The Untold Story Behind GM Security Systems
Beware of the so called GM factory security systems or immobilizers, they hide behind many different names given by the auto industry to make them look more effective and advanced.
It’s not clear today whether those systems were really born with the innocent idea of preventing theft, or instead with the untold target of making money circulating faster. They systematically end up killing cars and often forcing their legitimate owners to give up their hopes and junk them just for that only reason. And it’s happening by the thousands… Every month!
VATS, PassKey, PassLock, Transponder, PK3 … and many others are the names they are given. They look all different, but they are not – they are based on the same simple principle that is way too easy for a security system. And all of them kill your car after she reaches the age of 7. And another thing in common they have: your dealer will ask you $1,000+ to fix them (so they can eventually break again…).
So why should you go to the dealer and not buy aftermarket or go to a small shop with a better price? It’s because those are “security systems” remember? And as such they can be treated only by authorized dealers…
So then, the luckiest of you might still think: “well, my car is worth much more than 1000$, I’ll go the GM dealer and just fix this Passkey system”… Not that easy! Do you know the greatest aspirations of any car maker in the world? Selling you a new car. And guess what? Most of those security systems have been discontinued by GM and cannot be fixed nor replaced.
What a strange combination of events…
And your car is still dead and will NEVER start anymore till you fix that darn thing that you cannot fix. So what do you do? You junk it. Then take a loan and buy another one for the joy of the dealer I mentioned above.
Get rid of those GM anti-theft systems! …Seriously! Bypass and remove GM VATS PassKey and PassLock systems even if you still don’t have problems with them. If your car is more than 6 years old, it is only a matter of time before the worst happens – and the problem is that you never know when it’s going to happen… and where! And it’s just too hard when it hits!
How I removed VATS/PassKEY from my Buick
The VATS/PassKEY/Passlock FULL Bypass
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
1999 Olds Aurora will not start. computer in dash not coming on, but all other systems (radio, lights, etc) come on. My mechanic (who I trust) says its the on board computer? Plus security system…. What is the difference and I still want to disable all security…. it only has 86000 old lady miles on it….. Thanks for any answer… John from Gaines ville, Fl..
John, there are several computer in those cars, the main one being the ECM that regulates all the functions of the engine, but I believe your mechanic is referring to the Body Control Module (BCM) that also handles part of the security in your specific case, the other part being in the key/cylinder component. Our PRO Module would bypass the security system (factory immobilizer) and fix the no-start problem.
Well My chevy Malibu 2003 Is acting up!!! It wont start and the theft system is blinking.. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Before I break this car!
Our PRO Module is compatible with your vehicle and will fix the issue permanently. To purchase, you can do it directly from http://newrockies.com/pro just scroll down and click on the “Buy Now” button. The price includes detailed docs, free installation technical support and 30 days unconditional money back guarantee.
Luke: This sounds like it will work ol my 1995 Trans Am, but let me tell what happened and whatthe car does. It started about 3 months ago at a gas station I came out and car would not start but security light stayed on. Then after 3 minutes I could start the car. I figured the keyhole was dirty so I was told to shoot some wd40 in there with the extension stick in the can. This was after the car had been doing the nonstart on and off (sometimes start up okay) about 2 months. So I shot wd40 in the hole and it drove for a week with no problem then today it started the security light steady on for 3 min, then it would not start again. But now I got to work and the car will not start and the security light blinks on and off forever unless you turn the key off. So was the oil a fluke? Or will your Pro product work for me?
Jeff, the issue is what we try explain on our website, a little part of the immobilizer system is in the key/cylinder, but the brain is the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) and both those parts have approximately the same lifespan. This you say is very typical, the cylinder’s part might have been giving up initially and now your problem is probably in the TDM. The NEWROCKIES PRO Module will bypass the system entirely leaving nothing in the loop. It will definitely fix this permanently.
Ok I just got the security fix ..but want to know if you know where to get the gauge cluster fixed I have a 1989 Camaro for a good price the dealer’s cant fix it or get a new or used one …thank you Luke
John, please ask this question to our techs through the “Contact Us” page. I’m pretty sure they will be able to help you.
I have a 2000 Grand Am. My problem started with the security light being and staying on. Then, it wouldn’t start the first time, wait 10 minutes and the car would start. Then sometimes it would start the first time, sometimes you had to wait. But then even if you get it started, the car will just quit on you in the middle of the highway. The first time it ran about an hour before shutting off. Now at soon as the car warms up, it will shut completely off. If you wait 15-20 minutes. It will start again (maybe). We thought we had fix the problem by doing something they recommended to bypass the security light. So it’ll start, but shuts off as soon as it is warm. Will your bypass system work for this? Also how easy is it to install since I am not very mechanically inclined? Thank you.
