Passkey Theft Deterrent issue?

Tiny
PAUL6703
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN L200
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 280,000 MILES
Intermittently, I have trouble getting the engine started. The engine starts but immediately shuts down and sometimes the lock symbol is displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, lately, the IPC will be totally dead for an undetermined delay, up to two minutes, and then it suddenly comes alive. Also, I have had the IPC go dead while driving and sometimes come back alive before reaching home. Another issue is that the trip odometer always resets to zero on a start and the overall odometer always starts at a given number on start. Both function normally while driving, unless IPC goes dead. I have been trying to determine which passkey, I or II or III, I have. I have replaced the ignition switch, and I can say that I only have two small wires coming from the ignition switch, green and black. If I can get past the engine start (passkey issue) I can drive the car given that I may not at times have a functioning IPC. Do I need to replace the BCM?
Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 6:05 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
Yep, you got it, the BCM is going bad. You can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay. Here is its location on top of the glove box so you can swap it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
PAUL6703
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Replaced BCM with one purchased from Quality Auto Parts (same part number as my original). Had to perform a passkey relearn procedure and that worked ok. Now, car starts and runs fine but doors do not lock automatically when driving, any my FOB does not work. Fob will not lock/unlock doors, nor open the trunk. Is there a way to link my FOB to the replacement BCM?
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
So it like all of the other problems are solved which is good, to make the FOB work you need to have it programmed in

Typical Programming Cost:

Locksmith: $50-$100

Independent shop: $60-$120

GM Dealer: $100-$150+

You cant buy one from amazon and it will work FYI, it must be programmed, they can enable auto door locking as well. Sorry.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 1:25 PM

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