Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 9/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently replaced the passenger door on my cavalier and now the theft system is on continously when the ignition is on and I've tried the thing that the manual says to do and I still can't get the car to start. I've also tried disconnecting the battery (which I also replaced with the door) for fifteen minutes. I've kept the ignition on for fifteen, also left it off for fifteen.....nothing is working and I'm as frustrated as a man can get please help!

ANSWER: Not an uncommon problem with this car.
I am assuming that we are dealing with a 1997-
2005 Cavalier here.

This vehicle has a the PASSLOCK I key based
engine disabling system, and from the description,
it appears you've reset the VATS somehow.

This is a problem that won't just
go away either. It needs to be addressed soon.

The car does not recognise the chip in the ignition
key when that happens. When removing the power,
you inadvertently wiped the memory as well.

You can try to put the key
in the ignition, turn to the on position & wait at
least 10 mins like that when it happens, and that
MIGHT work. But after awhile, it will stop working at all.
Your ignition switch assembly may be to blame.

In some cases, the VATS (GM'S VEHICLE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM)
will re learn the code this way, and will then
allow the restart all the time. But if this does not work,
then go to any GM vehicle dealer to have the service department, evaluate the issue, & re code it.

Good luck I hope method 1 does the trick!

You can do a permanant bypass on this system.
see the PLJX bypass kit at www.PASSLOCK2.com

Let me know what your solution was.

ALARMTEK
caralarmman.com

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

QUESTION: Thank you, Sir, for your professional advice and instruction. This is the second time I've had problems with VATS. I own a Bonneville with the earlier VATS which I did a Bypass on. I used a resistor of the same value as my key which did the trick. I have keys for this cavalier that don't appear to have a chip. I must be mistaken. I know the owner of the car since new and these keys work. I'll get out my meter and do a reading of these keys but I'm an electrician and I doubt they have any chip. GM did a good job of keeping regular guys for working on their own cars yet the thieves keep stealing the cars anyway. Any more clues in your mind? I'm stumped. Sorry for the time between questions, I was so frustrated I had to put this job aside for a while. Thank you for your time

ANSWER: Ok, I updated the site at
www.PASSLOCK2.com to include
the PASSLOCK 1 diagram to bypass.
This is what you need for the 97 Cavalier.

Please review it and see if yours applies.

Glad to help.

ALARMTEK

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

QUESTION: Dear Sir, I have just one more question. The Chevy dealer where my 1996 Cavalier was purchased says that the keys for that particular model and year don't have a chip in them so what resistance am I supposed to read in the key. The service guy I talked to today says that if the trouble light is burning constant then there is something wrong in the system and if I figure it out it should fire. My 92 bonneville has a chip and when the cylinder wires broke and would not read my key the starter wouldn't turn over and the Cavalier's starter does. I'm so confused because your web page says to read the key. I feel like a moron

Answer
Not a moron sir. Just too many "cooks" here I think.
You are getting conflicting info. The dealer has a vested
interest in making you spend mucho dollars with them,
the mechanic has no clue, but willing to take a shot at
it on the clock, right? Nah, do it yourself!

Again, this car has the resistor based transponder
in the ignition cylinder, not the key.

See PASSLOCK1.com / PASSLOCK2.com

My suggestion is to get the PLJX bypass module,
install it, start the car, and go to both of the
sources you have there & show them
"HOW IT'S DONE!"

Really, no kidding. It works!

A.