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. The Passlock controller reads the coded Passlock data signal. The data consists of a voltage generated by a voltage divider network created between the Passlock assembly and the Passlock controller. If the data is correct , indicating rotation of the lock cylinder with the proper mechanically cut key, then the Passlock controller sends a password to the powertrain controller via serial data to indicate that engine starting should be allowed. The Passlock controller also interfaces with the driver displays subsystem to indicate, via a Security indicator, the Passlock subsystem status and acute subsystem failures.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B3033 Security System Indicates Tamper

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The analog voltage signal sampled at the body control module (BCM) Passlock detection circuit is a tamper signal indicating a Passlock tamper.
    • The condition must be present during an engine start attempt.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

When attempting to start the engine and the Passlock sensor sends a tamper signal, the BCM will take one of two actions:

    • If the BCM programming mode is not active AND the BCM is not in fail enable mode, then:
       - The BCM stores DTC B3033 in memory.
       - The BCM sends a message to the instrument cluster to flash the SECURITY indicator.
       - The BCM sends a message to the ECM via serial data to disable engine operation.
       - The BCM disables sampling of the Passlock sensor analog voltage signal for a time-out period of 10 minutes.
       - If the ignition switch is left on for at least 10 minutes, the BCM enters the theft deterrent re-learn mode.
    • If the BCM programming mode is active AND the BCM is in fail enable mode, then:
       - The BCM stores DTC B3033 in memory.
       - The BCM sends a message to the instrument cluster to turn on the SECURITY indicator.
       - The BCM will send a message to the ECM via serial data to allow the engine to start.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC B3033 clears when the BCM detects a valid Passlock sensor code.
    •  When the BCM detects a valid code from the Passlock™ sensor, 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 clears after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A malfunctioning Passlock sensor may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur.
    • If the SECURITY indicator is flashing, the BCMs Passlock has entered a vehicle disable state that will last approximately 10 minutes. Disconnecting the battery will not clear the timer sequence, it will resume when battery power is restored. Even if a proper Passlock sensor code is read during the vehicle disable period, the vehicle will not start until the 10 minute time period has elapsed. After this 10 minute time period, the SECURITY indicator will change from a flashing state to a solid on state. At this time, the BCM enters the theft deterrent re-learn mode. The engine will start if the BCM detects the correct Passlock sensor code.
    • Check for poor connections at both the BCM and the ignition lock cylinder assembly which could cause an open, incorrect Passlock sensor voltage signal, or intermittent malfunction.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for a magnetic field near the ignition lock cylinder.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Theft Deterrent System Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Momentarily rotate the ignition switch to CRANK. Do not start the vehicle.
  3. Release the ignition switch to ON.
  4. Select the body control module display DTCs function on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display DTC B3033 as a current DTC?

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

3

Inspect the area around the ignition lock cylinder for any device which could create a magnetic field, audio speaker, magnet, etc.

Is there a magnetic device near the ignition lock cylinder?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Remove the device creating the magnetic force.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 7

--

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the Passlock sensor. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

7

You may have to wait up to 10 minutes in order to reset the body control module (BCM) and synchronize all of the Passlock components.

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition
  3. Momentarily rotate the ignition switch to CRANK. Do not start the vehicle.
  4. Release the ignition switch to ON.
  5. Select the body control module display DTCs function on the scan tool.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 3

System OK