John, our NEWROCKIES PRO module is compatible with your vehicle and will bypass the security system permanently, but the problem you are mentioning is not only security, there is something else on top that need to be diagnosed apart, it could probably be the ECM or the crank sensor. If the issue is only security, the car would never die while running as the security system is active exclusively in the first 3 to 5 seconds after starting the car.
will it work on a 2001 chevorlet silverado? its been killing me since about 2008
Kenny, it certainly works. Our NEWROCKIES PRO Module is compatible with all cars and trucks in the list, including your vehicle. If it is security it will bypass it and fix it.
I have a 2002 Impala that started doing this “not gonna start and leave you cussing” thing. I do the wait 10 minutes with the key in the “on” position which I read somewhere else was the thing to do. I eventually get started, calmed down and get home. I need about another year out of this car then it goes in the river! Is this pretty easy to install without taking apart the entire car! Thanks
Tom, our PRO Module is not difficult to install, you can do it yourself and it will work great on your car – but please … not in the river, let’s care about our environment
I have a 2000 Grand Am. My problem started with the security light being and staying on. Then, it wouldn’t start the first time, wait 10 minutes and the car would start. Then sometimes it would start the first time, sometimes you had to wait. But then even if you get it started, the car will just quit on you in the middle of the highway. The first time it ran about an hour before shutting off. Now at soon as the car warms up, it will shut completely off. If you wait 15-20 minutes. It will start again (maybe). We thought we had fix the problem by doing something they recommended to bypass the security light. So it’ll start, but shuts off as soon as it is warm. Will your bypass system work for this? Also how easy is it to install since I am not very mechanically inclined? Thank you.
John, if the car shuts off while driving like you say then the problem cannot be security. By design the security system can turn off the engine only within the first 3 to 5 seconds after starting it.
Will the DIY kit work on a 95 Grand Prix?
Doug, yes it will
Will this work on a 2005 Cadillac CTS V
Grizzly, we have a new line of PRO modules coming about mid-May that will work perfectly with your car. If you would like to pre-order our new PRO module you can do it from http://newrockies.com/pro-module-5-preorder/ , this will guarantee it will be available for you in our first manufacturing lot and at the same price as our actual PRO module.
i have impala 04 the istrumen closter is don’t work ,radio ,blower motor and no star help my
Andres, please send a sales question to our techs through the “Contact Us” page, they will need to ask you several questions to see if your problem could be related to security.
I have a 1995 Buick Regal Vats. I get no signal to the starter when I turn the key. Would the DIY kit work? I have some electrical background.
Nick, yes for your year of the Regal the DIY will work perfectly.
Hi Luke, I have a 93 Bonneville that won’t start. I can jumper the starter but it starts and dies over and over. Might last a week and then start up. One thing I’ve noticed, when it’s starting, the security light comes on with the key, and goes out when it starts. When the no-start issue happens, there is no light at all. Everything I’ve read says the light will be blinking trouble. Could I have a faulty ignition switch (electrical part)? Not the cylinder. Tried that. Also noticed that the #1 fuse is dead while not starting, but hot when it will start. It goes directly to the ignition switch via a large yellow wire. Any thoughts? I’d buy your product, but I’m tired of parts-changing.
Wade, the fault, I would bet, is in the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) that is the brain of the system. With our PRO module you will stop the part changing forever for this issue as it will bypass the entire security system, including the TDM, no exception, installation is very easy and if you are not happy for any reason you can return within 30 days and we will refund you in full – unconditionally. There is no risk, this is our big difference, and the fact that our PRO module is build with military grade components, so it will never fail for at least more than 20 years. If you decide to purchase the PRO module you can do it directly from our website at http://newrockies.com/pro , just scroll down and click on the “Buy Now” button.
Hi, My 2009 Impala was stolen and the insurance company is saying that the car is impossible to steal because of the anti-theft system, is this true?
Tasha it is absolutely false. Any security system of any kind in any car is indeed bypass-able. Security systems are only marketing stuff to circulate money better and faster. Of course you would need a smart thief to steal it, not a kid, but i can assure you it can definitely be done.
hi i have a vt holden with the gm 304 v8 will your diy kit work on this model car thanks
Joshua, unfortunately the DIY will not work on your vehicle as it doesn’t have the required “Fuel Enable” signal at the ECM.
I am working on a 2000 Chevy Impala. at first there was a ignition switch problem where the gauges would flicker when i jiggled the ignition”in the off position”. i replaced the switch and the flickering problem ended, now when the key is turned the gauges click twice and the security light comes on and cycles with the low fuel warning back and forth. there is no crank over nor do i hear the fuel pump pressure up. will the pro system start this car?
