8.1
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$501.00
Average Mileage:
90,063 miles
Total Complaints:
212 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (62 reports)
- letting car sit for approx 30 minutes (37 reports)
- wait 10 min till securty light stops flashing, try again (18 reports)
- recall (13 reports)
- replaced body control module (11 reports)
- bypass the ignition sensor (9 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
2008Oct 01
Impala 3.4L V6 Vin E/ L1a
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I HAVE A WORK AROUND FOR THE PASSKEY/PASSLOCK II or III sensor problem on the vehicles equipped with such. It takes less than 1 minute.
PROBLEM: You try to start your car as normal and BAM! SECURITY ALERT- I AINT MOVIN. The security system locks you out of the ignition system and the SECURITY light flashes 3 times. You have 3 choices at this point.
1st yell and scream and literally beat the crap out of yourself until you are a pulp of pissed-off mess.
2nd you can wait 10-11 minutes with the key out of the ignition (ACTUAL minutes, not estimated) then try again hoping it will turn over, to no avail, it happens again forcing a loss of another 10 minutes possibly another 20, of which is very valuable to me. By this time it should start. After re-learning the key's resistor level it better start. Stupid RESISTOR KEYS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS! Best anti-theft device is a colt 45 with laser-aim.
3rd option is take it to the dealer, get told we don't know what the problem is and then be told we have to replace the bcm, ecm, ecu, pcu, pcm, or some other alphabetical based black box somewhere in this hunk of junk, that cost about 50 bucks and 500 in labor cost.
You can settle with that or even buy a bypass module that MAY NOT EVEN WORK.
With that said, I have a new solution that has taken me from the security light lockout 2-3 times a day to the past 6 months with no occurrance. I had 6 of my friends that had the same problems with their passkey/passlock II and III systems - bending them over and nailing their exhaust pipes before becoming sweet and starting after the reaming- try the same thing I did and it worked for them as well. Out of the 6 only 1 reported having the security system locking them out twice during the past 6 months.
HERE IS WHAT I DID AND HAD MY FRIENDS DO:
If your car has been sitting while you were at work or home or in the store, and you are coming out to leave, follow steps 1-6.
If you just had the SECURITY SYSTEM lock you out of the ignition system, you will have to wait the 10 minutes for it to reset and allow the ignition control module to interact with the system. Once the 10 minutes have passed from the ACTIVE SECURITY STATUS, follow steps 1-6. Do not try to shortcut this as it wont work.
If it is raining, you can close your door, just not all the way. Close it all the way and open the door latch without pushing the door open. This will keep you dry.
+++++STEPS+++++
1.) OPEN YOUR DRIVERS DOOR AND SIT DOWN.
2.) PLACE KEY IN IGNITION, WAIT FOR CHIME. (3 seconds is what I usually wait)
3.) TURN IGNITION 1 CLICK RIGHT (TO THE ACC POSITION) AND STOP! Do not continue to ON and START yet. WAIT ATLEAST 5 SECONDS
4.) AFTER 5 seconds has passed, TURN KEY TO ON and STOP, DO NOT CONTINUE TO START YET!
5.) WAIT AND WATCH. With your drivers door open, here is what you will see and hear = Your notification will signal DOOR ADJAR, then the BATTERY light, then the SECURITY light, during which you will hear the chime sound as if you just started the car.
6.) AFTER YOU SEE THE SECURITY light switch back to DOOR ADJAR or Battery, and after the CHIME has stopped, you can turn the key to start and voilĺ!
It has worked every time for me and 5 of my friends. This whole process takes about 20-30 seconds, but it sure as hell beats 30 minutes, as GM refuses to compensate my time lost to their vehicle's design flaws.
RECAP:
1.) Open driver door, sit down
2.) Insert key in ignition, wait for chime
3.) Once chime starts wait 3 seconds
4.) Turn key to ACC position WAIT atleast 5 seconds
5.) After 5 seconds turn key to the ON postion and wait for the security light to switch back to Battery or DOOR adjar, and the chime to stop (Do not try to START if the chime is still sounding)
6.) Once chime stops and Security light has passed, You may now complete the turn to START and it will start.
Note: This is not a permanent workaround, but it will buy you some time, I can almost guarantee it will work for most if not all people, almost all the time.
If you follow these steps and it works, email me at kevintampa5@yahoo.com to let me know your results. If this did not work for you, it may be an actual failure of the system and not just an argument between the key and the car, in which case I wish you the best of luck and hope you get it fixed. I dealt with this problem for 2 years before I tried this method. Worked wonders for me. I am actually on time for work every day now. No thanks to GM, sorry to say. Disappointed in their new products.
2011Jul 13
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 135,590 miles
This is NOT the first time this has happened. It has happened several times, but this is the first time I found this site. My husband told me NOT to drive it until he can look at it this weekend. I'm glad I found this site - a lot of useful information I can tell him about. He swears we will never, EVER purchase another Chevrolet product.
2005Mar 13
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,351 miles
problem of car not starting is really bad in warm humid weather. Have taken apart the dash, pulled ignition switch out and opened the casing on the switch module. Cleaned contacts. Not sure if I did the cleaning correctly. Need assistance on the 3 wires yellow, black, white that need the correct voltage for the sensor to read properly. Or correct the contacts. Can anyone help?
2010Dec 15
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 151,000 miles
IF the security display flashes on the information panel with the door closed the problem is with GM's worthless Passkey2 system. Here's how to fix it: The problem is NOT the tumbler or the starter or ignition switch. It is the blind plug behind the ignition key tumbler that connects the hall effect sensor in the tumbler to the Passlock2 system. The pin connector gets slightly corroded, causing a different resistance reading, locking out the security system.
