This car has an intermittent no start condition with the security light flashing. Checked codes and found code B2960 stored. The code is for a valid but incorrect passkey signal. Now there are several different things that can cause this code but the most common is a failing passkey sensor which is part of the ignition tumbler kit. Some of the others are a faulty Ignition Switch, Body Control Computer and poor connections in the wiring harness. Because this problem is usually so intermittent there is not much real testing you can do that will result in a clear answer. I have found the only practical thing to do is to look at passkey voltage with a Tech 2 and gently wiggle the wiring some at the ignition switch and the BCM to see if there is any problem with the harness. Also look at passkey voltage while switching the key off and on. It should be about 5 volts when you initially switch the key on and then drop to a value higher than 0 and lower than 5 volts. Normally I see anywhere from .78 to 3.9 volts. If I see no other problems I always change the ignition tumbler kit and install a new ignition switch as well. If one is failing the other will not be far behind. I have seen plenty of these ignition switches fail without a passkey fault so I replace both as a rule.
With that out of the way this is the what you have to do to change the switch. Drop the tilt steering column to the full tilt down position. Remove both of the dash end caps and remove a screw from each end. Start pulling the trim panel from either end until the clips release. If it does not seem to want to release check for any extra screws that may be retaining the panel. If none are found pull harder but please be careful as panels can break.
After the trim panel is released you will have to disconnect the switches. The hazard switch needs the center tab depressed while you pull the harness connector from the switch.
The Traction control switch needs the center tab lifted slightly while the harness connector is pulled from the switch.
You will also need to remove the lower panels. There and a coulpe of retaining screws and a retaining pin or two. After all retainers are removed pull the cover towards the driver’s seat.
Disconnect the trunk release switch if present and now you will find a metal panel.
Remove the attaching screws and place aside.
Next you will need to remove the two 10mm headed screws that hold the switch assembly to the dash.
Next pull the switch down through the opening in the bottom of the dash.
With the key off release the locking tabs and pull the two main harnesses from the ignition switch. Make sure the key is off, it will save programming time.
Next turn the key on and depress the locking tab for the shifter interlock cable and pull the cable out of the switch.
Next depress the metal locking pin that hold the tumbler and sensor assembly into the ignition switch, rotate the key and pull the assembly out of the ignition switch.
Disconnect the sensor wiring harness by depressing the two side locking tabs and pull from the switch.
Install the new ignition switch and then install the new tumbler and sensor assembly.
I have another post for assembly of the tumbler kit. Please click here to see that post.
After the ignition switch and tumbler assembly are back together turn the key on and reinstall the shifter interlock cable. Then Make Sure The Key Is Off and Then Connect The Two Main Harness Connectors. Again this saves programming or relearn time. Now attempt to start the engine. Do Not be surprised if it does not start. Leave The Key ON and Wait about ten minutes or until the security light stops flashing. You may have to repeat this process up to four times in all before the system will relearn the new sensor value. The closer the new sensor value is to the original the quicker it will relearn. On some rare occasions you will have to use a Tech 2 and reprogramming software to teach the system the new value.
Are you sure the person reading the codes had the correct scan tool to read codes in all modules? That aside check all of the exterior bulbs to make sure they are functioning properly.
Good Day Sparky,
Update: 7-10-13
OK, since I last updated you we had the “engine light” come on (opposed to the SVS) and I was getting a PO446 code; I replaced the gas cap first, thought that fixed it, but didn’t; then later replaced the “fuel tank pressure sensor” . . . that did the trick!
Separately and back to the SVS light, I repaired the connection on the rear window defogger (code B1507) and my wife just this morning took it to the shop to have the light turned off; however, although the mechanic said it was “code free” he couldn’t get the light off. She then went and had it smogged (it passed with passing flying colors [recognizing the fact that the cause for the SVS light has nothing to do with emissions]).
Early on you said that the BCM might not have been programmed properly, or it might be the BCM itself; if it was an issue with the BCM, wouldn’t there be a code associated with it?
Is there a way to turn the light off without pulling the bulb out (which of course I wouldn’t do) or reprogramming the BCM?
Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Frank
There are so many things that it could be. Any chance of providing any codes; PCM, BCM, IPC, SDM or ABS? Other than that I would check the body ground near the battery, check the radio wiring (if it is not the original radio) or inspect the SDM for signs of water and corrosion.
Hi I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT V6.. Recently various lights on the dash would light up which led to all the lights being on and temp and rpm gauges not working it then was fine for a few days then the theft light would come on every now and then it then did the thing where it would start for a few seconds and die…I tried the re learn thing no luck had it tested and it showed key and ignition not matching so I had ignition cylinder changed with new keys…I thought it was fixed however today all lights on dash were on none of the gauges working went to leave the store and it wouldn’t start did the same thing as before tried the re learn and got it started and home…any idea on what might cause all of that?
I understand that you have noticed that sometimes your back up lights come on by themselves but I do not have a clue about the rest of your comment. The back up lights on some vehicles can be set to come on when locking or unlocking the car with the remote. Is there any chance that the remote has an issue, buttons too sensitive?