I have a 2003 Grand Am 2.2 ecotec and it would not start today. I followed the instructions of brittyb22 where I turned the car on, let it sit until the blinking security light when off, turned off the car and then started it. It worked. But my question is, how long will it be before it happens again? Is there some a more permanent fix?

Could be one of two things either the ingnition switch/lock cylinder or the PCM, since it started right up it could just been a glitch. Something that can happen.

Though when you do the key "on" for 10 mins, this needs repeated 3X then start, otherwise you likly will have it happen again.

If it does conintue to not start then it might be time to call a qualified shop that can diagnose the troubles.

You have to get the ignition switch changed if it happens again. I was at a NASCAR race in Dover when it happened to my wifes GAGT. Called my local GM dealer and was told to wait 20 mins before retrying to start. It worked, thank God!

I believe that was covered xlr8GoJr, in post #2. :lol:

you all need to take a look at the info on another forum. Its the security system and it can be jumped around. the folks with the Malibus and aleros figured it out and how to by pass it check out security bull dog site too there is a link umongst the post at this forum. it will give you directions and photos on how to do it. Easy, I have a grand am 1999,,,,what a pain this car has been..the security system has been putting me thru having to wait for it to reset if it triggers and it shuts down the fuel injectors. ...and gm is making a ton fixings this defective part. Im doing it asap...heres the post page.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=454520

Welcome to AF feminoz.

I have a link to probly the same procedure to bypass the Vats system, its not recomended :grinno:
http://d-tips.com/General/articles/article.aspx?id=GM_passkey.art

A new ignition switch, or cylinder usually solves this problem.

Welcome to AF feminoz.



A new ignition switch, or cylinder usually solves this problem.

I believe that was covered in post #3. :lol:

Welcome to AF feminoz.

I have a link to probly the same procedure to bypass the Vats system, its not recomended :grinno:
http://d-tips.com/General/articles/article.aspx?id=GM_passkey.art

A new ignition switch, or cylinder usually solves this problem.

Thanks for the feed back...I looked at the link, thanks. however...my system is a system in which I do not have the chip in the key itself...its all done by sensor within the tumbler it self...my key is just a normal key....in fact I have many keys cut for this car...at times some work when others will not....it apears from my research of this problem that gm knows it is a defective part...have even published offical instructions on how to bypass in the trucks...same ignition system in many gm cars and trucks. WHY NOT RECALL THE ISSUE? Heck no! to much money being made selling new assemblies...it seems to be a major problem in this ignition system...we should all write GM and complain loudly...! it is a pain and an inconvience that the new electronics in cars today cause us so much money to just have to fix them..what ever happened to the good ole carburator....air and gas in.... and IT WORKS! . FEM...

Hi, I'm a new member to this site, I had the same problem with my 2003 grand am, it's most defintely the ignition cyclinder, I had it replaced and my security light hasn't came on since, I was told if I didn't eventually get the problem fixed, the car was going to stop starting up after 10 minutes, and just won't start up at all.

Hi, I'm a new member to this site, I had the same problem with my 2003 grand am, it's most defintely the ignition cyclinder, I had it replaced and my security light hasn't came on since, I was told if I didn't eventually get the problem fixed, the car was going to stop starting up after 10 minutes, and just won't start up at all.

How much did it cost you? This has been going on for about 2 1`/2 years with this car...so far it has always restarted...I hear if the sensor in the lock complelty fails....it will not start and have to be replaced....i want to by pass it before that happens so any key that turns the lock will start it..just take the sensor out of the equation...what a pain...Gm is lovin the extra money from building such snap together cars...that fail after warrenty is expired. I can almost time malfuctions to the expiration date of warrenty... I cant' even begin to list all the malfunctions and the car only has 104.000 miles on it.......its wrong...im buying a toyota!!!!

Thanks for the feed back...I looked at the link, thanks. however...my system is a system in which I do not have the chip in the key itself...its all done by sensor within the tumbler it self...my key is just a normal key....in fact I have many keys cut for this car...at times some work when others will not....it apears from my research of this problem that gm knows it is a defective part...have even published offical instructions on how to bypass in the trucks...same ignition system in many gm cars and trucks. WHY NOT RECALL THE ISSUE? Heck no! to much money being made selling new assemblies...it seems to be a major problem in this ignition system...we should all write GM and complain loudly...! it is a pain and an inconvience that the new electronics in cars today cause us so much money to just have to fix them..what ever happened to the good ole carburator....air and gas in.... and IT WORKS! . FEM...

Actually is not a defect if the part lasts 100K miles.
Recall only happen when the vehicle puts you or anyone else in physical danger.
With this you just sit and wait being PO and cussing out GM.

Most of the time, but not always, a lock cylinder can fix this.
I usually just replace the entire unit, lock cyl & the switch.

On that link to disable the Passkey system, your key does not have a resistor, but thier is one needed if you cut into the harness to by pass this. Figuring out which one is the tricky part. I :dunno:
And I DONT RECOMMEND disabling you passkey system. :grinno:

If you replace the ignition switch or the cylinder I would have new keys made from your VIN # and pitch the old keys.

Good Luck
Btw Over the years I have had many other makes/models need a new lock cylinder and they had 30-50K miles :banghead: