Grand Am Passlock problems w/ alarm
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=74095
Printed Date: April 29, 2024 at 9:46 PM
Topic: Grand Am Passlock problems w/ alarm
Posted By: kaezoo
Subject: Grand Am Passlock problems w/ alarm
Date Posted: March 07, 2006 at 5:20 PM
I installed a Viper 350XV (alarm with NO remote start) into a '99 Grand Am and a week later the customer called with Passlock issues. On some occasions he's unable to start the vehicle, "security" flashes on the dash and the starter cranks but no fire. On other occasions the vehicle starts and runs but "security" stays on on the dash. Other times it starts and runs with no problems. The customer is certain the alarm is causing the trouble; I'm pretty certain it's not. The ignition switch was replaced about 2 weeks before the alarm went in by the customer's mechanic friend. I installed the alarm behind the glove box, and tapped locks, door pins and parking lights directly at the BCM under the glove box. I pulled the ignition switch up into the instrument cluster cavity when I was making the ignition harness connections, but I don't remember straining any wires and of course I didn't tap or cut the passlock wires. I tapped the constant power at the key switch, the green wire for the ignition input and interrupted the starter wire for starter kill. I'm certain I didn't mix up the yellow starter and yellow passlock wires. I only have a passing familiarity with Passlock. When the customer's girlfriend called the dealership's service dept she was told we probably mixed up some wires (thanks, guys). She's taking the car to the dealer tomorrow but they're probably only going to hook it up to the code reader. She'll be calling me back after she gets a diagnosis. She's also convinced the alarm is the cause of the problem but she's less likely than the customer to scream and curse at me over the phone. Can anyone who's more familiar with Passlock in these cars tell me how likely it is that I'm to blame for the problems, and what might be going on with the car? Any questions I should ask the dealer's technician when I talk to him?
Replies:
Posted By: mo12v
Date Posted: March 07, 2006 at 6:04 PM
Doesn't matter to the dealer.........
It's your fault. You were the last one to work on it. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH......... Here is a little Info on PASS 2 https://www.wiringinstructions.com/238.htm ------------- MO
Don't Learn from Others Mistakes
You Might Be the One That Knows.
Posted By: john ogrady
Date Posted: March 07, 2006 at 7:43 PM
Sounds like their mechanic friend did not install the ignition lock cylinder correctly.This is one of the main inputs for the Passlock system.The cylinder contains a Hall Effect sensor and magnet.It also generates the R-code which is also known as your resistance code.
Posted By: xscash
Date Posted: March 07, 2006 at 8:10 PM
john right. there is a learn routine when replacing the cylnder. xs
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: March 08, 2006 at 6:40 PM
Why was the ignition switch replaced? Was it because there was already a Passlock problem. If the dealer knows their stuff, they should be able to correctly interpret the trouble codes set. You may have disturbed the Passlock wires at the igntion switch or the mechanic may not have done the ignition switch repair properly. You may have to let the dealer try and determine that. Unless you have broken or partially unplugged the Passlock harness, you are probably not to blame. The problem may in fact be as the other members mentioned, the mechanic didn't relearn the Passlock code into the BCM after replacing the switch. Unfortunately you may have just be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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sparky
Posted By: kaezoo
Date Posted: March 08, 2006 at 9:39 PM
Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to stick to me. I was off today and will be off tomorrow, but from what I'm told thirdhand, she called a manager back with some story from the dealer about wires mixed up. The manager didn't bother to refer to any of the installers who were in today, who had an idea what kind of questions to ask; he just promised we'd reimburse what she spent at the dealer and she's coming in this weekend to have the whole alarm pulled out. I don't know whether they took the car apart or just pulled a code; I'll have to wait until I see the service paperwork.
My prediction is I'll pull the alarm, put everything back the way I found it as much as I can, give them the car back and they'll just keep having the problem. We'll see who they go after then.
Posted By: thepencil
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 8:37 AM
mo12v] wrote:
Doesn't matter to the dealer.........
It's your fault. You were the last one to work on it. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.........
Been there, heard that story many times over. Most of us can relate to that. The decesion is final, you are at fault. There is nothing you can do, but bit the bullet and move on. There are many more better install ahead of you. It's going to be sunny day tomorrow with blue sky and you are above ground. And that is all that really matter! Hopefully, it will not bother you too much that you will still be able to make it to the peeler pub for a drink and call it a day. 
------------- Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. 
Posted By: customak47
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 4:37 PM
Look, tell the dealership to screw off. They know DAMN well they have a FACTORY issue with these ignition switches from passlock issues to mechanical workings of the switch. I had a grand am with no aftermarket installations done on it, the lock cylinder wouldn't turn at all. Thought i was gonna have to tow it in, but got a switch and replaced it. TWO WEEKS LATER, guess what? lock cylinder not working AGAIN! Put another one in and has been fine to this day. If I was you, I would replace switch myself and send the dealer that did it the first time a bill...... good luck my friend......give the dealer a big FU for me ------------- My rifle is my friend...
Posted By: customak47
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 4:46 PM
No matter what's wrong with it, the dealer will spin it into your fault to cover their own asses. Tell the dealer if they are trying to get you to pay for it, you want a licensed tech to SHOW you the exact cause of the passlock problem, NOT a service writer/manager. Go up to the dealership and if a service writer says "oh yeah the inductance of the aftermarket wiring caused a reflux in the passlock defibrillator" say "prove it baby, otherwise i ain't payin". If it happens to be your fault, you will know for sure. I AM VERY CONFIDENT IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. SHOW THEM THIS POST IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM
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My rifle is my friend...
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