2000 Pontiac Grand Prix ignition key question?

Question

I got a 2000 Grand Prix. The security light is always on. It came with only one key and it doesn't say GM. I went to the dealer and they wanted $65.00 for a copy I think mainly to program the chip in the key. I went to Lowes and I got a copy for $3.00. I used that key this morning and came to work.

I am suspecting somebody tamper with the security system in order to make the other key to work. I hope the engine doesn't stop in the middle of traffic.

Anybody has any comments on that?

It is too bad there is so many thieves this day that people has to have this complicated devices. There was a time not long ago that you could sleep in your house with your doors opened.

jeff s If its so easy to deactivate the system why to bother with the expensive keys?

Answer 1

I agree with fire4511 - someone who owned the car previously probably had the anti-theft system disabled.

GM vehicles from around model year 2000 have a very common problem with the passlock/anti-theft system. I'm guessing that is why yours has been permanently disabled.

When the theft system malfunctions, it trips for no reason -- usually while driving -- and next time the owner goes to start their car, the theft system engages a fuel shutoff. It takes a trip to the dealer or leaving the ignition switched to ACC for 20-30 minutes to get around it. It's very annoying & expensive to fix. We don't have any complaints for the 2000 Grand Prix specifically, but it's the same defective security system as all the other GM vehicles.

See the link for more information, everything about anti-theft system problems is all GM vehicles made from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Lots of comments from angry GM owners.

Answer 2

I agree with most of the other answers. If the vehicle starts and runs, the security system will not shut the vehicle off. There may be a problem within the security system or it may have been disabled, both are realistic scenarios. I would venture a guess that the system has been disabled. I'm not an electronics expert, but there must be a way to verify system functionality. Your local dealer should be able to print out a troubleshooting guide for you. I can tell you this, I own a '98 Grand Prix GT and the system is so sensitive, it can be set off by a car driving by...could be why it was disabled. For what it's worth, you can get a factory shop manual for the car which will have everything you need to repair the entire car from Helminc.com
These can sometimes be found on Ebay as well.
Good luck

Answer 3

If the engine starts, it will not stop running...but it is curious that the engine started.....there is a security chip in the key....something else is going on with the security system and it could have been tampered with. You may want to get some other kind of security for your car...like the club that wraps around the steering wheel and brake when you are parked...

Answer 4

You're on the right track try moving the steering wheel while returning to the off position. Having an ignition lock cylinder replaced can be very pricey and that's because it's tedious and frustrating.

Answer 5

If the key works to start the car, you do not have to worry about it cutting off. Most likely the ECM (control computer) has been changed or reprogramed to disable the anti theft function.

Without that function, you car is a bit easier to steal, but it will not cause any other problems.

Answer 6

The transponder is responsible for activation the electronics to make the car run, so if it runs with the key you have, then it is not likely it will stop dead on you, unless you got some other mechanical problems not yet discovered.

Answer 7

Sounds like the transponder has been bypassed....usually people do this when installing a remote start that they get from an aftermarket place. You can't use your remote start without a passkey or defeating the system.