Remote start on GM's with the PassLock system

[DMC12]

Anyone able to install a remote start system on one of these cars?

GM vehicles have the Passlock system where you have to have the factory key in the ignition to start the car, otherwise you get a security error. How did you get around the errors?

[kylebigboy]

This was a challenge. Yes, I was able to get a remote start installed on an 02 Yukon XL2500, which is essentially the same as the Suburban.

THis is a PassLock II system. There is a resistor inside the ignition switch that is sensed by the security system when the key is turned to the "Start" position. Each vehicle has a unique resistance value. You will need to measure this resistance with a digital meter and bypass Passlock when the remote start is active.

There are several bypass systems available which you can use to dial in the appropriate resistance. My local Pep Boys had an audiovox unit that had a series of DIP switches to select the resistance. BUT, make sure that you measure the resistance of the bypass unit with your meter. The switch chart provided with this unit was not accurate.

You will need to cut the yellow PassLock wire ... be sure of what you are doing ... there's no excess wire to patch things up. Also, the remote start components should not be easily accessible, since it does bypass Passlock. I removed the steering shaft trim, dash faceplate and gauge cluster so that I could run all of these "boxes" high into the dashboard near the defroster vent. I wrapped all wiring and routed in the steel channels that reinforce the dashboard. Also, given the amount of current flowing through these connections, I chose to solder all connections.

All told, it took me the better part of a day to do this job. But .. it's great on a hot day to get into a cool truck. I'm sure that it will be equally enjoyable this winter .. and it gets a double take by old and young alike when an unmanned truck just starts as they walk by. ;-)

Good luck!

[DMC12]

Thanks kylebigboy! You're an electrical genius:ylsuper

The alarm shop did the installation for me, but I think I'll go back & solder all connections. I disconnected the remote start for a week and sure enough the ERRORS went away... probably a poor connection causing a constant fluctuation in voltage & causing the computer to get fried or register errors. But we'll see.

[ponchonutty]

GMC12, not sure what you are talking about errors. Is this on the Passlock system or service engine? As for the Passlock, I like to use DEI's part # 555l. It rereads your ignition key each and everytime you start your car. Then, it duplicates it when you remote start. Even if a theif locates the unit, it will lock them out if they try to hotwire.

If you are getting errors when driving, the install shop messed it up or used a cheaper unit with dipswitches. Sometimes the needed resistance is between what the dipswitches can provide.

If they did not hook up the required ignition wires (usually there are 2 and sometimes 3), you can fry the tranny. Make sure this is not the case!

BTW, DEI makes the keyfobs and aftermarket items for GM now.

[thesasquatch]

Hey Fellas-
Any help or input would be appreciated.

I bought the Clifford Matrix RSIII this summer ('03) and had a local stereo installation shop install it. (They're not a registered shop - they're a start-up company - very small - so the work isn't really guaranteed but the price was AOK).

I had the RSIII installed (both alarm & remote start/keyless entry). The system worked fine for a couple months, but about 2 months ago, the "security" light began to stay-on when remote start was used. If I used the remote-start, once I insert the key, turn it, and put my Tahoe into gear, the security light comes-on and stays on until I turn-on the car.
The shop doesn't know what's wrong - they've taken a "generic" passlock piece out and put the "DEI piece" in to replace it (supposedly this would fix the problem they thought) but it didn't.

I'm still dealing with it - but I've figured-out that if I turn the key JUST far enough without grinding the starter (starter-grind protection not installed), the light won't come-on.

Any ideas? I don't necessarily think that DEI expects us to take apart our steering columns and install this aftermarket PepBoys piece you guys were referring to in order to get the security light to stay-off.

Regards,
TheSasquatch
2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71
Clifford Matrix RSIII

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by thesasquatch

Hey Fellas-
Any help or input would be appreciated.

I bought the Clifford Matrix RSIII this summer ('03) and had a local stereo installation shop install it. (They're not a registered shop - they're a start-up company - very small - so the work isn't really guaranteed but the price was AOK).

I had the RSIII installed (both alarm & remote start/keyless entry). The system worked fine for a couple months, but about 2 months ago, the "security" light began to stay-on when remote start was used. If I used the remote-start, once I insert the key, turn it, and put my Tahoe into gear, the security light comes-on and stays on until I turn-on the car.
The shop doesn't know what's wrong - they've taken a "generic" passlock piece out and put the "DEI piece" in to replace it (supposedly this would fix the problem they thought) but it didn't.

I'm still dealing with it - but I've figured-out that if I turn the key JUST far enough without grinding the starter (starter-grind protection not installed), the light won't come-on.

Any ideas? I don't necessarily think that DEI expects us to take apart our steering columns and install this aftermarket PepBoys piece you guys were referring to in order to get the security light to stay-off.

Regards,
TheSasquatch
2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71
Clifford Matrix RSIII

Which DEI part did they use? Did you actually see it? The 555l is the newer one that I was talking about earlier. The 555f is the older one which is simular but not as bad as the PepBoys thingy you talked about.

You either have a wrong code, the common ground reference problem, or a problem with the vehicle's system. I have done 100's of GM passlock systems and haven't had a problem.

[dubbin20s]

i just installed an audiovox 785C on my car about a week ago and now im trying to install my remote starter i just got done wiring everything like the 555l told me to and my car still will not start it will just start and die! anyoine know how to fix this problem please help! thanks!

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by dubbin20s

i just installed an audiovox 785C on my car about a week ago and now im trying to install my remote starter i just got done wiring everything like the 555l told me to and my car still will not start it will just start and die! anyoine know how to fix this problem please help! thanks!

You either did not get the right wires or wired it wrong. How did you test the wires to determine which ones to use? The newer GM cars now have multiple wires of the same color. Did you go right up to the ignition switch? Also, how did you connect the wires and ground the unit? Do you have the blue/black wire to the neg. output of the RS? Remember that after you have everything correctly installed you need to start the car with the ignition key so the 555L can read the codes.

[DracoCornelius]

Is thebypass system necessary for a remote starter,I've spent all day working on this, and I'm having problems finding the wire! and where are the wires for the door locks located?

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by DracoCornelius

Is thebypass system necessary for a remote starter,I've spent all day working on this, and I'm having problems finding the wire! and where are the wires for the door locks located?

What? On what car? If you are working on a '03 or newer fullsize GM truck or SUV you should be using the DEI part 555L for the Passkey and 555g for the doorlocks/security system.

[DracoCornelius]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

What? On what car? If you are working on a '03 or newer fullsize GM truck or SUV you should be using the DEI part 555L for the Passkey and 555g for the doorlocks/security system.

Its a 1999 suburban, is the 555L a different bypass system other than whats included in the remote starter, if so,where can I get it?