for about a second and then will not start for another 10 minutes while the Theft System light is flashing.

I brought it to the dealership the first time and they replaced the lock cylinder....then...not even a year later..surprise..I'm stuck in a dark parking lot and my car won't start. Brought the car back to the dealership and they said it was all set. Well..here I am 5 months later and almost everyday the light goes on and at least once a month the car won't start. I'm out of ideas....like someone else mentioned..the dealership can't(or won't) detect the problem and I really wish I could just remove the theft system altogether. I agree we should write letters or something. This is getting ridiculous, I have 8 copies of my key that I carry with me so when one activates the system, I use the other one!!! GRRRRR!!!!!!!!!