Buy some small heat shrink tubing and a car repair manual (about $22.00 at an auto parts store), a small soldering iron and fine resin core solder (about $18.00 from your local electronics store). Disconnect the battery. Tear apart the dash center cover, unbolt the ignition switch but DON'T remove it, just cock it to the side so you can remove the tumbler (Read the manual to figure out how, it's not very hard). I also removed the ash tray assembly, but that may not be necessary. Remove the three pin plug from the switch assembly. Figure out and write down which wires go to which pin, cut off the connector, feed the wires through the hole in the switch where the plug was and each wire through a 1" length of heat shrink tubing, slide the tubing back up the wire aways and solder the wires to the respective pins. Slide the tubing down over the newly soldered wires and pins and use a hair dryer to shrink them on (so you don't get a short). Re-assemble the ignition tumbler and dash, reconnect the battery, put the key in the ignition, turn it to "on" (don't start it) and leave for 30 minutes so the computer can recognize the tumbler again. Voila! Problem solved, guaranteed. Worked beautifully on my 02 Impala with this exact problem. It would turn over, but never start, as the Passkey2 system disables the fuel injectors. The (tin plated) connector and pins will oxidize over a period of time (varies depending on how humid an area you live in) and cause a false reading. I figured this out after days and days of research online. Apparently Monte Carlo's of the same vintage have the same problem.
I sure hope this helps a few folks. Whatever you do, don't let the dealer fix this, they will replace the ignition tumbler and/or Body Computer for hundreds of dollars, and still won't fix the problem, because the problem is the stupid little three pin blind connector the tumbler plugs in to. GM should have gold plated the plug connectors and the pins due to the very low signal the hall effect sensor in the ignition tumbler produces. If they had, this would never have been a problem.
2011Aug 25
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,119 miles
I bought my 2002 Impala back in April 2011. In July I had my first no crank situation. I had no tools at all on hand so I thought the starter was going as the starter relay was making noise and I did swap it with a cooling fan relay with no fix. After 10 min of screwing around it magically started. I was thinking about getting the starter rebuilt but didn't get around to it. A week ago it did it again. I jumped the starter and the starter worked fine but no start. Try the key and still no crank. That's when I searched the problem.
I took the ignition out and cut the yellow wire to the passlock sensor. It would not crank, owners manual says it only cuts fuel.I hooked it back up and started it and then disconnected the yellow wire. It started fine but security light stayed on. I put my multi meter between the yellow and black wires while it was running and read 6.3k resistance. I had to buy a pack of 150 resistors to get the one I wanted. I soldered in a 5.7k resistor between the yellow to the bcm and the black wire. You cut the yellow and bare a spot in the black and leave it hooked up. The yellow to the key is no longer used. It started first try.
I used a resistor to mimic the passlock sensor in case the sensor fails.
2011Mar 11
Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 152,857 miles
This is the final solution to fix the Passlock II problem. As someone else already found out, the cheap tin contact of the passlock sensor are causing all the problems not starting the car and having the security light on.
Fix:
Solder some new similar wires (yellow, white and black) directly to the little tin contacts of the passlock sensor that is embedded in the ignition switch lock cylinder.
How to get there:
- Remove all the panels necessary to remove the ignition switch unit from the dashboard
- find the 3 wires to the passlock sensor (white, black and yellow) and cut them anywhere.
- once you have the ignition switch in the hand,remove all attached cables and clips, etc.
- with the unit in your hand and the key inside and turned to ON, push a screwdriver in a small rectangle notch while pulling on the key and lock cylinder, to get the lock cylinder out (bit tricky, but do-able)
- once lock cylinder is out, only now you can detach the passlock sensor connector with the three wires (yellow, black and white) from the ignition switch housing.
- compare the passlock sensor tin contact with the matching connector to find out which wire has to be soldered to which contact.
- go to a soldering professional to have some similar colored wires soldered directly to the tin contacts of the passlock sensor. I found one at a computer store and he charged me 8$ for the 10 min work. Make sure he fills the space between the soldered parts with silicon.
- finally put everything back together and connect the new wires with the previous cut wires
- now try to start the car, it probably wont, because the key has to be relearned:
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.
I know this is more for the advanced mechanics, but it is the cheapest and only solution to fix the passlock problem forever. It worked for mine and I am driving for over three month now and never have to fear the terrible security light anymore!
Best wishes and greetings from Quebec!
2011Mar 23
Impala LX 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
Just want to say I wish I could bypass this security system it finally quit on me. cranks wont start and it wont relearn a new lock. any help.
2011Apr 04
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
This passlock thing needs to be fixed because I am always stranded at the most unexpected times and far from home. The car is nice but is not worth the hassle, I want a fix to my problem ASAP! Chevy will not get my money again!
Everyone should sign this petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?75020780&51
2011Feb 22
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Had one serviceman tell me security is tied into the radio,maybe just replacing the radio with a cheap model will serve as the remedy.
2010Mar 31
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 178,000 miles
General Motors needs to recall these cars and fix them. This is my daughter's car and I'm tired of seeing her & my 4 year old granddaughter being stranded because GM refuses to fix the problem unless you pay their dealers upwards of $1000.00. My dad was an electrical engineer for Chevy for over 40 years and I'm sure he'd be rolling in his grave if he ever saw the extent of this problem. It's not just Chevy but all GM products
from 1998 - 2005.
2010Feb 17
Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
This car causes my son to be late to school and myself late to work. I have had the electrical system gone through completely installed remote start even changed the radio and still it leaves me stranded at least once a week and sometimes more than that I wish Chevy would do a recall this is obviously a major problem in the 2002 Chevy Impala
2009Jun 10
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
happened to wife first,she went to store, came out car would not turn over to start, someone brought her home, 1 hour later we went to retrieve it put the key in started up as normal, was fine for several weeks, now doing it once a month, looking for bypass fix now, this impala has been a electrical and mechanical piece of troubble.
