1999 Sunfire GT (5spd)

Problem started as this: I'd start my car, everything was fine. I'd turn on my headlights and it would kill the cluster for a half a second, then everything jumped back to life. It did this for a few weeks. Also, for the past few years I've had intermittent issues with Passlock. It would happen every couple months, so I'd let the key sit for 10 mins and she'd fire up each time.

Now.....my car recently did the whole Passlock thing, but my cluster doesn't power up at all. I can put the key in the ignition, car will start for its 1/2 second then die, but none of the lights (cluster bulbs, service lights, anything) come up on the cluster. The Passlock learn is now not working.

I remember seeing a wiring diagram that Passlock is run through the cluster. My guess is that because its not powering up, its now allowing passlock to re-learn.

What do we think could be the problem, bad ground? bad cluster? ignition switch? I had a spare headlight switch and tried replacing, no dice.

just posting again so replies are emailed to me...

You have a Ground problem, probably. Probably at the back of the cluster. If it is one thing I know it is wiring and 99 J-bodies.

Check the wires from the ignition switch down the steering column also. They have been known to break there on J-bodies.



For reference....

JBO ,in the FAQ wrote:
PASSlock relearn procedure
PASSlock is designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the fuel injectors unless the lock cylinder is engaged by the correct mechanical key. The theft deterrent system uses four components for theft prevention:

- the lock cylinder
- the ignition switch
- the instrument cluster (IPC, 96-99 models) or body control module (BCM, 00-05 models)
- the powertrain control module (PCM)

If one or more of these components are replaced, then the PASSlock system must be reprogrammed. The procedure is different between 96-99 and 00-05 J-cars.


Fuel Password Learn Procedure

In order for a theft detterrent vehicle to run, a password is communicated between the Intrustment Panel Cluster (IPC) and the PCM. If a PCM is replaced, the new PCM needs to learn the correct password of the vehicle. When the new PCM is installed, the EEPROM calibration is flashed into the new PCM and the vehicle will learn the new password upon initial ignition ON. If the IPC/BCM is replaced, the PCM needs to learn the new password from the IPC/BCM. The password learn procedure is as follows:

96-99 J-car

1. Attempt to start the vehicle, then leave the ignition ON. The THEFT SYSTEM light telltale will flash for 10 minutes.

2. When the THEFT SYSTEM telltale stops flashing, start the vehicle. Once the vehicle is running, the password is learned.

00-05 J-car

1. Turn ON the igniton, with the engine OFF.

2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON (vehicle will not start).

3. Observe the SECURITY telltale, it will be flashing. After approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF.

4. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes. The vehicle is now ready to relearn the PASSlock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords, on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle learns the PASSlock Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You MUST turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

6. Start the engine. The vehicle has now learned the PASSlock Sensor Data Code and/or password.

7. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs if needed. History DTCs will clear themselves after 100 ignition cycles.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Tuesday, January 10, 2012 1:18 PM

PRND321 Till I DIE
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