Security pass-lock?

Tiny
THE TAHOE CHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
My truck has been broken down. The ignition lock has been destroyed completely and the housing broken off. I need to find the wiring diagram for the pass-lock security to try and bypass it just to move my truck to a safe place to replace the entire column.
So not only am I looking for the wiring for the pass-lock resistor.
But do I have to replace the computer if I replace the entire column?
Monday, April 1st, 2024 AT 10:12 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,014 POSTS
2003 doesn't use a resistor, it uses a pass-lock system. There is a sensor in the ignition cylinder that is activated when the lock cylinder rotates and a magnet on it tells the system you have a valid key. If they destroyed the lock, then those parts are gone and will need to be replaced and then the security system programmed before the engine will start again. That is because unlike the earlier system (passkey) that used resistors the pass-lock uses a signal from the hall effect in the lock to generate a specific signal for the components in it. The security system is then programmed to only respond to that signal. Makes it harder to steal that way. There are companies that make bypass boxes, but I have never seen one that reliably worked. Your best bet would be to tow or similar to get it to a place you can work on it. Then replace the damaged column. Just be sure you use a column from the same are so a 02-04 should work. Then have an automotive locksmith rekey the replacement column to match your keys, that way the other locks also match the keys, and you don't accidentally cause damage using the wrong one. You don't need to replace the BCM or PCM when replacing the column, you just need to do a relearn. However, to do that you need 2 valid keys, which is the reason why I say to have the replacement cylinder keyed to fit your original keys, you already have them so the relearn becomes easier.
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Monday, April 1st, 2024 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
THE TAHOE CHICK
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  • 3 POSTS
Okay, that makes sense. However, I have all the parts that were dismantled. The component that was attached to the lock cylinder just the wires were severed. Is it not possible to puzzle the pieces back together and maybe try a relearn? I mean the tbar looking magnet is still in my lock cylinder they took a drill to it but still there. As long as I can get the wires back in place and located in the correct spot as if I've gotten my ignition back together, shouldn't it work?
Also, there is that wire/rod with the plastic (white or off white) that's slides through the side of the ignition housing. Doesn't that have to be in a particular position for it to start or am I confusing that tbar for the magnet and that rod wire is the magnet?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
THE TAHOE CHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You can see the rod wire I'm talking about in the picture about six inches above the ignition switch. Actually, gets the ignition switches gear to rotate. Does that have to be pulled out so far or in so far in order for my truck to start?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,014 POSTS
The pass lock sensor is a part of the ignition lock cylinder housing where the key is inserted. The magnet is part of the ignition cylinder itself and is the piece that rotates inside the housing. They need to be a very precise distance apart to work. Another part of this is the anti-tamper section of the sensor. If the lock cylinder is removed the correct way, using the key to rotate it into position and then pushing the release there is no problem. You reverse that and it works. However, if it is removed by force like a hammer or slide hammer the anti-tamper part sends a signal to the PCM that someone is trying to steal the vehicle and it basically shuts it down, until it sees the new signal from the repaired system and then you can do the relearn. The mechanical ignition switch only selects the current path; it doesn't do anything for the security system side.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 AT 11:59 AM

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