Damion, from what you say it might be a security issue, but it might also be a faulty BCM. You can try our PRO module and if it doesn’t fix the issue you can send it back within 30 days for full refund, our guarantee is unconditional.
Hey Luke
I have a 04 silverado ? Will the pro work on it? My truck will not start anymore and Idk wat to do. Is their any shops by the 92705 zip code area? Thanks
Mario, yes our PRO module is compatible with your truck. For an updated list of installers please ask our sales from the “Contact Us” page on our website. Also remember that we include free installations support and installation is not difficult, most of our customers are installing the PRO module by themselves.
having the security problem on my 98 monte carlo . sometimes it comes on i wait about 5 mins then it goes off then i turn the key and it starts but other times it just doesnt come off and the car starts then it gets shut off in 3 secs . I really need help any advice ?
Ray, this is clearly a security issue. Our PRO module will work perfectly on your vehicle and fix the problem permanently. You can purchase directly from http://newrockies.com/pro , just scroll down and click on the “Buy Now” button.
Luke, Is this a very common problem on a 2006 Chevy Colorado?
Ray, we are receiving quite many orders for the Colorado in these last 3 months.
Hi Luke, are you still in business? I have a 96 Grand Am SE 2 door with a security light that is always on. I changed batteries a few months ago and the light came on and it stopped working. It runs for 2 to 3 seconds and dies. I have tried a few cheap fixes and none have worked. Will your pro kit work on this? (It is my winter beater and I dont want to drive my BMW in the snow)
Robert, definitely I’m still in business and yes, it will work on your model/year and fix this.
Will the DIY unit work on my 1999 Saturn SC-2 3door ? I am experienced in electronics fabrication and circuit knowledge. Thanks.
Marco, for your model/year you will need the PRO module, Tue DIY will not work as there is no fuel enable signal in your car.
I have a 97 buick lesabre and it starts in the morning runs around 10 minutes and quits, than have to wait maybe 1 hour starts again and quits
again after a couple minutes all the time.the security light is on all the time
so could it be the security problem.the one thing that throws me off is the power windows and seats will not work when it wont start but in the morning everything works ok till it quits,than nothing just cranks over till I leave it sit for about an hour.please reply I am wondering if I should buy the bypass system.
Bernie, this is not a security issue, can’t say anything, but I’m quite sure the PCM/ECM is the problem. I had the same on my 95 last year a swapped the ECM and all has been good till now. You can ask your mechanic to just try the swap, it’s a plug and play thing and he can unplug in 30 secs and return the ECM if that’s not the problem. Or you can even do it yourself getting an ECM at Napa, it’s extremely easy and a used one should run less than 100$.
Will this work on a 2005 Chev. Suburban 2500 ?
Joetar, yes, Suburban till 2007.
i have a 1995 lasaber 3800 i have replaced one of the coil 6 pack the ignision mod. the [ crank censer and harmonic bal. this past weekend ]it was driving great then last night it stoped again its been doing this for about a year i had it put on the mechine at the dealers and at another shop dealer said its one of the coil pack the other shop said its the ignesin mod.[ the hormonic bal. had seperated where the rubber and metal meet] went and bought a bal. all steal worked. i am 53 and have been doing my own mech. work my self have never had to take any car to the shop till i bought this buick i got no fire at the coils just went out to the car 14 hours later and it srarted rihgt up i am afraid to let my wife drive it started looking at new cars i have put way to much money in parts and towing need help before i set it ablaze
Philip, I definitely understand your frustration, if it never happened in this problem that the car shut down while driving then I would easily point at the security system especially as you said you tried some hours later and the car started right up. If you want you can try with our PRO module, install is very easy on that specific car, and if the problem comes out different you can just ship it back and we will refund you in full including shipping costs.
are you saying that my car stoping when im driving is not the one of the problems you have had from others
Philip, yes, when it stops while driving the problem cannot be security. It could the crank sensor or the ECM most probably or other things, but for sure not security.
Luke, will the DIY work on a 2000 impala? The car is my daughters and she is about 400 miles away from here so I don’t know if it has the features it needs for the DIY kit.
Mike, only the PRO works on the Impala as there is no Fuel Enable signal. We are about to rebuild our website in October and at that time, I promise, we will work hard on a clear list of cars compatible with the DIY instead of just doing it on a case by case through our techs.
Will the bypass work on 2002 silverado,how much time to install it?
Dan, yes it will work for all the cars and trucks listed. Installation is about 1 to 4 hours depending on experience.
I have a 98 Buick Park Avenue that has been dead for sometime and will turn over, but not get fire. Could this be my cause that to shops could not figure out or myself? Everyone has given up on diagnosing any further, but nobody had dealt with the VATS system.
