passlock or ignition switch

[harmankardon35]

01 alero. Car ran fine until now, turns over strong but will not start. The "wait 10 minutes with the key on to reset" worked, but I am getting conflicting information on the problem. Many people are reporting passlock issues, fixes involve adding a toggle switch to the yellow data wire to disable the system, another is to put some resistores in the ignition switch wiring. But there are also some people reporting a faulty ignition switch as the root cause. Any good ways to diagnose?

I am assuming this is similar to the intrigues security system, more knowledgable people seem to post here

thanks,,,

[Tobey]

Definitely sounds like passlock if it's cranking... Probably not the ignition switch, the Passlock sensor is in the lock cylinder. Good chance it's either the lock cylinder or your key, if it's beat up.

I'd try the spare key (assuming you have it...). If that doesn't work, do the 30 minute relearn procedure using the spare just to be sure. And if that doesn't work, I'd try bypassing the system using one of the methods you described.

[brcidd]

Does security light go out after ignition is turned on for 5 seconds? if so, it is not a Passlock problem-- Passlock II is in the ignition switch- Passkey is in the key-- changing keys on a Passlock II system will make no difference- unless your key is stamped with a PK3 on the shank.

[LittleHoov]

If youre not opposed to the Security light staying on all the time, you can cut the little yellow wire on the ignition switch while the engine is running and your Passlock troubles will disappear.

[harmankardon35]

ok so maybe i have a different problem....i do not have the security light on and waiting 10 minutes is no longer working for me. The security light did come on while driving a few weeks ago, have not seen it since. I have no fuel pressure but i can hear the pump come on when I turn they key on. This happened just overnight, ran fine the day before. Now is there anything in the security system that shuts off fuel supply or is it just the injectors? I hate the idea of dropping gas tanks especially if the pump is not the problem

[dtownfb]

Sounds like your security system is turning off the fuel. If you do a quick search on the web, you'd be amazed at how many folks are having this same issue in their Impala, Alero, malibu, etc. There are directions on how to bypass the system but it appears the root cause is in the tumblers. Some have had it "fixed" only to have it re-appear.

As a first step (and cheapest), I would spray WD-40 into the switch to clean it out. Also make sure your key is the correct key. maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. The next step will be making the decision to fix the problem or bypass the security syste. Personally, I'm not a fan of disabling systems in cars. But at the same time, I understand that decison need to be made based on an individual's financial situation.

Hope this helps.

[harmankardon35]

from what i understand, the security system just shuts off the injectors, and not the fuel flow/pump. Is this correct? I got no pressure at the fuel rail and i took the line off the filter and turned the key on, i heard the fuel pump but no fuel squirted out after several tries. I had 1/4 tank of gas but because of the gas gauge problems gm's often have i decided to throw 10 bucks worth of gas in a can and put it in...still no change. I did spray some electronic cleaner in the ignition too...

[Tobey]

Interesting... Pump could be clogged.

I don't think you have to drop the tank to get to the pump. If it's anything like the Intrigue, there should be an access door under the rear seat.

[metschers]

FYI,
I had a similar problem with my 05-Impala ignition.The key wouldn't turn unless you jiggled it around or tapped on it.(Advice from another AF member).
I removed the lock cylinder (before going to the dealer and spending big bucks), I took it to a locksmith. He looked it over and discovered the problem. The last tumbler,the one the end of the key depresses sometimes would hang up and not depress.Thats why if you tapped on the key or wiggled it, the detent would depress and you were able to turn the key.
He simply removed the last "tumbler" and said I should never have that problem again. Wow now that was simple!!

The best part.........
Dealer.................$150+ ignition lock cylinder(wholesale)
$25 rekeying
Local parts store...$139 ignition lock cylinder
$25 rekeying
Locksmith.............
$10.00


Good luck...

[harmankardon35]

well, it turns out the fuel filter was partially clogged, wich apparently done in the fuel pump. I sure hope i dont have a security issue in a week

no warning either than occasionally took a bit longer to start up

[Tobey]

I think I'm gonna change my fuel filter after reading this...