2002 Pontiac Grand Am, starts off and on. Could it be the sensor?

Question

Stranded one too many times. Have had it towed and then once at the ship, it'll start up without a problem then a few days later, nothing. I've been told that it's the sensor/chip. Anyone know about how much that would run?

Answer 1

it could be anything from a bad ground to a bad ignition module
you are not going to find the answer here. take it to a shop

Answer 2

I have seen this happen several times on gm cars. You can try the re-learn procedure and see if it happens again or just replace the passlock housing and then do relearn. Either way it is annoying because it is normally an intermittent problem.

Password programming can be done using the following procedure: 1. Ensure the vehicles battery is fully charged. 2. Use a scan tool to clear any diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and BCM. 3. Starting with the Ignition Switch in the off position, momentarily crank the engine and leave the key in the run position while observing the security indicator. In 10 minutes the security indicator should turn off. Rotate the key to the off position for five seconds. 4. Repeat step 3 two more times. 5. The fourth time the engine is cranked, the engine should start and the BCM and PCM will have learned the new password. 6. Clear the BCM and PCM trouble codes again.

Answer 3

I have a 2001 Grand Am. This has happened to me...you turn the key over and it acts like its out of gas? Well, in my case I turn the key to ACC then on the dash the SECURITY Light starts blinking. This will blink for 10 minutes and then stay on. At that point simply start the car. I was told that the chip in my key is going bad. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck

I took my car to a dealership they spent 8 hours and came up with nothing. Then they decided it was the Fuel injectors $1,000.00 later was when I discovered the Security Light Trick. Which by the way I figured out because I read the owners manuel.

Answer 4

As IronHand said - these vehicles have a chip that the computer uses as a security device to prevent theft- these are known to go bad with use.

Remedy - have to replace the lock sensor and sometimes the module or controler that recognizes the chip - EXCUSE THE SPELLING ahha...

Once replaced it has to relearn the chip in your key - takes about 30 min total time to reset it.

Good Luck

Answer 5

What sensor? Are you speaking of the Vehicle Security Device?
If that is the case, the most reasonable thing to do is take it to a shop that specializes in power train management.
There the tech can connect the vehicle to a data device (Scanner) and gather information, including failure snap-shot.
Also, consider using another key. The key module may be failing. Some vehicles' security keys actually have a TRANSPONDER in them, and require electrical current from the vehicle to recharge.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Since it's a good ole GM product ( that stuff happened to me many times) i'd have the starter checked specialy connections .Once went thru 2 starters in one single year .