2010Oct 06
Impala 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 124,274 miles
stupid car runs for bout 3 seconds after starting then dies on warmer summer days. heard there's a relay bypass for a command start that would work. no more chevy for me. has 5 other problems, also electric related that i don't feel like fixing.
2010Jun 01
Impala 3.4lV6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Have had Chevy's all my life . Will never own another ,Including all GM Products.
Have had nothing but trouble have replaced ignition switch,Ignition cylinder and keys, and bcm . At this time still no fix . The cost are outrageous. What NEXT? Will General Motors ever recall this problem ? I have heard and read of thousands of owners of GM autos having this problem . What is their problem for not fixing their automobiles .I may go to a Toyota at least they recall and repair their problems.
2007Jun 12
Impala 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
The security light seems to always activate on itself everytime I hit a pothole or bump on the road. it's turns off after awile, but sometimes the problem gets annoying becasue after several times i turn off or on the car it won't turn on at all. It will actually kill the switch. And I have to wait from 10 to 15 minutes before it turns on again. I haven't even bothered to fix the broblem, because I know it will be expensive. And just to let you know this problem had been previously fixed with the warranty th car had when I firts purchased it.
2010Jan 25
Impala 3,4 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 128,654 miles
it really sucks when it doesn't want to work. security light flashes, then the service engine light, then the battery light, and air conditioning will not blow out cold. lights go on and off .any suggestions to the problem?
2010Aug 02
Impala ES 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
The 2002 Chevrolet Impala should have it's own website...YADF.COM. That is short for Yet Another Design Flaw. A myriad of problems ranging from leaking upper and lower intake manifolds (which kill your starter over time), to low quality rotors, to the icing on the cake...THE PASSLOCK. I must say it is an awesome theft deterrent. I would never think about stealing one of these pieces of crap.
In my database entry, I indicated that I have not fixed the problem. That does not mean that I have not attempted to fix the problem. At first I thought it was my keyless entry causing the problem, because it was beginning to fail. In retrospect, the keyless entry system was probably working fine. It was an aftermarket system installed by the dealer, so I removed it. They also incorrectly wired an aftermarket CD changer, so I thought it was a safe bet that it wasn't installed correctly either.
It reduced the frequency of the failure, I thought. It has happened so many times, I do not recall the variables. Lately high ambient temperature (100F +) seems to aggravate it, but I do not think that was a catalyst on numerous other occasions. I had taken to carrying an 8mm socket in my car due to some "battery" issues. I had to clean corrosion off the positive terminal frequently (about once a month). This took 10-15 minutes. I am guessing that this masked my real problem the PASSLOCK.
I have done the battery disconnect thing and it doesn't work consistently. My next try will be pulling and replacing the CLSTR/BCM fuse. If that provides consistent results, then I will install a momentary, push-button switch in the dash for convenience. I will post the results here.
Update from Apr 25, 2011: I bypassed the passive security for some temporary relief. I wound up paying the dealer for a new BCM (probably wasn't necessary, since they seem to know very little about the cars they sell). It worked fine for a while. Then my fuel pump quit activating consistently on start. I would have to turn the ignition off and on 5-10 times. Once I heard the whir of the fuel pump, I was usually good to go. The fix was to take out the ignition switch, disassemble it, clean the tumbler with WD-40 (just in case), clean the contacts (again), and lube the pins that pop up to engage/disengage the contacts. I noticed that some of them were sticking when I turned the key (with the tumbler back in). It probably would have been better to get a new ignition switch, but the dealer irritated my by telling me that my catalytic converter was the problem. Not sure what the catalytic converter has to do with the fuel pump...Anyway, Christine runs like new.
2010Mar 08
Impala LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
Car only starts when it feels like it. New battery installed but same problem. I place the key in the ignition and try to crank but nothing. No lights just won't start. This morning I got part way to work but had to come home. I turned off the engine, went inside the house and then it would not start. Took my other car to work and when I came home tried the Impala again and bingo--started right up like nothing ever happened. This has happened about 5 separate times now.
2010Apr 20
Impala LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I am 9 payments away from a 4 year loan on my 02 impala ls and it wont crank. only when it wants to. and when it does, it runs like theres not a problem in the world, then i turn it off and im stuck again. its dead silent once the key is turned all the way to the start position.
my father is a great mechanic and we have completely gutted and tore apart this car from the starter, to the relays. the fuses and the ignition box. we changed the ignition box, key core, and the little yellow module attached to the core, it has the same problem. theres no signal getting to the starter. we gave it to the chevy dealership who wanted 600 for a pcm and it wouldnt even start so i could drive it off the lot. of course it started for them just before i got there....either way it wasnt the main computer. so dont waist time or money.
so we tryed a push button to start the car as a secondary ignition. we connected it straight to the battery to skip all the security stuff, and it worked every time!!! for two seconds. then the security feature catches up to it, kills the gas, and turns off the engine. secondary ignition methods..(aka wireless remotes) sell a tiny bypass module for any security feature your car may have, normally comes with the kit. does ANYONE know if that works, ill go buy one right now!! but something is def blocking that path and all it needs is to be bypassed or disconnected.
