passkey III help

[honda4trx]

I know it's not about my truck, but out of ideas

 

Put a Passkey module in my Mom's 2004 malibu last night. Tried the 30 minute relearn but absolutely cannot get it to learn the key and start.

-Full battery on a charger

- key on, security light never goes out like it should.

- disconnected battery all night while charging, tried again this AM, still nothing

Lost on what to do, any help would be appreciated thanks. Trying to avoid the Dealer and tech II. hoping I'm forgetting something

[LeoS41280]

Did you replace the passkey because the security light was on?

[ponchonutty]

Yes, would like to know what the reason was on why you replaced parts. It could be that you don't have the pk2 wires hooked up or that you damaged the decoder when putting things back together. Now, how did you do the relearn? Normally you should try to crank it over and it shouldn't start or if it does, it will stall out. When this happens the theft light should be flashing. LEAVE THE IGNITION KEY ON for a full 10 minutes or until the light stops flashing and goes out. When this happens. Shut the key off, count to 3 and then try to start. If it fails again, leave the key on again for another full 10 minutes. You may have to this up to 4 times. If it still fails to relearn, you have an issue.

 

The problems could be either the PK2 system or the cluster. I haven't seen very many before but there have been shorts inside the clusters causing a no start. Part of the PK2 system actually runs through the cluster. 95% of the time though it's the pk2 decoder in the switch. If its a cluster issue, usually there's other oddities like gauges or lights not working properly.

 

If thie cluster you feel is OK, you can either replace the PK2 system or totally bypass it for less than $10. To bypass this system, buy some resistors (between 330-1500ohms). You will then find the pk2 wires. They will be the 3 tiny wires from the ignition switch. They are usually yellow, white, and either black or orange/black. You will play with the yellow and black or orange/black. Cut the yellow wire in 2. Connect one end of the resistor to the cut side that's away from the ignition switch. The other end should go to the black or orange/black wire. For good measure I like to then run another jumper wire from that black wire to a chassis ground. Once you do this, try to do the relearn again. It should take. If not, change resistance.

[Jsdirt]

I had one that ended up being a blown fuse in the underhood box, and another that I had to do the resistor trick in - got the instructions online somewhere, went to Radio Shack & bought an assortment of resistors, and soldered them up. That was in a Buick that had a common issue with broken wires in the tilt columns.

[ponchonutty]

If you go to automotiveforums.com and lookup my name or pk2 bypass you will see a full write up on this.

[txab]

Passkey bypass

[ponchonutty]

[Jsdirt]

I think that was the thread I used too, for that Buick - must have been. I owe you a BIG beer Steve!

[ponchonutty]

Haha, No problem. Remote starters and general automotive electronics is my specialty. I live in a very poor county in Ohio and I was getting upset with stories from people taking their cars to dealerships spending serious money for nothing. I grabbed a friends car that had a no start issue and started playing around with it along with reading online what others were trying to do. Most were using a toggle switch and I knew that wasn't the cure because if the battery died or was unhooked, the toggle switch will never allow it to start. I had to find a more permanent solution and I did ;)

[honda4trx]

Sorry haven't been on in awhile. It is actually a pk Circle +. The module bolts to the ignition switch. There are no wires in the ignition cylinder like the older models. She would have an intermittent No crank. Checked All wiring from BCM to Ignition switch, Bcm to TDM. The TDM has a ring around the ignition which Excites the Key . So I replaced both ignition switch and Module ( Around $65 for both so why not), Wouldn't learn the key. Trailered it to the dealer and even they couldn't force the keys to learn with the Tech II. They kept it,, Had to cut 2 new keys ( Questionable) And reflash pcm and TDM. So far so good though. Thanks for the replies. For the record, The passkey Circle plus system Requires you to Pull the Code info Off the old TDM with the tech II first before replacing it, then flashing the new one after installation.

[Jsdirt]

You have way more patience than I!!

 

I'd have set fire to the thing, and bought my mom another car - probably a HONDA.

[honda4trx]

If it were anyone but Mom I would have said screw it...Or maybe not.. I became obsessed. Seems to be working now, IMHO though, the car is not worth keeping much longer