Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 12/17/2007

Question
Hi, I've had a 98 Cavalier for about four years now, I recently moved and made some extra spare keys to give to my roommates in case I'm not around and my car needs to be moved. Anyway, I let my roommate take my car and she used a copied key, it worked the first 3 or four times she used it, and then all of a sudden the car wont start with that key. The key turns but the car doesn't turn on. I know there is some kind of anti-theft thing on my car, but the key was working. Now evern the original keys don't work all the time. What is going on here? is there anyway for me to reset this or do I have to take it to a dealer... does activating the anti-theft system like ruin something in my car?

Answer
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.

Hopefully, 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