BUT I HAVE FOUND SOMETHING THAT I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO TRY!! if you look under the hood there are two small boxes (mine are blue) on the left side that have thinner cables coming in one end and out the other. these boxes are actually connectors that can be seperated if you properly unlock the clasp. (BE CAREFUL NOT TO PULL WITH THE WIRES) the battery needs to be plugged in or this will not work right, and you will shock yourself if you pull the cables apart. ok...the top box closest to the radiator is where the ignition switch sends a signal to the starter. (its where we were able to connect the push button switch). and its where the chevy mechanic told me he was checking to find the problem. it seemed to be fine so he said it just had to be the computer itself. the second connection box back by the engine coolant tank...i curiously disconnected and reconnected it and with that, it works almost 85% of the time now!! its easy. its like a plastic belt buckle that you gotta be careful pulling straight out and it will sway backwards. pulling back ALL the way is enough to disconnect everything. dont even try and seperate it. sway the buckle forward and kinda lock it down, you can hear the fuel injectors reseting and if you sit inside the car, the instrument pannel seems to 'wake up'.
Anyways make sure everything is tightly locked and secure the box back in its little plastic mounting so its all clear before you try and start up. but if this box resets the fuel injectors and the instrument pannel, what else does it do? security features maybe?? any results on whether this works for you will be appreciated and i would know the time i took to write this didnt go to waist.
and PLEASE LET ME KNOW when chevy puts out a recall and installs those tiny bypass modules so the security feature allows the starter to do its thing. thank you
2010Jul 11
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Just thought I would add my name to the growing list of complaints about this car.
2008Jun 10
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Hi All,
I thought I was the only person with this problem, until I found this website by accident. Then POW, when this problem first started I didn't know what to do. I knew the battery was good, the starter, and starting system. After driving the car all day, had to stop home for a few minutes. Went back to the car, when I tried to start it, and I got NOTHING. I said to myself, how can a battery goes from strong to nothing, without any warning. No tick tick tick, nothing. So I tried to jump it, nothing. Tried this for 2 days and nothing, then I called AAA to have it towed to dealer.
When the AAA driver got there I told him what happen, then he tried to jump it with his jumping system, NOTHING. I had a strong horn sound, entry remote working , light are bright, air is working, but no radio - Strange! So the AAA driver used the manual way to open the car, put the key in and out to lock it, and lock it a few times. I'm watching this, and I'm saying to myself 'this isn't going to work, just tow it to the dealer'. Put the key in the ignition and started up, damn it work.
Thought my problem with was over, a few months goes by and here I am stuck in the the same situation. Get out car for a few minutes and go back to car and nothing. Still I had all the power working, accept the radio. Getting ready to call AAA again, then I remember what the AAA driver did. So I put the key in to lock it , removed the key and put it back in to unlock it. Did this a few times, put the key in the ignition and damn it started.
Been do this for 2 years everytime this happen , on June 9, 2010 my wife had to used the car. She tried to start it nothing, but this time she told me her remote entry isn't working either. Since I been doing this so long, I knew I was going to go out there and do the key thing and get her on her way. But the entry remote was not working, that was a NEW added situation this time, I tried everything and nothing.
So I called AAA to have it towed, driver worked on it for awhile and nothing happen. When the car got to the dealer and they took a look at it, I got the call telling me that the car computer isn't communicating, and before they can go any further. A new computer module had to be used, just to get it communicating. And that might not be the problem, after going through other option and finding out none of them will work.
I had to agree, and buy a new module at 350.00 and labor was 200.00 total 594.00 with tax. THIS IS JUST WRONG CHEVROLET. When you have loyal Chevy customers saying they are going to get rid of there Chevrolet and go with another manufacture. I'm in the same boat, I've had Chevy most of my life. I'm getting rid of this headache really fast. Chevrolet you just lost me forever.
This Keyless Entry Remote need to be a recalled, and all owners who had to pay need to be refunded. Oh by the way, a year ago this happen to me. Had it towed, got the service agent call telling me I need a new Ignition switch. You know what I had to to do, buy a new switch at 300.00, that 900.00 I have spent on the car not starting. I bet my switch was good, and this computer module was going bad then. And the tech couldn't really find the real problem.
2010Jun 23
Impala 2.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 99,419 miles
I bought this car in 2005 with only 36k on it it happened the first week i had it, then it happened once a year then it graudated to evey 6 months or so, the last few months it has happen evey couple of weeks, now its every day, . it is very expensive to fix and until a couple of days ago they could not find the problem. Eveytime i took it in and it was put on a diagnostic machine it would showm nothing wrong.
Does anyone know if GM ever recalled this model. I have always bough GM cars this is my last i will never buy another.
2010Jun 22
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
For about 2 years this issue has been going on. It happens in the warm weather. The car has been looked at over and over again. After reading all the complaints about this issue, I plan to tell everyone I know to NEVER buy a Chevy!! My daughter has had nothing but Hondas her whole life and NEVER has had ONE issue with any of them. Please tell all your friends/co-workers to complain so there is enough complaints for Chevy to recall!!
2010Jun 15
Impala LS
- Automatic transmission
- 69,205 miles
I have had this problem for about 2 months now. Fortunately, I have not had to deal with waiting 10 minutes for my car to start. Instead, I had the privilege of just seeing the "Security" light come on without the repercussion.
Apparently GM made the theft security system so secure that it even keeps the owner out! How amazing. Anyways, here is a link of my paid invoice.
http://www.screencast.com/users/jonathan.singh2010/folders/Jing/media/054e7213-cd94-4ee0-8b10-b0fe9f6b783d
2010Apr 02
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,256 miles
I bought this 2002 chevy impala in 2009. Love the impalas but i will tell you i took the car to chevy when i got in it one day and it wouldnt start. Needless to say they told me it was the ignition switch that was causing a malfuntion....$3,000.00 LATER AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM!!!!
WHY IS CHEVY WANT TO RUN EVERYONE AROUND ABOUT THIS...AT LEAST DONT CHARGE ME TO FIX IF YOU KNOW THERE IS NO SOLUTION! ITS SUCH B.S. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN. I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO THE WARNINGS.
