Engine - Intermittent No Start (Antitheft)
88pontiac16Bulletin Number: 88-8-20
Reference Number: 738305R
Publish Date: 8/88
Subject: INTERMITTENT NO START CONDITION CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
Models
Affected: 1988 FIREBIRD
COMPLAINT:
Vehicle Will not start and the security light illuminates and stays on when the ignition is turned to the start or run position.
CAUSE:
The ignition lock and or key could have dirty, oxidized or poor connection contacts causing an intermittent no start condition.
CORRECTION:
The condition can be corrected by using one of the following procedures:
I. Procedure for repair when a VATS Interrogator (J35628) is available.
If the last 8 digits of the VIN are greater than JL241000, go to Step 3.
1. Replace the ignition lock with part number 26009609, group 2.188. This new lock has improved contacts with soldered connections to improve performance. Refer to the 1988 Firebird Service Manual, page 8A-133 for correct service procedure.
2. When replacing the lock cylinder it will be necessary to replace the ignition keys. Use the blank key that comes with the new lock cylinder for determining correct cylinder lock codes.
NOTICE: When replacing the ignition keys use the J35628 Interrogator to determine the key code and refer to the key code chart on page four for the correct key part numbers.
FIGURE 1:
3. Inspect the ignition key pellet for evidence of dirt or corrosion. If present, use a pencil eraser and clean the pellet contacts (see Figure 1). Inspect the pellet contacts. If the color of the contacts is copper color replace the key with a new ignition key with silver contacts. Refer to the key code chart for correct part number.
4. Insert ignition key into J35628 Interrogator and read the code. If the interrogator fails to read the code or shifts between codes replace the key. Use the owner's spare key to determine the correct key code or the J35628 Interrogator Test II Vehicle Code Identification (listed on cover of Interrogator) to determine the correct vehicle code, in cases where no spare key exists.
IGNITION LOCK SYSTEM TEST
1. Remove the hush panel under the steering column. Disconnect the two cavity connectors in the wire leading into the steering column. Connect the male and female harness to the mating connectors on the pigtails from the J35628 Interrogator.
2. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder.
3. Press the On-Off switch on the J35628 Interrogator to the ON Position.
4. Set the J35628 Interrogator Key Code Selector to the key code determined in Step 3 above.
5. Start the vehicle. If the vehicle security light comes on and fails to crank refer to page 8A-133-3 of the 1988 Firebird Service Manual and perform test B.
6. If the vehicle starts, wiggle the ignition key in the lock while reading the key code in the Interrogator Key Code Reader.
a. If the key code is constant and does not change, the ignition key and lock test ok.
b. If the key code changes replace the key and retest. If it fails the test with the second key replace the ignition lock cylinder with part number 26009609. Refer to service manual for proper service procedures.
II. Procedure for repair when a VATS Interrogator (J35628) is not available.
If the last 8 digits of the VIN are greater than JL241000 go to Step 3.
1. Replace the ignition lock with part number 26009609, group 2.188. This new lock has improved contacts with soldered connections to improve performance. Refer to the 1988 Firebird Service Manual page 8A-133 for correct service procedures.
2. When replacing the lock cylinder it will be necessary to replace the ignition keys. Use the blank key that comes with the new lock cylinder for determining the correct lock cylinder codes.
NOTICE: When replacing the ignition keys use the J35628 Interrogator to determine the key code and refer to the key code chart on page four for the correct key part numbers.
FIGURE 1:
3. Inspect the ignition key pellet for evidence of dirt or corrosion. If present, use a pencil eraser and clean the pellet contacts (see Figure 1). Inspect the pellet contacts. If the color of the contacts is copper replace the key with ignition key with silver contacts. (Refer to chart for correct part number.)
4. Using a Digital Volt OHM Meter, set meter to read resistance between 0 to 15000 OHMs, read the resistance between the pellet contacts of the key. If the resistance is higher than 15000 OHMs or reads open, the key is defective. Use the spare key and retry.
NOTICE: When a valid reading is obtained it will be necessary to call Pontiac TAC and give the VIN and reading to the TAC Engineer. They will identify the correct key number. Refer to the chart for the correct part number.
IGNITION LOCK SYSTEM TEST
1. Remove the hush panel under the steering column. Disconnect the two cavity connector in the wire leading into the steering column. Connect the digital Volt OHM Meter to the female connectors. Set the range to read resistance between 0 and 15000 OHMs.
2. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder.
3. Rotate the ignition switch to the run position and read the resistance on the OHM Meter.
4. Wiggle the ignition key in the lock while reading the resistance on the OHM Meter.
a. If the key resistance is constant and does not change (less than +/- .2 OHMs), the ignition key and lock test ok.
b. If the key resistance changes, replace the key and retest. If it fails the test with the second key, replace the ignition lock cylinder with part number 26009609. Refer to service manual for proper service procedure.
1988 PONTIAC GTA WITH THEFT DETERRENT (UA6)
IGNITION KEY PART NUMBERS
KEY PART
CODE NUMBER
1 26012101
2 26012102
3 26012103
4 26012104
5 26012105
6 26012106
7 26012107
8 26012108
KEY PART
CODE NUMBER
9 26012109
10 26012110
11 26012111
12 26012112
13 26012113
14 26012114
15 26012115
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.