Is it normal after you change an ignition cylinder to not have to reprogram?

SBMISRY

MEMBER
2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
217,000 MILES

Even the directions for this state to turn the key but don't start it and the security light flashes for 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Then turn the key off and repeat the process a total of three times. Mine started right up. However, there's a service vehicle soon, the light is on now. Any ideas? Have not driven it since the code appeared.

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,973 POSTS

On this car you do need to have the key codes to the VIN number which the dealer can do before you install the key lock. Here are the instructions on how to do the job in the images below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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Saturday, August 13th, 2022 AT 6:01 PM

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Ken, I wasn't referring to the door locks. I was talking about the actual ignition cylinder. And I didn't have to program them. I ordered from O'Reilly's. Put it in and it started right up. No security light at all.

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Saturday, August 13th, 2022 AT 8:01 PM

SBMISRY

MEMBER
60 POSTS
2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
217,000 MILES

Replaced ignition cylinder yesterday. The security light never came on. Car started right up. This morning I went to start it and had no power. Or at least that's what I thought. Bought a new battery and it wasn't the problem. Car will not turn over and there's no lights on the dash when u turn the key on. I had a wrecker come pick it up and take it to Goodyear. Ideas on what's going on?

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Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 9:39 AM (Merged)

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,973 POSTS

Correct I was showing you the key has a chip in it. It sounds like the actual ignition switch went bad or the ignition tumbler is not installed correctly. Here are the instructions on how to do the job so you can go over it again. Also, you could have gotten a bad switch.

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