Hi guys, I'm new to the forum so please bear with me if the answer to this question is simple.

I have a 2001 base model Impala (3.4L) with around 115,000 km on it. I've had it nearly 2 years now and about once every 6 months or so, when you turn the key from "on" to "start" - nothing happens. I mean absolutely nothing. In the on position, the dash lights and radio start, but when you turn to start the lights go out (which is normal, I think) but the engine doesn't turn over. No clicking...nothing.If you wait somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes and then try again, it will usually start as if nothing happened.

Over the last couple of weeks this has started to happen more often and it's very inconvenient. I think that the anti-theft system (the car doesn't have an alarm, but whatever the GM engine disable system is called) is locking the engine out, but I don't know why. Any ideas on what might cause this and how I can diagnose/fix it???

Thanks,

91iroc

 

It's that stupid passlock system. Mine did it too. I ended up putting in a remote start because they
have a passlock bypass system. I've read stories where people have spent hundreds on it to no avail,
including the key switch, computer, etc....

 

Hey thanks...that's great to know. I havea couple ofremotes startersin the garagejust lying around, still in the box. Will anyone be able to bypass the passlock, or just the GM installed ones? Also, can the passlock still trip with the key? And if it does, can you then immediately start it with the starter, or do you have to wait the 15 minutes like always?

 

The remote start i put is an astro start. You might have to call the company to see if yours has
a bypass. I'm like you i got sick of it not starting at the worst times(usually about once a week),
one time i think the poor girl at the gas station thought iwas stalking her. I still use the key when i'm
not in a hurry, but when i want to make sure it starts i use the remote. It always starts with the remote.
It can still trip the passlock with the key, but not the remote.....

 

Well, I took jondoe28's advice and yesterday had a remote starter installed in my '02 Impala. I put up with the starter problems for a year now just waiting on someone in here to come up with a viable solution that wouldn't cost me thousands of dollars. When I read your message a few weeks ago, I told my husband and he agreed on the fix. Only cost $300 for a lifetime guarantee (parts and installation), 1200 ft range remote starter. Will let you know how it's working but I could almost feel my starter giving my security system the "finger" every time I push the start button on my remote...LOL. Happy Holidays!!

 

Let me know how you turn out bgirl...Mine has started every time with the remote start
for over a year now. I estimate around 3,000 times. Plus it's nice when it gets down below
zero like last night.