2010Mar 25
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,007 miles
I HAVE A FIX FOR YOUR PROBLEMS. I HAVE A STEP BY STEP GUIDE WITH PICTURES FOR BYPASSING THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM AND SOLVING YOUR NON START PROBLEMS!
EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO
IMPALAPASSLOCKFIX@YAHOO.COM
2008Mar 11
Impala LS 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 136,564 miles
Bought the car from a friend and for a year or so didn't know anything of this problem until oneday my car wouldn't start. At first I thought something was wrong with my battery so i bought a $100 battery and the car started, but two weeks later, the same problem. I have spent so much money on tow trucks to only get three block down the street to a shop and the clunker starts. A friend with the same car just a 2005 told me what it was and like everyone else here, I have to wait 10,15, sometimes 20 mins., and sometimes 2 days for the car to start. All i know is you have to wait until " security" stops flashing on the message center. When the word is just showing on the screen without flashing then the car will start. But who cares about that! You still have to sit there for whatever amount of time until your car starts. Someone told me to push and hold the tune button until the red light next to it comes on and pump your breaks. Here to tell you it doesn't work. I would just prefer if it can be disconnected without being charged a sh..t load of money.
2009Jan 01
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
i actually have a 2003 Impala and having the same problem. Bought the car brand new and this is the mess i get for purchasing this car. I pass the car on to my fiancé and the problem started.... refuse to spend $700 to fix when the car is only worth half that.... I think GM needs to man up and fix the problem. Just like they did with the cadillac converter wile back. UGH!!!!!
2010Apr 25
Impala LX
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Talk about embarrassed. Drove 1 hour away to attend "Family and Friends Day" at my dads church. Going five minutes from church something said look down. The whole dash went dead. Mind me now the car is still running thought nothing of it. Made it to church. Enjoyed my time there. Time to go home and "BAM". Won't start. I tried all the advice I received. My car is still sitting there. Can someone please this Lady some advice. Been told: you need a computer, ignition switch, starter or maybe some oil. Tried did not work. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2010Apr 11
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I DON'T OWN ONE OF THESE CARS I AM A MECHANIC AND ALARM/ ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST. A BYPASS MODULE IS AVAILABLE FOR $45 AT CANADIAN TIRE.
2010Mar 09
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I was really surprised to see how many people are having problems with this passlock, security situation. No one wants to go somewhere in their car and not know if their car is going to start when you get back in it. I am truly upset with GM because I feel very strongly that they are very aware of this situation. There is a definite malfunction in this passlock system. GM, please have the decency to see that your customers are taken care of and allow them to have this problem fixed on your dime. There are too many people out there having the same problem. Many more than have complained here. I have run across people on the street that have had the same problem. PLEASE help us..Fix the passlock defect and take care of your customers. DO A RECALL.
2009Jul 25
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
I've had my 2002 Chevy impala for almost two years now, and it will work fine then bam! it wont start, i'll wait for about 10 minutes and it'll start! its happened on my work brake, at school, at work, the movie theater, everywhere! and it is soo embarassing. i cant afford to get it fixed, and i dont think i should have to get it fixed with so many people having the same problem! this should be a recall for GM to fix! if there is anything i can do to get this show on the ball, please let me know, because i dont think it's fair!
2010Mar 10
Impala 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
So far it is an annoying issue and it started in 2009 where it occurred twice. Last Wednesday March 10,2010 it occurred again and during all the incidents I now disconnect the negative cable from the battery for a couple of minutes, re-connect the battery and it starts right up. I have purchased a small battery wrench and a small flashlight that I keep in the glove compartment to take care of this bad GM Security System design.
2009Jul 06
Impala LX 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I had the pass lock problem like everybody else. I had to wait ten minutes for it to reset. I bought the official Chevy shop repair manuals and that didn't help. Then, on this site, I read a note from an engineer lady who said the problem was corroded pins in the passlock sensor connector on the ignition switch. She said she removed the connector and soldered the wires together and the problem went away. I followed her lead, but instead of soldering the leads, I cleaned the connector pins and applied conducting paste to prevent corrosion. That fixed the problem. It has been a year and a half without it happening again. Perhaps you can get a mechanic to do this for you.
2010Feb 24
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Ok, here is the deal. I manage a custom car shop and recently i had a customer come to be with a butchered wire harness for his radio. Needless to say i know car radios and factory wiring like a monkey knows bananas. Anyway i took on the job of installing my customer’s new radio using the wiring alone without a factory to aftermarket harness. After reconnecting everything back to OEM speck i could not get the car to start. It was showing the obvious symptoms of a dead battery. After jumping the starter, (i would give more detail but i don’t want to inspire car thefts), jumpstarting a perfectly good battery, ect, ect, and so forth i went back to square one because the car started before i installed the radio, there for it must have been something i did for it to go bad. Long story short there are two orange wires that are supposed to be constant power for the radio. I discounted my connections and ran a test light to both orange wires. One will give you a 12 volt steady power while the other will turn a test light on and off like its trying to give you Morse code. After leavening the orange wire that didn’t give me a constant 12 volt power disconnected and reconnecting all my other connections Low AND BEHOLD, Car starts 4 hours later.
Simple Solution THAT WILL WORK FOR GOOD:
if you have either a factory or a aftermarket radio remove it and take a look a the factory plug (if applicable) or if you do not have a factory harness (like my customer);
1.) Remove any cover or binding at least 6 inches down from the harness.
2.) Examine the wires for two orange wires and cut them away from the harness about 3 inches down to leave room for reconnection. (If I’m correct and you have the factory harness both wires should be going into one plug pin towards one end of the harness.)
