Grand Am Security System Problems

A bad key reader can result in Grand Am security system problems.

Introduced in 1973, the Pontiac Grand Am is a compact car manufactured by General Motors. Pontiac Grand Ams can develop security system problems which can often be resolved with a little troubleshooting.

Engine Dies

If the Pontiac Grand Am security light stays on, and the Grand Am engine starts, then dies, a wiring problem is likely in the security system. Examine the Passlock system, the official name for the Pontiac security system, and check for corroded connections or broken wires, which can disrupt or alter the circuit resistance enough to engage the security system, and clean the connections or replace the wiring as needed.

Body Control Module Problems

Water damage can cause the Pontiac Grand Am's body control module, which manages Grand Am operation based on signal outputs from various sensors, to malfunction. The module may then misread output from the lock cylinder, which transmits a signal based on a microchip in the Grand Am's key, which in turn can cause the Passlock system to engage. Inspect the control module for water or electrical damage and replace it as needed.

Bad Key Reader

The key reader in the Pontiac Grand Am's lock cylinder can wear out over time, resulting in failure to detect the chip in the key. This in turn causes the security system to engage and disable the engine. Replace the Pontiac Grand Am lock cylinder to resolve the issue.

References

• Edmunds: Pontiac Grand Am Security Passlock Problems
• "General Motors: Chevrolet Malibu (1997 thru 2003) Oldsmobile Alero (1999 thru 2003) Oldsmobile Cutlass (1997-2000) Pontiac Grand Am (1999 thru 2003) (Haynes Manuals)"; Jay Storer; 2005

Resources

• "GM: Cutlass & Grand Am, '97'00 (Haynes Automotive Repair Manual Series)"; Chilton; 1999