Hi,
I have a LW300 wagon. Currently will not start. Dealer wants $3000 to change the pass code lock sensor new tumbler new key and reprogramming. I replaced the BCM a while back with an ebay one, everything has been working fine for almost a year, although I did not have the key fobs reprogrammed.

The other day I drove car home and parked it. The next day nothing, no power at all. No dome light, radio, etc. Disconnected the battery and reconnected and it won't start. Dealer says they got it started but after a few starts it reverts back and will not start.

Is this something I can fix at home? Is the dealer the only one who can do this work and reprogram? They say that changing the pass code lock sensor may not be the issue by itself may need the BCM changed too for another $1000.

In Los Angeles area.

Thank you!!

 

$3k for a new ignition?
Ummmm no.

Andy, our L series guru, should be along shortly to address this post.

 

Is this something I can fix at home?

Do you have a DVOM?

 

Sounds like the dealership wants to sell you a Saturn wagon. What would the warranty be for said repairs? 3 years, unlimited miles?

 

No, no dovm. They say passcode lock sensor, ignition, new key and reprogramming. I know the dealer overcharges, I'm sure I can't reprogram. Can other places do this work for less $ and reprogram? I know I can probably find another BCM, but, honestly I don't think it's that. Never have put any real money into this car, but I don't want to spend more than needed if I can help it.

Is the LW series a reliable car? Is something else a potential failure point in the future? Don't want to dish out big money if something else is going to fail. Timing belt, tranny, etc.....
I have a 93 SL1 250k miles and it's still going, will the LW be as reliable?

Thank you for all the replys!

 

What year is your car? The six cylinder cars need timing belt replacement at 100k miles or by time. If you have not reached 100k miles yet, it is time. The transmissions are pretty good, the solenoids give trouble some times. Out of the 10 or so L series cars I have owned only one had a bad transmission.
I think you can do a passcode sensor relearn yourself. I can look up the procedure. What is wrong with the key? The electric part and the key part are separate and can be replaced independently.
This might be a simple issue. Do you have the car in your possession or is it still at the dealer?

 

Hi, thank you for the reply.

03 LW300 6 cylinder

Dealer says passcode lock sensor is faulty causing the BCM to send a signal that the car is being stolen. Replaced the BCM about a year ago, so believe it's not that. Dealer says it might be in conjunction with the passcode lock sensor. They say the PLS will have a new resistance and require a new key.

Good to know about the tranny. Is it possible to do the timing belt/chain myself? Hard to say actual mileage as the old BCM had it locked at 690976 for some time...It was my grandmother's car so I know it wasn't really driven that much.

I have never put money into this car aside from tires and oil changes. So we will be having the stealer do the work. At least I get a 2 year warranty......

I really appreciate the help and it has been helpful!

 

How worn is your key? Is it an original Saturn key? I would have them cut a new key by code and try that before replacing the passlock sensor. If the lock cylinder is worn out see if they can code the new lock cylinder to the correct key code for the car. They will probably have to run the relearn programming. You really don’t want two different keys for this car. I always get new keys cut by code when I get a “new” Saturn on factory blanks. I have never had to replace a passlock sensor even on my sedan with 285k miles on it. Just the correct keys have avoided any issues. Copying a worn out key gets you another worn out key. The dealer can look up the key code, the parts department should be able to provide the correct blanks and cut by code for you.

 

By code, He means based on the VIN code of the vehicle.

Do not pay $3,000 for a new ignition switch.

If security is engaged right now, try the relearn procedure. It's free and is likely all you need to get it running.

For the record, the default state of passlock is to inhibit the fuel injectors from operating. Only the correct key in a functioning ignition switch with a properly operating passlock sensor will pass the okay along to the BCM. The BCM receives the code it is expecting from the sensor in the ignition switch. The BCM then tells the ECM to uninhibit the injectors. So Passlock operates by keeping the fuel injectors enabled based on what was described above. And did periodically keeps checking while you are driving.

Had a member whose vehicle would randomly trigger security while he was driving down the road, causing the car to stall.

Turned out to be just a past lock sensor.

99% of the time someone tells you to fix number one might not solve the problem and you might need fix number two, You're getting taken for a ride. This statement is with respect to what I'm referred to as solid or hard issues like no crack no start, security related stuff, BCM etc. Not talking about improving performance on a working vehicle.