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Anti Theft

Tiny
DEBT10
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,000 MILES
When I had my car towed to my mechanic because it wouldn't start they found that the anti-theft system had kicked in and wouldn't let it start up. I was there for 2 hrs. Because they said it took that long. Well when it happened again I did some research online and learned how to reset it myself and found it only takes 10min. And also that it might be the ignition switch causing the problem. It has been happening more often so I took it in again and asked them to check it out to see if that was what I needed. Before checking it out they immediately went for the PCM theory and totally disregarded that it could be the ignition switch. I have had a couple of other symptons that could be coincidences. The radio has stopped working and my car is making a sound that sounds like it is working a little harder. This sound is not constant but intermitten. Before I spend the $1000.00 they say the new PCM will cost put in, I wanted to get your opinion. Also, should I try a new ignition switch first or would the computer point to that if it is indeed the culprit. A new PCM seems to lead to possible problems and money down the road especially if it is not done by experienced mechanics. I have never had a problem there before but lately these are new faces and after it me to tell how to reset my car properly I just don't know. Also, will Pepboys or similar store put my car on a computer? Just don't want to get taken.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 2:56 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Here is how you can bypass the sensor.

Go buy a 2.2k (2200 ohm) ohm resistor at an electronics store. Go to radio shack and just get one as close to that as you can. Remove the covers on the steering column and locate three small wires at the lock cylinder. Cut the yellow wire and the orange/black wire or on some vehicles, it's the yellow and black wires. Solder the resistor between those wires. Tape it up and put the covers back on and follow this relearn procedure. If this doesn't work you have a wiring problem in the steering column.
30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure
1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON (vehicle will not start).
3. Observe the SECURITY telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF.
4. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes ( the vehicle is now ready to relearn the Passlockà † Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK).
Important
The vehicle learns the Passlockà † Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.
6. Start the engine (the vehicle has now learned the Passlockà † Sensor Data Code and/or password).
7. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs if desired (history DTCs will self clear after 100 ignition cycles).

Check out this video as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG7ohbRHaic

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
DEBT10
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I have been doing this procedure to start my car back up but for only 1 ten minute session. So, from what I understand, I have to do this three times for it to properly reset right? Sounds good. My ignition switch has been feeling a little loose for a while now which is what makes me think that it is the root of the problem. I wasn't asking about Pepboys so they could fix the problem, just about whether they would hook the car up to their computer so I can see the codes for myself. I would def. Take my car to a mechanic for all repairs. I don't have a scan tool to clear DTC's(which I do not know what that is anyway) so I guess letting it do it by itself will work. Also, from your answer, I assume that you don't think I need a new PCM, right?
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
No, if the 10 minute works, that's fine. There are 2 different procedures, depending on what was changed. PepBoys doesn't read codes for free and I doubt they can read Passlock codes anyway. Your ignition is failing so your going to have to either bypass it or replace it soon.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
DEBT10
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you! Since this is happening more often now and I am tiring of resetting it I will have it replaced soon. Don't worry I will not go to Pepboys, lol. I don't go there anyway. You never said one way or the other about the PCM so I assume you don't think it is an issue here, right?
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
I don't have any opinion on the other problems and I don't think the PCM is causing this problem.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
DEBT10
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your time and your patience! You have been a tremendous help!
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Your welcome,
Leaving feedback is appreciated
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 5:07 PM

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