3.) Take a test light (A cheap one from Wall mart will work but I used a custom tester that tells me positive and negative and uses a low voltage led system, and no you can’t buy one, I made mine) and test both wires.
4.) When you find the one orange wire that gives you 12 volts all the time and doesn’t flash then reconnect THAT WIRE and Cap off the other. (I recommend solder but caps will work fine. DO NOT USE PLAIN BLACK TAPE FOR THE SAKE OF GOD, YOU WILL SHORT SOMETHING OUT EVENTUALLY IF NOT NOW)
5.) Reconnect the radio and try to start the car. (I can hear the sweet sound of success already.) Then put everything back the way you took it apart.
6.) That’s it, you’re done.
FYI: that is the sole purpose of the passkey system, to prevent theft OF THE RADIO. As if someone wants a factory head unit. Whoever decided that was a good Idea is a dumb ass and ass needs to...well ill be nice and hold my tong. Anyway enjoy a running impala and if your ever in SC, look up UniQue Audio & Video. You can think me there.
2010Jan 28
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
I've had this problem off and on for years with the no start due to the passlock/security system. It's actually become an owner start prevention system instead of an antitheft system. I usually take the key out of the ignition and open and close the door to reset the system and sit for 15 minutes and it will usually fire up. The dealer has done numerous things with the BCM to no avail and about 500 bucks. Has anyone tried the method of placing a resistor between the ignition wires to override the security system? If so please send me an e-mail and let me know how it worked out. Thanks
2004Aug 01
Impala 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I had a remote starter installed and I havent had any problems since. It was an ongoing inconvenience for nearly 5yrs. You never knew when it was about to happen, at the gas station was a real pain!! Wait 10 minutes and it would start no problem. I spent $300 on my remote starter and for the piece of mind, not to mention a nice warm car in the morning, it was money well spent.
2009Dec 24
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I FOUND THIS SIGHT WHICH I KNOW WASN'T A MISTAKE ONE PROBLEM WILL NEVER BE FIXED. I TRANSPORTED MY MOTHER FROM A HOSPITAL IN LAS VEGAS WHICH SHE WAS SICK ,I PARK IN LONG TERM PARKING, CAR STARTED OKK STOP FOR GAS THEN THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON THE BATTERY THE CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN THE CAR WOULDN'T START.SPENT TIME TRYING THE CAR OVER AND OVER HOPING IT TURN OVER MY ATTENTION WAS SPENT FOOLING WITH TALKING TO MY MOTHER FROM THE FRONT SEAT WHILE SHE TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORSE IN THE BACK,THE PROBLEM NEVER SHOW UP AGAIN FOR SOME TIME THEN I TOOK I TO THE DEALER I COULDNT TELL YOU WHAT THEY DID BUT I COST ME OVER 500.00BESIDES BUYING NEW BATTERY ALTERNATOR.THE PROBLEM COMES AND GO. THEN TO HAVE MY STEP SISTER ACCUSED ME OF TRYING TO KILL HER.WE NEVER EVER HAD A RELATIONSHIP BEFORE MY MOTHERS DEATH SHE MOVE BACK TO WISCONSIN .WE DECIDED TO TRY TO MAKE MENDS.IT WAS RAINING I PARKED IN THE RESTURANT PARKING LOT GOT OUT THE DRIVER SEAT AND TOLD HER LETS RUN INSIDE I CLOSED MY DOOR THINKING SHE WAS BEHIND ME. I WENT TO THE LADIES ROOM THEN IN LINE THINKING THAT SHE HAD BEEN SITTED,LOOKING FOR HER I WENT BACK OUT SIDE TO THE FRONT NO SISTER THEN A LADY RAN UP TO ME SAYING MY SISTER WAS CRYING SAYING SHE COULDNT GET OUT MY CAR SAYING I WAS TRYING TO LOCK HER IN,LONG STORY MATTER GOT TO A POINT THAT WE SAID THINGS AFTER THE CAR WOULDNT START SHE SAID I STAGE IT AND IF THE LADY DIDNT FIND ME I WOULD OF LEFT HER THERE I LAUGHED IT OFF TILLTHE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 24TH ME AND MY GRANDAUGHTER WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD IN A STORM 160 ODD MILES FROM HOME NO TRAFFIC NO HOMES HAVING TO GO ANOTHER 89 MILES. SHE HAD DROP HER CHIPS. STARTED TO CRY SAY SHE WAS HUNGRY THEN ALL A SUDDEN IT HAPPEN, THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT, I THOUGHT TO PULL OVER TO GIVE HER THE CHIPS THAT FALLIN AND RE SART THE CAR, BUT I THE NIGHT MARE HAD JUST BEGAIN I COULDNT GET OUT THE CAR THE POWER LOCKS DIDNT WORK,SO I SAID TO MY SELF MANUAL ONLY IF MY SISTER WOULD OF THOUGHT THAT MAYBE WE COULD OF SPENT CHRISTMAS TOGETHER AS FAMILY,THEN I GOT OUT GAVE HER THE CHIPS, STARTED THE CAR NOTHING BUT THE SERCURITY LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT NO POWER IN THE COLD CAR WOULDNT MOVE NO HELP NO NOTHING I JUST NEW MY GRANDAUGHTER OF 4 YEARS OLD WAS GOING TO FREEZE IT GOT SO COLD I TOOK OFF MY COAT AND WRAP AROUND HER PRAYING THAT SOMEONE SEE US COULDNT EVEN CALL FOR HELP ON ON STAR BECAUSE I REFUSE TO GIVE GM UP GRADE MONEY AND CELL D PHONE NO SIGNAL AND IF I DID I HAD NO CLUE WHERE I WAS ON THE I JUST CRY OUT JESUS NO PLEASE NOT MY GRAND DAUGTER AFTER ABOUT AFTER FORTY SOMTHING MINUTES THE CAR STARTED THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKING BATTERY LIGHT FLASHING PING NOISE LIGHT DIMING IN AND OUT WITH THE CONTROLL PANEL DIMING BEFORE MY EYES,THANK GOD I MADE IT HOME IT WAS GOD I CRY ALL THE WAY HOME THINKING HOW TO STOP THEN SAYING WHY EVERTHING IS CLOSE WHAT A CHRISTMAS DAY MY GRAND WOULD REMEMBER ME THE GRAND MOTHER WHO TOOK CHRISTMAS FROM HER. I GOT HOME AND PARK THE CAR. BY THE WAY MY DAD BOUGHT THE CAR FOR CASH IN KENTUCKY GAVE IT TO ME TWO WEEKS BEFORE HE DIE .LAST I WISH THIS ON NO ONE NO IF I WASNT A CHRISTAIN I WOULD HAVE A CHOICE WORD ,BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST HAVE TO REPENT THE CAR DEALER AND WHOEVER KNOW THIS IS DEADLY AND KEEPING THERE MOUTH SHUT NEED TO GO STRAIGHT TO HELL,NOW I REPENT
