Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 4/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a 1998 Cavalier. Will not crank over and Theft light is on. Check power to starter from ignition lead and no power when in crank position. Checked neutral safety switch and switch is working properly according to  OTC scanner. When theft light goes out vehicle will start and I can jump the starter solenoid and it will start. I assume problem lies with theft system. Is there any way to disable theft system? Or do you know of a fix?

ANSWER: Ok, bad news I am afraid.
This vehicle has a the PASSLOCK I key
based engine disabling system.

A bypass is required to circumvent.
It has now locked down the fuel injector
rail, and you will need to tow it in to GM for
evaluation, and resetting.

Or,

You can get 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.

It will on yours as well.

That's what will work on the 96 + Cavaliers.

Regards,

Robert Martin-ALARMTEK/CEO
Master Technician
Mobile Security Electronics
www.PASSLOCK1.com

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

QUESTION: O.K. but the fuel rail is not being shut down the ignition is being shut down to the starter. If I short the solenoid on the starter the car will start and can drive anywhere I wish to go just will not start with key.

Answer
hmmm, ok, then it's a mechanical/starter issue.
If it were VATS, that would be the reason the car would not
start. If engaged, the car would attempt to start, crank, but no
spark to start. If after market, it would not even
crank, nothing would come from the starter at all.

Try a mechanic locally that can re write passlock codes
when changing out the starter/ignition. I'm still inclined
towards it being the PASSLOCK but let us know.

RM