AboutTodd Puccio Expertise General auto repair,electical issues,driveability issues,anti-lock brakes,SIR systems,HVAC,engine performance,Gm spacific. I have worked at my current dealseship since the 1990 model year anything much older than that I have limited exposure to. I do not have very much transmission experience so those question you may want to ask of another expert. When you send me a question let me know the exact make/model/engine and year for the car or suv you have it makes it easier to answer the questions that way.
Experience Experience in the area:I have been employed by the same Gm dealer for 18 years and and a ASE master technician. I work at a Pontiac and GMC truck store. Served a a lead technician when dealership was on a team system.
I just recently moved to a Buick,Hummer,Saab Store when my franschise was purchased by this dealership.
Organazations: ASE master techncian
Education/Credentials:High school diploma,2 year vocational school degree
2 year college degree. Associates degree in applied scineces (auto technology)Awards and Honors: GMC master techncian
Question QUESTION: hi my daughters car has intermittent starting problems with the pass lock activating. I'm usually able to relearn and get it going but it is acting up more often
the mechanic said to replace the instrument cluster can i use a used part does it need programmed from the dealer i have reviewed the procedure to remove and install a new one but i can't find any information on programing or resetting it to work with my specific car thanks for any suggestions or help
ANSWER: Hi steve:
No no programming is needed for that other thne the same way you have been able to get the car running right now with the 10 minute learn proceedure... BUT, It's rare that the cluster causes this issue, Usually it's the ignition lock cylinder housing that goes bad. It depends on what codes set as to what the issue here is.. It's ususaly 90 % lock housing and 5% cluster and throw in a few cars here and there with bad ground wire connections or cars that had a remote starter wired in to the car and the intsall was not up to par causing a no start.. Good luck :)
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QUESTION: hi again
well i changed the cluster as per Pontiac dealers suggestion and did the relearn 10 min. the theft light quits flashing still no start. it starts for about a second then dies out !! I'm trying to keep the cost down motor runs good when it started. i can put a used column in for about 100 dollars with key and all. my questions are is there any computer issues or programming with doing this and it looks straight forward about 4 bolts a connector and wireing. do you have any suggestion or tips the reason i am considering the whole column is because the multi switch right turn signal works only if you hold it up and horn does not work so there might be a short or something. I'm hopeing that a new cluster and used complete column will either fix it or eliminate everything down to the wireing harness thanks again for you help
Answer where did you get the cluster from? is it a remanufactured one? or is it out of another car? if it's a reman one that theft system has to be enabled in the cluster in order for it to work. I didn't think that was the root cause of this issue. I think it's a lock cylinder housing... If you can get one for $100.00 then go for it just make sure it's out of the same year car. and then do the 10 minute learn and it should go that is if the ignition lock housing is good in the used column you get.
