GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Intermittent failures in electronic systems may be very difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. Faulty wires or connections cause most intermitting problems. When an intermitting condition is suspected, inspect the suspected circuits for the following conditions:

    • Poor mating of connector halves or backed out terminals
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Wire chafing
    • Poor wire to terminal connections
    • Dirty or corroded terminals
    • Connector body damage

The most likely causes of an intermittent no crank condition due to the PASS-Key® system is either an incorrect resistance measurement or an intermittent relay. If the no crank condition only happens with one key only and not the others. Clean or replace the faulty key.

To check for an intermittent malfunction with ignition PASS-Key® detection circuit or the ignition key itself, refer to Ignition Key Lock Cylinder Test .

Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring and connectors, and occasionally to a component. Perform a thorough inspection of all related wiring and connectors pertaining to the UTD system. Always check for BCM PASS-Key® DTCs first before diagnosing the UTD system.

The following conditions may result in intermittent PASS-Key® or UTD operation with no associate UTD DTCs stored:

    • Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the BCM.
    • The battery or ignition voltage is out of range (below 9.0 volts or above 16.0 volts).
    • A loose or damaged grounds
    • Door ajar switch open or shorted
    • An open or a short on the serial data line