no start problem

Waldo, Try One More Thing.

Next Time It Won't Start Push The Gear Selector Toward "Park" Or Unlock the Ignition, Put Your Foot On The Brake And Cycle It Out Of "Park" and Back Into It. Then try starting.

CSA

have tried that also this is a problem that has been going on for the last 1 1/2 it is just getting worst. first started once maybe every two or three months well now it is doing it everyday. someone told me it was my passlock that is why they said to do the reistor thing but not sure is my friend just doesn't know what the oms?? but just cant't get that to work that is why they are telling me now it is the starter (brush worn???)

Have You Tried A Different Key?

One suggestion for this problem is to try a newer key, like a spare that has been stashed away and hardly used. It has also been suggested to have a key "cut from code" and not just a copy of an existing key. The switch is supposed to have tiny little sensors that are triggered by the ignition key and I've been told that in some cases a worn key can be a problem.

CSA

We've Discussed These Pass Lock Security Starting Problems Here Many Times.

I was searching for one long discussion we had so I could see what other remedies were suggested. I couldn't find it yet. I think I recall a suggestion that offered an alternative to waiting 10 minutes before the security system would let you try starting again (It thinks somebody is trying to steal the car). It was suggested to hold the key to "Start" and keep it there for 10 or 15 seconds, something like that, and that it will eventually begin to crank. Maybe you can prove or disprove that one.

CSA

well i have tried that someone also told me about that one and no luck. so far the only thing people have told me that works is the resistor thing where you go in an cut a wire and put in a resistor. well i had a friend try that and it did not start at all i guess to be able to try that one i need someone that knows about cars to be able to do that. someone also said it might have to do with the car remote starter that i had taken off because i was having that problem thought maybe that was the problem. but must not have been because it is still doing it. i just need to find someone that has had this problem and really knows how to fix it and if they are close to michigan i would be willing to take it to them.

You Had Somebody Messing With Wires Installing And Uninstalling Remote Start? Yikes!
You withheld information.

CSA

sorry was hoping they knew what they were doing it was a company that puts starters in. so thought they would know what they were doing. when it did not make a difference when it came off just thought it could not have been that. should i have someone else look at it. sorry i just figured if they do that they knew what they were doing.

Question, when the car won't start. What happens when you turn the key to engage the starter motor? Does the starter crank the car over, but the car won't start? Or, does nothing happen meaning the starting motor will not even crank over the engine?

If the starter motor cranks every time you turn the key, then I see no reason to change the starting motor. The "immobilizer" anti-theft system does not affect the starting motor. It cuts off the power to the ignition system and/or the fuel delivery system. This means the starter should crank the car, but the car won't start.

If the starter is erratic, then it could be a bad starting motor, or a bad solinoid, or a bad ignition switch. These issues should be easy to figure out, therefore I suspect the immobilizer system is the culprit here.

If the problem is with the "anti-theft" immobilizer system then a circut in the control unit has gone bad or the chip in the key has gone bad. The tip about using another key, if you have one available, can tell you if the problem is in the key. The best way to fix this is a GM dealer with a good electonics man, or a car electronic speciality repair shop.

I Think This Car Has "Pass Lock" Security. "Pass Key" Security Has The Key Chip, I Believe.

You are correct. We need to be sure that the car is failing to crank. That is what the vast majority of starting problems has been with these "Pass Lock" systems.

CSA

I checked out a FSM description of PassLock2. As I suspected PassLock2 does not inhibit cranking,the car still cranks but "the engine may start but quickly stall". Anyone that is connecting a cranking problem with a PassLock2 system is not connecting the dots correctly.

Since the ignition switch is both part of the PassLock2 system and the cranking system I could understand the basis of the incorrect linkage. Starter inhibit is not part of the PassLock2 design.

The trouble shooting chart for a no crank PassLock2 equipped vehicle takes you right to standard starting system checkouts.

Old School, I Think You Have It Wrong.

The mistake you are making is possibly in thinking this is "Passlock 2" when it is the original "Passlock" security system. I don't think you are connecting the dots from the correct model year of vehicles, perhaps. Our car and manual that are both here, are both 2001 Impala. Give me the Bar code number (back cover) of your manual and I'd be happy to check it for you.

You are correct in thinking these are both Passlock systems (no chip in key), but you must have the wrong year or model that use Passlock 2 or are making another error of some kind. Please see my post, farther on down.

CSA

In fact the data I am giving is for PassLock (it is out of a 98 FSM)But what I am concluding is that the 2001 has PassLock2 but standard PassLock tests apply.

So the mistake I may be making is diagnosing the car with Passlock data when it is infact PassLock2.

Let me see if my AARC data base hookup clears it up.

As it turns out the car should have the PassKey3 system,Let me see what I can come up with (I found a description of a 2000 Impala and it was said to be equipped with a PassKey 3 system)

Old School, This 01 Has A Pass Lock System, Not Pass Key, No Key Transponder Chip.

CSA

Fine I will go on to other issues. In any case neither PassLock nor PassLock2 disable the starter they disable the fuel.

Do you know the features of PassKey3? and what models it was installed in.The first vehicle I see equipped with PassKey3 is the 99 Venture.

OK the data base that listed the 2001 as having PassKey3(chip in key) was wrong,the 2001 does have Passlock2,85% of Passlock2 failures will still crank but some even fail to crank. I verified my info by telephone call to a Canadian car security firm,the guy told me GM used Passlock,Passlock2 and Passkey3 all at the same time,just vehicle dependent,no wonder things get messed up.

Waldo,
I agree with Uncle Turbo, the only symptom you have given is: the engine intermittently doesn't start.
1. When the engine doesn't start, does it crank, and crank at a normal rate?
2. Have you checked for spark when it doesn't start?
3. Have you checked for fuel (injected into the engine) when it doesn't start?
4. Have you checked fuel pressure when it doesn't start?
5. Have you sprayed fuel into the intake when it doesn't start?
6. Have you attempted the "clear flooded engine procedure"by hold the gas pedal to the floor while cranking?
7. Engine cold or hot when it doesn't start?

Automotive Alarm and Security System shop specialists can check,disable that system. Check your Yellow Pages Telephone Directory.

SORRY TOOK SO LONG TO GET BACK HAD TO WORK TODAY!!!!
first: uncle turbo
when i put the key in to start the car i get nothing everything on the car will work car just will not turn over. have had a new switch put in did not help. the key does not have a chip and have tried to use both keys nothing. an sorry what is the immobilizer????
second: common sense answer
no the key has no chip!!!
third: hellowkit
no the engine will not crank i get nothing
know nothing about cars do not know how to answer your queations2,3,4,5,6!!
it makes no difference hot or cold. i can get into the car will start up go to the school pick up grandkids come out and it might not start. sometimes it will set all night will get in it to go to work and it will not start.
will look into the secutity system shop to see if i have one in lansing michigan.

For a 2001 this would be a PassLock2 system.No chip in key (in module around ignition switch)When activated car will crank and start but die after 10 seconds.

Unless I have it all wrong.

I hope you read this soon!! I have a 2003 pontiac grand am 112,000 miles. It will start in the morning but as the day gets warm harder to start. Yesterday (6-28) in the noon time would not start at all. Rephrase-everything came on, motor cranks, no start.
Put in new spark plugs. Boyfriend suspects feul pump. Help me, please

The security system is very involved. It's too difficult for the average electrician, untrained in these systems, to wire around the difficult areas. Here are seven (7) wiring diagrams showing the PATS security system: http://www...5280243879