Alero will not start . . ? Passlock

[carolyncarmody]

I have a 2002 Alero. While driving the vehicle, the Security light came on and then the car died in the middle of the road. After several unsuccessful attempts to start the car, it was towed back to my house.

I have read several posts regarding the passlock and I am not sure if that is my problem. The car is off and no lights are on or flashing. When I put the key in the ignition and try to start the car the security light comes on with the service vehicle soon light. When the key is taken out of the igntion, all lights are off. I tried the "relearn" procedure of puting the key in the on position for 10 minutes and then tried to start the car with no success. While the key is in the on position, the security light never shuts off, I even tried waiting 1/2 hour plus.

I have read about bypassing the passlock by cutting the yellow wire behind the radio but I would like more information on doing so before attempting this.

A mechanic came by my house and hooked up the computer and said that it gave him "dealership codes" and that the car needed to be taken to the dealership for repairs. We all know how costly that can be and I don't have the funds to do that right now.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the passlock issues or igntion module?? Or about a bypass procedure. . or any other additional information would be greatly appreciated! Also, any information related to a recall or a consumer complaint department at GM would be great! I was amazed at how many posts I have read with similiar issues realted to passlock!

[inogenius]

Doesn't like a passlock issue - does the car crank at all? Even when Passlock is enabled, the car will crank, it just won't fire since passlock has cut the fuel delivery off.

Passlock won't kill the car if it's already running though. It'll only stop the car from starting.

[carolyncarmody]

The security light came on before the car shut off.

We were driving down the road, the security was on and then the car shut off while driving. We pulled over to the side of the road and the car has not started since.

We tried disconnecting the battery, the relearn procedure for the pass;pfl, and checking fuses, etc.

A mechanic looked at the car briefly and said that the computer came up with "dealership codes" and he said that the car has to be fixed by a dealership.

I do notice that when I put the key in the ignition it has to be fiddled with to turn. Like the ignition is worn. . .

Please advise.

[BNaylor]

It is important to take note of the codes the mechanic pulled up. They could be body control module (BCM)/anti-theft VATS/Passlock codes relevant to your problem. Post the DTC codes if you have them.

It sounds like you have either a flaky ignition switch key cylinder, a BCM module or wiring causing a loss of serial data.

[vamc]

BOB....I had the bcm go on mine. Thats a common problem. Its not reading the microchip in the key.

[carolyncarmody]

Thanks for the reply. The car was towed to the dealership Friday, the GM Dealership said that its going to be about $300 just in diagnostics because the battery went dead trying to start the car and the "codes" were erased!! I am having NO luck. . . . . anyone want an alero. . lol This is going to be an expensive repair bill I can feel it!! As soon as the mechanic said the dealership had to fix it I knew I had problems!!!

[purple.guru]

Whatever happened after you took it to the dealership? My Alero started at 2:00 PM and then when I went out after work at 5:00 PM and it won't start. It seems like this Passlock thing????

[caspianb79]

I have been having similar problems with my '99 Alero. I was able to defeat the BCM tripping the tamper mode "a.k.a. passlock issue", albiet temporarily, by doing the following:

I would experience the problem if the keyless entry system failed to unlock the doors and I manually unlocked them instead. The first time I tried to start it, after a few seconds the fuel injectors would cut off, killing the engine. After the third attempt of starting the car it would not turn over at all.

After three attempts of trying to start the car when experiencing passlock issues the BCM will tell the PCM to temporarily disable the fuel injectors for about 10 minutes or so (hence the relearn with the key in RUN position for 10 minutes).

I was able to defeat the above problems by turning the key to the RUN position, then putting the car in neutral, moving it a foot or two, then putting it back in park, followed by turning the key off pulling it out, putting it back in, and turning it on.

I figured all this out waiting for a tow truck. Then I drove the car into a dealer who provided me with the following information:

Intermittently failing passlock sensor & BCM. Checked for Codes.
Has passlock codes: P1610 & P1616 in ECM.
BCM has Data Loss code B2958 in memory.
Checked for bulletins, O.K.
Checked all BCM & Passlock DATA, All O.K. at this time.
Needs Ignition Lock Cylinder & BCM.

BCM $397 + tax
Lock Cylinder $275 + tax.

I declined those repairs as I didn't have $900 to throw at the car at that time, and figured I could get the parts cheaper elsewhere and attempt to do the work myself.

While driving it later that week, however, I went to start it after a short drive to the Post Office. As soon as I turned the key to the ACC position, the whole electrical system died. No more security lights, no more radio, no more power windows.

I have since attempted to replace the Ignition Switch ($129) which temporarily provided power for the wipers to work, but didn't enable the car to start. Since that initial connection, nothing will power up again. I also replaced the BCM (eBay salvage with 1 year warranty $44). I also replaced the Ignition Cylinder ($194 NAPA). And it still won't get any power anywhere.

Hazards won't work, headlights won't turn on, nothing.
The battery has 12.02 Volts.
I am getting juice to the wires which run from the battery to the ignition switch, but still no power!

Does anyone have any ideas what could be going on here?

I've already purchased the replacement parts and plugged them in, the last thing I want to do is bring it back to the dealer all torn apart, so they can charge me even more than before and get a good laugh at my expen$e.

Thanks,

[vamc]

Had the same issues? I had 133K on the car and had to trade it in. could not deal with it.

[didot]

have a 1999 allero. While driving the engine shuts off and the car stalls. Push the gear to neutral it starts. One GM machenic has said it is the computer. Do I have to reprograme the new computer module if i replace one. Did any one else have a similar problem Ay suggestions appreciated.
thaks.

[vamc]

Maybe a bcm, but could be wrong.

[Iflylow]

If you get a new BCM, the dealer will program it.