Lee, yes it definitely looks like a security problem, but unfortunately the Park Avenue, starting from 96 followed a different direction compared to the LeSabre and the security system has been changed with a very different one. Our modules are not yet compatible with it.
What system will I need for 1996 impala ss, what is the cost. my key has the black chip in it, will I have to change this? Is there any negatives about using this system, what warranties does it carry? pls advise
Lloyd, you don’t have to change the key and there are no negatives using our system if not the fact that your car will not have a factory immobilizer anymore which actually should be a positive after seeing all problems it creates. The PRO bypass module that we sell works for all cars included in the list, including yours. You can find all informations at http://newrockies.com/pro and you can also purchase directly from there by scrolling down and clicking on the “Buy Now” button.
I have a 1996 impala ss, the pass key fault light is staying on after the car starts, it does not stall or cut off, and runs well with the light on. is this an indication that the car will stall in the future? also would my car pass inspection with this light on? pls advise on this thanks..
Looyd, it is indeed an indication of the security system failure. It usually starts with just the security light turning on and then it would randomly failing to start and get worse till it won’t start anymore. The process can take from about a month to a year and more. About the inspection, it depends on the laws in your state, you can ask to a licensed mechanic. Here where I am in Canada even a single light on or a PCM code would fail the inspection, but it can can be completely different in your place.
Have ’01 Malibu…I think your device might work but have some questions….will instructions come with by-pass. Can any mechanic install? Can we use the same key we have now or do we have to have different key? Does this affect auto door locks or radio in any way?
Robbie, full detailed instructions and free technical support are included with the PRO Bypass. Any mechanic can do the installation, many of our customers are installing our modules themselves, it is not difficult. You can keep using the same keys and it will not affect anything else than the factory immobilizer; door locks, radio and everything else will keep working as supposed to.
Hey Luke! I have a friend that has a 2000 Chevy Impala 3.4L.
Will the DIY version work on it??
Let me know asap.
Thanks,
Dwayne
Dwaine, unfortunately the DIY will not work on it as the Impala doesn’t have the fuel enable signal at the ECM that is required for the DIY. The PRO module will work.
Luke will the DYI work on an 03 Alero? I just purchased your DYI, but after reading these comments mayby I should have gone PRO
Keith, only the PRO will work on the Alero as it doesn’t have the fuel enable signal at the ECM that is required for the DIY to work. You can upgrade at a special price using the link at page 7 of the eBook itself.
the installation of the module finished at 4pm; i have tested it 6 times, and the car is working!!!!!! it’s ALIVE AGAIN!!!!!
thanks alot Luke,i have spend so much time to find someting working for my cavalier sedan 1999!!!! you are a genius!!! at the time the garage was installing it.. i have a lot of doubts coming!!!! i think i have to test a lot!!!!!
i already have the car checked for the 4th time…. A BIG THANK!!!!
Will the DIY system work on a 1999 Alero?
Kurt, it won’t work as it requires a “fuel enable signal” which is not present on the Alero. The PRO will work.
Luke,
Thank you for educating and informing the public on the ineffectiveness of certain OEM immobilizers. You reallly educated me on it also. I wasn’t aware of this problem on GM’s. You are right on one thing though. The name of the game is to sell another vehicle. However, car buyers are a fickle group. Once burned at GM or some other manufacturer, twice shy. Most people will go to Toyota after that type of experience with a consequent loss of market share for GM and the like. Some aftermarket immobilizers are very effective and better than their OEM cousins. The best in class immobilizers are ULC approved, and isolate multiple circuits on the vehicle. This renders the vehicle virtually theft proof. (With the exception of towing of course).
I’m interested,my 99 Astro is showing signs of this. I don’t know if I’m capable of performing your fix myself, and I’d like at least a ballpark figure of what your part costs. Electrical stuff that involves much more than replacing batteries or bulbs confuses me. My keys don’t have an apparent resistor in them. They are the factory keys,with a thick gray/black cover on the top. My van was professionally converted by Gulfstream, when it was new,I don’t know if it’s an LS,BS,or BFD
Can you tell me a bit more about what’s involved and what it costs? Soldering is not something I have mastered-plug-n-play is what I need. Thanks for your time.
Hello Steve,
I have a DIY version of the Full Bypass that can be found on
http://newrockies.ca/diy in the form of an eBook and a PRO “ready to
install” version that you can find on http://newrockies.ca/pro .
Both can be purchased directly from those pages on the website and
prices are there close to the “Buy Now” buttons, but in your case the
DIY is not compatible with your van as that year of Astro does not
have a “Fuel Enable” signal on the ECM.
The PRO version of the module will do work instead as it’s a
completely different design. In case of the PRO, price also includes
free technical support during installation.