2009Sep 15
Impala LS 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,500 miles
Let me start out by saying that my fiance' and myself decided to buy this lemon because I was tired of working on vehicles. Well I do enjoy working on vehicles, I just hate all the other inconveniences, finding rides to the part store, finding the time to do the repair, missed work etc. So we found a 2002 Chevy Impaler with less then 50k miles on it for a really good price, car was clean and ran great. We thought we had gotten lucky. It wasn't 3 months until the CV joint went out, then the turn signals and coolant system sensor went bad. The dealership was good to us about everything other then the CV joint but fixed the other problems for free.
About six months after that was my first experience with passlock problems. I was supposed to meet my partner at a job we had but when I went out to go the car wouldn't start. I knew the battery was fine since I had full headlights and all the other accessories worked fine, the starter didn't even try to turn. My first thoughts where that the air conditioner pump had froze up (sounds silly but it's happened to me with GM vehicles twice before) the engine just seems to be siezed up. So I made the call that I would need a ride and would be late. Later that evening when I got home, I hopped out of my partners truck, walked up to my Impaler, poped the key into the ignition and it fired right up. Talk about embarrassed, my partner was still there with me. "Man, I don't get it" is all I could say, which shocked him because I am the car guy, grease monkey what ever you want to call it for our business and my friends and family.
We didn't have another problem with until a few months later. Of coarse it's freezing cold and my fiance' has our 2 and 3 year old daughters at the grocery store with her when it does. That was last night, THANK GOD for AAA, so we got it towed home for free but I go out this mourning wondering if it would do the same thing as before but it didn't start this time. It was raining so I wasn't going to mess with it. I go out this afternoon and it fires up but now the heat works when it wants to. I HATE THIS CAR!!!! My 94' Ford F-150 work truck is about to become my family car. It isn't pretty but at least when it's broke down, it's broke down and not kind of broke down or might start, might not.
I would be more then happy to go back to the good old days where a good timing chain, good camshaft and distributor gear teeth where the only computer you needed. Back when idiot lights in the gauge cluster didn't disable your vehicle. Screw all car companies with thier "If it works, fix it" idea of design, I'm buying a horse.
2009Jul 23
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
What's right with this car? It is a nice car but with a lot of problems. I think that gm should pay for all the problems that are going on with these cars that they made. When u call the dealership they don't want to tell u anything. They want u to bring your car in so the can charge u up. I say lets call channel 10 news on them!!!!
2009Apr 08
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,847 miles
ok so i am glad to see i am not the only one with this problem, and i am not the only one in my family to have it either! i bought the car used this year back in February, the issue with the passlock didnt start until after my 30 days were up! if i would have known i would have got a dodge instead, i have to let my car sit for 10 mins with the key on to get the damn thing to strt again! oh and don't get me started on the radio, don't ever remove that because you open a whole new can of worms with that! if you want a better radio in the car hook the factory one up in the trunk!!! not only am i having problems with the passlock but my daytime running lights aren't working same with the interior lights and now when i turn on my head lights at night i get the dummy light saying i need to fix the car, two main reasons for that the passlock and the radio, 1 wire on the factory stereo got disconnected and wow the problems that made!! i think i will go back to my dodge neon! i might have blown the motor in it 4 times and replaced the tranny but at least the damn thing starts when i want it to and gets me where i need to go!! thanks alot GM no wonder you SUCK ASS and are going under! i know we are all out there just trying to make a dollar but this is f*cking retarded, how can you get away with this? oh wait your not thats why you are starting to close factories and losing money!! if you would have asked me who made the best cars ten years ago and i would have said GM is the best and i dont want to see them go but now i cant wait until your gone!
