Pass Key II on a Grand Prix

**third_shift|studios** · 03-22-2009, 07:32 PM

My bro is having some issues with his 02 Grand Prix shutting off while driving normally. he said it has to do with the computer thinking it's being stolen. He's switched to a new key, but randomly the car will shut off while being driven-pretty scary. Any idea what could fix this?

**basballny2** · 03-22-2009, 07:40 PM

so it did this with both keys? more details on when it shuts off, does it hesitate before shutting off? any lights coming on? etc.

**third_shift|studios** · 03-22-2009, 07:42 PM

yes, both keys failed. i'll have to ask him about the warnings. But from what i understand the car just turns off-whether you're sitting still or cruising on the highway. It's an automatic GTP too.

**jtortorea** · 03-23-2009, 04:51 AM

Both keys are giving me trouble. The car in question is a 2000 Grand Prix GTP. Once in a while, I do see the traction control light come on right before it dies. Also, the tachometer quits working when te TCS light illuminates. From that point, I have anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before the car stalls unless I shut it off prior to it stalling.

**SSTODD** · 03-23-2009, 07:57 AM

Is the security light on or flashing near the gauges? I pulled the security fuse in the glove box on my 00' GP GT and have not had any issues for over a year.

**PontiacFan** · 03-23-2009, 09:11 AM

Any codes after being scanned?!?
Is everything else still on, such as the radio, etc., when it dies?
If so, then it's probably not a the keys.

It could be alot of things, but I'd look at cam and/or crank position sensors also.
We had a Bonneville that did that. Going down the road it would just quit. Wait a while, & it would run again. When we removed the crank sensor, you could see where it had physically been rubbing. Never happened again after the replacement.

**third_shift|studios** · 03-23-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by PontiacFan

Any codes after being scanned?!?
Is everything else still on, such as the radio, etc., when it dies?
If so, then it's probably not a the keys.

It could be alot of things, but I'd look at cam and/or crank position sensors also.
We had a Bonneville that did that. Going down the road it would just quit. Wait a while, & it would run again. When we removed the crank sensor, you could see where it had physically been rubbing. Never happened again after the replacement.

is that something Autozone can pick up or does he need a shop for that kinda read?

**SandmanWs7** · 03-23-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by third_shift|studios

is that something Autozone can pick up or does he need a shop for that kinda read?

As long as the MIL light is on Autozone can grab the code. If it is NOT on they cant do shit, you would have to go to a shop and have them hook up a real scanner

**shady milkman** · 03-23-2009, 12:00 PM

i had this same prob with my old grand am
..there is a chip in the ignition cylinder(inside the steering collum that will go bad...it doesnt read the right resistance (i am trying to remember so bare with me) ..so the key will read wrong,,and the passlock will turn on thinking its being stolen..aka wrong resistance ..and lock the cylinders ..the only way to fix it is to go replace the ignition cylinder

**shady milkman** · 03-23-2009, 12:01 PM

there is also a nice big list on how to reset your passlock system..let me see if i cant find it..however that is only a band-aid for the fact that the ignition cylinder needs replacing.

**2001NBMZ28** · 03-23-2009, 12:58 PM

I don't think it's a VATS issue if everything is shutting off going down the road. If the security light is on/flashing it won't start, if it fails while running it'll stay on, and still start later because it goes into "fault enable mode."

**GTP231** · 03-23-2009, 06:39 PM

Check grounds first. I think 2000 and up is Pass Key 3 so there's no chip. There's a modle under the dase that goes to the ignition cylinder and there are known issues with wire routing. Don't think that'll be your problem though. Hell make sure there aren't any messed up wires underneath the dash