You are here:

Auto Theft Prevention/1999 Tahoe Passlock issues (I think)

Advertisement


Question
QUESTION: Hello,
  I have read on several posts that if I accidentally put the wrong key in the ignition, (just put it in it never got stuck.)that this will cause major problems with the anti-theft system on my truck.  I have a 2002 grand prix also and I think I may have accidentally put this key in my Tahoe.  My truck was working fine and then one day I go out and it will not start.  It turns over like it wants to start but it is like it can't get fuel.  I have tried the "leaving the key on the on position for 10 mins" reset still to no avail.  I have unhooked the battery completely, still to no avail.  I have replaced the fuel pump relay thinking that may be the problem...still no luck.  I have tried the push the security button/light and try to start the car a the same time, again no luck....any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Barbara,

Anyone that states putting the wrong key in a PASSLOCK system causing problems, they are dead wrong. PASSLOCK is ignition lock based and as long as the ignition lock rotates and the vehicle's computer sees the rotation through the magnetic field between the ignition lock and housing.

You have no special ignition key for the truck. It can be duplicated at a hardware store for $3.

You were only a third right on the reset. It takes about 30 minutes to reset the passlock. Turn the ignition on for 10 min. Shut it off. Turn on for another 10 min. Turn off. Turn on for 10 min and that will reset the system.

If that does not work, you have other problems.

The GP has a PKIII transponder system (computer chipped key).


Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Rob,
  Thanks for the info.  In the past couple of days (still not getting the Tahoe to start) I have also discovered that we have the al-100-h alarm in addition to the passlock.  We are not the original owners of the vehicle but I gave him a call and he said that he ordered the truck with this additional alarm system, it is supposed to work right through the existing passlock program.  Do you know anything about this system?  Might this be the cause of my fuel pump not working?  I happen to think it is more electrical because the problem is intermittent.  The other day it just upped and shut down on me while I was in the middle of driving, no stop light or anything.  I waited about 10 mins and pressed the button/light and turned the key at the same time and she started right up.  I'm beginning to think this thing is possessed.  Any help you can provide would be great right now my truck is a very expensive driveway ornament.......:O)

Answer
Hi,

I had a feeling this truck had an after market system when you said you pushed a button.

I have never heard of this after market unit. You may want to search the web, but I seriously doubt if you can any longer buy anything for it because of its age. Have someone pull the unit out.

As for shutting off the fuel, I have not run into any installer stupid enough to want that liability, but you never know.

All security is supposed to work only on the START circuit. The engine may or may not crank, but they are not designed to shut the engine down once running and driving down the road.

You still don't know if your problem is even a problem with the PASSLOCK. As I said, get the after market unit ripped out first. Take the vehicle to a shop that has a Tech II scanner and have the vehicle's computer checked for trouble codes.

I have said this many times before. The factory security is the first blamed for starting problems and yet is rarely the cause unless it is because of a common problem like your system's predecessor the GM VATS.







Good Luck!!

Auto Theft Prevention

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI

Expertise

My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.

Experience

ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician Certified Forensic Locksmith Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert http://www.autotheftexpert.com Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com P.O. Box 190 Big Bend, WI 53103 Phone (414) 698-9696 Fax (262) 662-1352 As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert Forensic Vehicle Analyst Fire Origin and Cause Expert In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.? BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community. 1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?. Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior, locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction. During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement. Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects. Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles. Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft. PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices. PUBLICATIONS Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry. Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001) Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001) Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001) Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report. Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000) Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998) Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel) Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999) Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000 Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000) Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000) Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000 Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done! Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves. Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle. Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000. Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999) Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft. Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence. Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999) CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years. ? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com. ? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud). ? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud) ? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud} TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE ? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.