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PASS Key issues (car won't start)

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Old Apr 3, 2003 | 08:41 PM
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Default PASS Key issues (car won't start)

Ok, here is the deal.
Just the other night my car started doing this. I went to get in my car and when I turned the key it wouldn't do anything. It set the "security" light in the instrument panel.
So, I thought maybe my key was worn out. So I started using my spare key that has hardly even been used. But it still does it. Not evertime, but just every once in a while it leaves me pissed off. Is there any easy fix for this or what?
Can I disable it through LS1 Edit?
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 12:38 AM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

I had this problem in the past. The key cylinder is going bad. Be ready to shell about about $300 for a new one. Sorry dude.
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 05:56 AM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

I disabled my Pass-Key system when my car did the same thing. I first measured the resistance across my key, I beleive it was 7.5K if I remember correctly. Next I removed the plastic panel under the steering column and disconnect the connector where the two small white wires with orange wrap are connected. I measured the resistance value on the steering side of the connector with the key in the ignition and found it to be 7.5K which was good, but when I turned the key to run the value went to infinity or open circuit, this is bad. To correct the problem I went to Radio Shak and bought three resistors that when connected in series came up with 7.8K. I then soldered these resistors together and soldered them into the connector on the steering column side. This cured all of my Pass-Key problems, but it also effectively disabled this part of the security sysyem.
Hope this helps.
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 08:58 AM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

From what I've seen, and my personal experience, the chip on the key either gets a lil' dirty, in which case I've just cleaned it and all was well. On another vehicle, the chip would become loose. I replaced the key w/a spare and again all was good.

No knocks.....but.....the dealership will tell you you need a new key cylinder.....you will believe them.....you will pay the price for their "little white lie".........
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 10:12 AM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

This used to happen to my Vette. Then I cleaned all the contacts (key and cylinder) with alcohol on a Q-tip, and it never happened again...

Tommy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 10:23 AM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

What kind of car do you have?

Yes you can disable it using LS1 edit.
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Old Apr 5, 2003 | 05:44 PM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

Thanks guys, I will head out and try it
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Old Apr 5, 2003 | 10:25 PM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

What vehicle do you have and what is the mileage. Typically, what malfuctions on these is the tiny wires going to the ign. lock cyl. begin to break in the steering column up near the cylinder itself. They cannot be effectively repaired in my past experiences. The lock cylinder needs to be replaced. The problem may be intermittent if the wire hasn't fully broken yet. Often you may get it to work again by moving the tilt column. Good luck!
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Old Apr 6, 2003 | 01:44 PM
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Default Re: PASS Key issues (car won't start)

It is a 98 with 58,000 miles. I will go try the tilt steering thing.
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