yours truly
another customer you bent over and raped with your garbage cars
oh yeah i signed that petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/75020780/petition.html for GM and wow i was the 265 person to sign you think after that many complaints about the passlock and other problems with the impala you would do something about it
2007Jan 14
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
ALL THE HEAT & A/C COMES OUT OF THE FLOOR CANNOT ADJUST TO DEFROST. THE DAMN SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND TAKES 15-20 MINUTES TO START. HAD TO PAY THEM ASS HOLES AT GM SHOP $816.14 TO FIX THEIR PROBLEM..... HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH,PASSLOCK SENSOR AND HARNESS & REPAIR VACCUM LINES TO ACTUATOR
2005Jun 01
Impala 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
ONE OF MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS DAMN CAR. THE PROBLEM STARTED JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.MY WIFE CALLED ME ONE DAY TO SAY SHE COULD NOT START THE CAR AFTER GETTING OFF WORK. SHE SAID CAR WOULD NOT START SHE CALLED ME THINKING BATTERY WAS DEAD BUT SAID DUMMY LIGHT SAYING SECURITY. AFTER ABOUT 20 MINS OF HER PLAYING WITH KEY IN THE IGNITION CAR FINALLY WOULD START UP AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. THIS WOULD CONTINUE TO HAPPEN ON A CONSISTENT BASIS OVER THE LAST 4 YRS. NEVER TOOK IT IN TO DEALER CUZ DONT FEEL LIKE DISHING OUT THE MONEY TO FIX THIS POS. ISSUE IS A LITTLE AGGRAVATING BUT ONE DAY IT BECAME A REAL PROBLEM WHEN I WAS AT THE PARK LAST SUMMER WHEN MY NIECE GOT HIT BY AN ERRANT 90MPH FOUL BALL STRAIGHT TO THE FACE AND I'M TRYING TO RUSH HER TO THE HOSPITAL AND MY WIFE IS TRYING TO START THE CAR AND WE COULDN'T GET IT TO START FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE MY NEICE HAD BLOOD GUSHING OUT OF HER NOSE. FINALLY ABLE TO START CAR AND GET HER TO THE HOSPITAL. THANKS A LOT GM.
2009Oct 01
Impala LX 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,633 miles
I own both a Malibu and Impala with the passlock system and Ive had to bypass them both. For those of you that are not too techy, simply have it fixed by removing the dash trim, screwing out the two screws that hold the ignition switch in place and pulling the ignition switch out so you can see the three wires going to the module..black yellow & white, do not disconnect the ignition wires. For everyone that has their vehicle starting randomly, play with it until you get it to start with the security light off. While the engine is running, simply cut the yellow wire. the security light will come on and it will stay on. Cut the vehicle off and it will start again without a hitch if its your passlock. The trick here is in Chevy/Gm programming, as long as the passkey fails while you are driving, the security system will light, but will be disabled and not lock you out. That is the reason why lots of people are seeing the security light, but the problem is the faulty connection keeps connecting and reconnecting while you're driving giving a false reading to the BCM. This will permanently disable the passlock, for as long as your vehicle system doesn't lose battery power. If you ever disconnect your battery for more than 10 minutes or you use a diagnostic machine to clear your DTC's you'll need to reconnect the yellow wire, start the vehicle and disconnect the yellow wire again. This method and placing a resistor across the yellow and black wires are both fail safe solutions to this problem. The only difference is that the resistor method isn't affected by power loss or diagnostics clearing. This method should work flawlessly with vehicles that start with the security light on as well, once the vehicle starts cut the yellow wire. I did this mod 1 1/2 years ago on both vehicles and neither has given me problem since...except my Malibu which I accidentally erased the passlock disable doing a diagnostics session and had to reconnect the yellow wire to start it and then disconnect..LOL. Hope this helps
2008Oct 02
Impala
- 95,000 miles
My 2002 Chevy Impala won't start at times. It seems to happen more frequently in the cold months. Over the summer it only happened twice. Now that its in the mid to high 30's at night it has happened 4 times this week alone. When it does work my security light will sometimes come on and stay on. When I see that I know it's getting ready to mess up. I'll get where I need to go and when I come back to start the car it won't start. I have to wait 10 or 20 minutes and let the system cycle through then it will start. I have called four different chevy dealer and 3 of them told me they have no idea why its doing that and to bring it in. At the 4th dealer I called, an older woman answered the service desk phone. I told her what was going on with the car and she told me right away that it sounds like a bad passlock sensor and that it happens all the time. Finally, someone who is honest.
2009Sep 09
Impala LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 122,269 miles
My 2002 impala used to not start on average about 3 or 4 times a month. would have to wait 10 minutes. sometimes 20 minutes. then the car would start. very annoying when you have children in the car and they are whining. or when you need to be somewhere or an emergency came up. Dealership was no help and mechanic no help either. We decided to disconnect passlock and since then have to problems with car starting.
2009Jun 13
Impala 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
The car will run perfectly and I'll park it. Minutes later, it won't start. There is no clicking sound but the lights and radio work. It's just dead. It's happened 6 times this summer and it happens any time with no rhyme or reason. I've had a mechanic check to find the problem, to no avail. Now on the interest I just found out it could be a passlock problem. It is annoying and a major inconvenience. It has made me late for appointments and work. I'm an older, single lady and live in fear of being stranded and wary that a repair would be very costly.
2009Sep 24
Impala
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
I've read many online complaints about this issue of the security light disabling my car. I find it appalling that Chevy has done nothing to remedy this issue. I'm older and found myself stuck in a parking lot with a broken car.. Don't know yet what it will cost to fix this. Will not but GM again.
2009Sep 20
Impala 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
I bought this car new in 2002, great driving car. In 2009 I started having problems with my car not starting. The security light comes on and My keyless entry wont work. After letting my car sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour it is like nothing is wrong. I have read about the pass lock system and feel they need to recall this due to many people having the same problem. I so do not think it is fair for me to pay 500.00 to 1000.00 to fix GM's problems. I am very frustrated. GM I hope you read these and help your customers, otherwise I will not buy another one of your vehicles again.
2012Jan 22
Impala
I have the Passlock starting issue that I was just reading about.. Thanks for all your wise info about your issues and ways to solve them.. Very helpful for me.. I look forward to the day that I am able to purchase another vehicle and not a GM or Chevrolet.
artny
Albany, NY, USA
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