2001 Pontiac Grand Am Major Starting Problem. PLEASE HELP

JERBREMSER

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM

Electrical problem
2001 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a 2001 Grand Am and I just changed out the ignition lock cylinder. My old key was not turning so I went and got a new cylinder where it came with the key already made making my car a 2 key system now. The old (original) key for the doors now and the new key that came with the ignition cylinder for starting.
After I replaced the cylinder I went to start the car to only be disappointed. The car turns over but it seems as though it does not want to fire. I thought it might be a battery issue because the car sat for a little while before I could change out the cylinder so I took another vehicle and tried to jump start and was unsuccessful.
Because I changed the ignition cylinder is there a issue with the security settings? There were 3 wires coming from the cylinder itself and my understanding is that one of those wires is for the security system. Is that what my issue could be for not being able to start the car?
Any feed back is helpful. PLEASE HELP.
Thank you

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

Whenever the lock cylinder is replaced the system has ton relearn the code for the Passlock system.

Here is the relearn procedure

30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure
1. Turn ON the ignition, 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, 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 desired (history DTCs will self clear after 100 ignition cycles).