Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 1/23/2008

Question
I have a 1999 GMC Envoy.  Yesterday I replace the battery because it did not have enough juice to turn the engine over.  When I came home and put the battery back in the truck and went to start it nothing happened.  When I turn the key forward the dash lights come on (as usual) but when I turn the key to engage the engine all the power goes dead.  The ignition then locks in place and you cannot remove the key but the steering wheel is not locked.  I don't own a owners manual so I do not know if this is some kind of kill switch or if there may be another problem.  Also, if I unplug the battery and let the vehicle sit for some time it seems to reset and I can then remove the key but if I try to start it again the power once again fails and the key is locked in place.  Can you please help me with any suggestions as to what the problem may be?

Thank you

Answer
Unfortunately you are correct, this
vehicle has a the PASSLOCK II key
based engine disabling system, and currently it
is engaging. The ignition does not recognize
the chip in your key, and each time
the power goes off, it resets.

Keep that up. and you will cause damage
that might cost big $$$ to fix.

A bypass is required to circumvent.
If left unchecked, it will lock down the fuel injector
rail (as it has now), and you will need to
tow it in to GM for evaluation, and resetting.

But, if you want to just remove this system
from the equation entirelly,
I suggest the PLJX bypass kit to get around
this issue.

This Passlock Bypass Module is designed to momentarilly
allow the engine to remote start by sending a proper
coded pulse to open the fuel rail passlock injector
cut off circuit.

The output from an alarm/remote starter
would then shut down the pulse, once it has detected
the engine has engaged, and preserve the integrity
of the passlock system.

That is it's designed purpose.

However, in your case, this input wire on the PLJX module,
instead of going to a momentary ground pulse from
an alarm/remote starter,
would go to a constant chassis ground, through
the bypass module, grounding out the PASSLOCK.
The PASSLOCK would then always be bypassed as long
as that wire is chassis grounded.

I can not speak about a damaged passlock system,
like if a thief has destroyed it, because I do not
get into this part of GM'S security application.
But as a happy coincidence to installing
after market remote starters, this does work on bypassing
passlock in most all GM vehicles we've run into,
including your year GM vehicle as well.

Also, this is a self learning, resistor sensing
and adjusting module. Once the VATS wires have been tapped,
you would press the program button to learn,
and it does. The car should then allow start
with any hardware store key.

Hopefully, it will on yours as well.

You might want a car alarm installer to do this
for you, the fair rate being around 50. to 75.
for labor.

Kind Regards,

Robert Martin-ALARMTEK/CEO
Master Technician
Mobile Security Electronics
www.PASSLOCK2.com