GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Passlock™ system is provided in order to prevent vehicle theft if the ignition lock cylinder is forced to rotate or the ignition switch is operated while separated from the ignition lock cylinder case. The body control module (BCM) provides security system sensor power and low reference for the Passlock™ sensor. The BCM also measures the security system sensor voltage.

When the correct key is used to start the vehicle, a magnet on the lock cylinder passes close to the Passlock™ sensor within the ignition lock cylinder case. The magnet activates the security hall effect sensor in the Passlock™ sensor which completes a circuit from the security sensor signal circuit through a resistor to the security sensor low reference circuit. The resistance value will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The BCM will measure the voltage on the security sensor signal circuit and compare this voltage to a previously learned voltage. If the voltage measured is within the valid range, the BCM will send a class 2 message to the powertrain control module (PCM) to enable vehicle starting. If the voltage measured is not within the valid range, a class 2 message will be sent to the PCM to disable starting of the vehicle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to ground on the Passlock sensor power circuit for one second, with the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY, ON, or START position.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  The BCM stores DTC B2947 in memory.
    •  The BCM sends a message to the instrument cluster to turn the SECURITY indicator ON.
    •  In addition, the BCM will take one of two actions:
       - If the Passlock sensor power circuit is shorted to ground when attempting to start the engine, the BCM will NOT send a message to the PCM to enable fuel delivery to the engine. The vehicle will exhibit an engine no start or starts then stalls condition.
       - If the Passlock sensor power circuit is shorted to ground after the engine has started, the BCM enters a fail-enable mode. Upon subsequent engine start attempts, the BCM will send a password message to the PCM via the Class 2 serial data link to enable fuel delivery to the engine. The engine will start.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    •  The BCM no longer detects a short to ground in the Passlock sensor power circuit.
    •  When a short to ground is no longer present on the Passlock sensor power circuit, the ignition switch must be cycled from OFF to ON before this DTC can change from a current DTC to a history DTC.
    •  A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for a short between the Passlock sensor power circuit and the Passlock sensor ground circuit, or a short to ground on the Passlock sensor power circuit.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Verifies that DTC B2947 is a current DTC.

  2. Tests for a short to ground in the Passlock™ sensor or the pigtail harness.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Theft Deterrent Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select the body control module display DTCs function on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display DTC B2947 as a current DTC?

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3

  1. Disconnect the Passlock™ sensor connector.
  2. Measure the voltage between the Passlock™ battery voltage circuit and a good ground.

Does the voltage measure approximately battery voltage?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Test the Passlock™ battery voltage circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the body control module (BCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the Passlock™ sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Important: When replacing the BCM refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Body Control System.

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

8

Replace the Passlock™ Sensor. Refer to Electronic Column Lock Module - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Electronic Column Lock Module - Assemble - Off Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

Perform the Passlock™ learn procedure. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components .

Did you complete the procedure?

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 3

System OK