1999 Grand Am Securtiy System Problem

I am having a problem with the security system. Every once in awhile when I am starting the car. The engine will stall and the security light comes on and it is blinking. I then have to wait 10 minutes to reset the system and it usually starts. And sometimes the security light will come on while I am driving. I do not have a remote start. Can anyone tell me what the problem is? Is there anyway to bypass or disable the passlock system? Any help would be appreciated.

Your car have the passlock II system.

The ignition is probably worn out, so it get a wrong signal...

There is a few ways to deal with that.

Official and insurance legal way: replace it... I've heard it's about 400$ at the dealer...

Annoying way: start the car, then disconnect the 3 wires harness that go to the ignition. Those wires are for the passlock. The result: security light will go on, indicating a problem with the passlock system. It will stay disabled until your battery get disconnected. You will drive with security light always on.

Better way: find the 3 wires harness, cut the wires (leave enought wire in case you need to reconnect), connect a resistor between black and yellow to the BCM side, as in not those going to the ignition. The resistor can be any value between 470 and 10k ohms. Solder the wires, tape well. Do the 10 minutes reset.

Notice that the last 2 is not insurance legal because you bypassed an anti-theif component!

You could also do it at the BCM too, which should be under the glove box.


Background on the passlock 2 system: inside the ignition, there is some magnet on top of the pin for the keys. On top of it there is a magnet sensor, called hall sensor. Depending on the height of the pins, the sensor get more or less magnetic field, causing it to have more or less resistance. If the key isn't the right one, so will be the magnetic field, so will be the resistance. The result is that the BCM fall into theif deterant mode.

It can happend on worn key or ignition wear, or if there is some wiring issues. Usually it's the ignition that wear out...

if u have a different key see if it happens with that one to u may just have a bad key

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=685013

Read through the whole thread carefully. There are a few links to other websites (I think Bulldog Security is one of them) to get pictures of exactly which wire to cut. You have to make sure the car is RUNNING when you cut the wire! I did this on my wife's car several months ago, and have had no further issues with the car not starting. Good Luck!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=685013

Read through the whole thread carefully. There are a few links to other websites (I think Bulldog Security is one of them) to get pictures of exactly which wire to cut. You have to make sure the car is RUNNING when you cut the wire! I did this on my wife's car several months ago, and have had no further issues with the car not starting. Good Luck!


the wire cutting only is a bad way.
When the car battery will die or get disconnected you're in big trouble!
the passlock will reenable, and surprise, your car won't start and blinky will go the light!

Really, a resistor should be used

Yeah, I forgot about that part. you can also use a small switch installed in the wire that is cut. How do you use a resistor? What resistance value is it?

between yellow and black, any value between 470 and 10k.

Then do a relearn procedure.

so no need to do any matching or whatever

what do you mean "relearn procedure"

what do you mean "relearn procedure"

put key in ignition, turn to run, wait around 10 mins until the security light stop blinking, turn to off, wait 5 secs, start the car.

That's good to know. I thought the relearn procedure was something that a dealer had to do.

Actualy thephantom1492, the relearn you posted is wrong and so is the 10 minute thing!

Security relearn procedure:

1) Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
2) Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
3) Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
4) Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
5) Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
6) Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
7) On 4th attempt, car should start.

NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete.



If you do this properly you shouldnt have to keep doing the relearn unless the ignition switch is bad.
And it is not to expensive for the parts at most part stores.
And Yes the stealership will rip you off with their high priced parts.

Actualy thephantom1492, the relearn you posted is wrong and so is the 10 minute thing!



Actually, the 3 times come out of nowhere it seems. even the mitchell make no mention of that one.

As to the first few steps, it's the diagnostic... which they shouln't have put there...

And yes, I have experience with that annoyance... my procedure is the one in my car manual, which is the same as in the Mitchell.

Actually, the 3 times come out of nowhere it seems. even the mitchell make no mention of that one.

As to the first few steps, it's the diagnostic... which they shouln't have put there...

And yes, I have experience with that annoyance... my procedure is the one in my car manual, which is the same as in the Mitchell.

What's 'the Mitchell'?

the Mitchell is one of the mechanics "manual" containing tons of informations, procedure, part location, error code definition and more... expensive thing too... Basically cover every car.