2001 Pontiac Grand Amb --- the security system/computer system is acting up?

Question

This is exacty what will happen, I will go to start my car and the engine will turn over but not start, this happens randomly (usually about every three weeks) Scine this happens randomly I could be at a gas station or on my way to work in the morning, the car won't start. The first time this happened I freaked out but learned soon it was my security system. From reading the manual, I learned in order to fix the problem of my car not starting, I need to place my key in the "start" position and leave it there for about 10 min or until the security icon stops flashing, then turn the key off then turn the key on. I have taken the car to several shops and dealership to fix the problem, they hook it up to some machine and run a test to fix the computer but the problem returns several weeks letter. I feel like taking it to the garage and paying it is a waste. Can anyone please let me know what causes this and how to stop/prevent it?? Is it common?? If so what did/do you do? Can I turn off my security system or am I just stuck with this???? Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

when your car first starts it has to make sure that the key in the ignition is the appropiate key. If the key says PK3 on it that means it has passkey 3 and another type doesn't have anything written on the key thats called passlock.

Passkey 3 usually has a plastic head on the key and says PK3 below the black plastic head on the key. there is a tiny chip inside of the head of this key thats sends out a signal to the car through the ignition switch that it is ok to start.

Passlock is just making sure that the key in the ignition is the correct one, that it's not punched or anything like that.

I would first try a new key, have copied from a key thats not worn.
If its a PK3 key go to dealer and have them make you a new one and program it to the car. usually parts person does it.

Vehicle times out for 10 mins in which the car thinks someone is trying to steal it. won't let start until 10 min later

try key first, could be ignition switch or security system otherwise bring it to another shop

Answer 2

I DON'T KNOW, but I suppose if your car has individual cylinder coils (spark coils, one for each cylinder), MAY BE that at low speeds the spark isn't receiving a fire signal as it should. At this point I have to wonder about your injectors, O2 sensor, cam or crank position sensors. Normally when you turn on the AC the engine idle speed should come up to compensate for the parasitic drag caused by the AC Compressor. Some cars use a solenoid to open a valve and change the Manifold Air Pressure, causing the engine idle to increase. Other cars use the computer to control an "Idle Air Control Valve". When the engine idle drops (for whatever reason) the IAC valve opens slightly to increase the amount of air flow into the engine, thus, picking the idle back up to around 800 RPM. It's possible that IAC valve is malfunctioning. A friend of mine has a SAAB and its IAC valve was stuck, and it was stuck in a low idle condition. So she couldn't turn the AC on until the car was moving or she would stall out. When we replaced it the car had to go through a learning process - that's where the car remembers certain parameters and adjusts to meet the particular driving habits of the owner. Weird but true. When we replaced it the engine remembered being at a low idle condition. When she took off the IAC valve would open (as it remembered trying to do in the past) to compensate. The result was a scary ride where the car was accelerating on its own. Fortunately being a standard transmission, she was able to press the clutch and the brake pedal to regain control of the car. She brought it right back to me. We had to run the car for several minutes simulating different driving conditions until the computer began managing the IAC valve properly. I say that just as a word of caution. Previous experiences has taught me that this could become an issue, so just be aware IF you have an IAC valve problem. Good luck. ") THUMBS UP MIKE. Pep Boys doesn't employ top mechanics they employ high school kids who are looking for experience. They HAVE a few good mechanics but in general they are to be avoided unless you just need an oil change and a lube. Speaking of "Lube" jobs, they sure gave my wife a "Lube" job when she asked to have her brake lines flushed with new brake fluid. Cost her $89.00. I could have done it for a couple bucks, but she listened to one of her friends. "/

Answer 3

From what you have said it might be worth it to go to a stereo/alarm specialist and pay to have the security system bypassed or removed completely.The cost should not be that much in my area S.E. MASS they get about $40.00-$50.00 to do the job and then you will never have to worry about it messing up ever again,plus the cost is a heck of a lot cheaper than having it act up away from home and you have to pay to have your vehicle towed because it will not start.The problem is not going to fix itself and sooner or later it's going to die for good and according to "Murphy's law" it will die at the worst possible time and place.The problem is in the fact that the security system that was installed either at the factory or at the dealer is a bargain basement unit that they buy in bulk,if you still want a security system in your vehicle buy a (BRAND NAME ONE) and have it properly installed by a pro but even that one will die after a while as I have found out that from experience that ALL SECURITY SYSTEMS NO MATTER WHO MADE IT OR INSTALLED IT ARE VERY CHEAPLY MADE.

Answer 4

the type alarm system you have is good for this,i own a repair shop in Tennessee and have replaced a lot of these factory alarm systems,, this seems to be a normal thing for them to do,,some have even went out leaving people stranded,,and some have just not started at all,,one thing you can do ,,you can take it to a qualified mechanic,,and have him disconnect it,,or have it replaced with a good aftermarket one,,the after market ones don't seem to have this problem at all.and they also set a lot easier than the factory ones do,,until then,,unless your covered by warranty,,this is a problem you may be stuck with for a while,,i think they should of have had a recall on the factory systems,,because i have seen a few of them that do the very same thing yours is doing,,i hope this help,s good luck with it.

Answer 5

Common causes of this are Pass lock sensors, ignition switches, and body control modules. Find out what code the shop pulls from the system, or take it to a more competent shop.

Answer 6

what code is in bcm? diagnosis is key to fix problem .