2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT from North America - Comments

Check engine light staying on.

Vehicle won't start.

Last November the check engine light went on and nothing was wrong with the car took it to the shop and they said that there is no code on the computer, but they said the Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) was on and they can't enter the system it must be brought to the dealer.

I got home one night and park for a second and turn the engine off when I try to start it, it won't start. I took it to the shop and they said it's the pass lock. I took it home again after a few days it happen again. DO I HAVE TO TAKE THIS CAR TO DEALER EVERY TIME THE PASS LOCK OR SECURITY DON'T WORK AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR.

I bought a 2000 grand am for my daughter about 4 months ago and it started doing the same thing. sometimes it will not start if you leave it for 10 min. it will start, the pass lock warning light came on once and the security light comes on at times. what did you do?

I just purchased a 1999 Grand AM two months ago and am having the same problem with the Pass Lock system. If you check out the manual in the back of your owners manual it will tell you about the problem. When the security light is flashing that means the Pass Lock/Security system is restricting gas to the engine so it will not start. If you take the key out of the ignition and wait for the security light to stop blinking it will usually start. If it doesn't the only other choice is to wait another 20 minutes and try again. I am sure you are busy people as well and do not have the time to sit and wait for your car to start. Me too so I called the dealership to see if I can have it uninstalled. No luck. I have to bring it in and have the malfunction fixed. The estimate given to me over the phone was anywhere between $100-$400.

The theft deterrent pass lock system can be reset by putting the key in the ignition turn the ignition To the on position do not try to start vehicle just turn the on position and wait 10 min then turn ignition off and vehicle should start. This is the proper relearn procedure.

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT and was not able to start car over the weekend. (it was working fine) anyways, replaced the fuel filter, still did not start. Took to shop thinking it was the fuel pump. Found out it was the ignition lock cylinder theft deterrent system that was faulty!! And of course it was not covered on my extended warranty! So I am out approx $300.00!!! Very unhappy with this vehicle!

I have a 2001 Grand AM GT 38,000 miles and we had no problems up until a month or so ago. Problems with it starting. We put in a new fuel pump, relay and filters $960.00 worth of work. Still have problems with it starting on some occasions. Mechanic said it was probably due to the anti theft system. When it does start it works great. We have tried leaving the key in the ignition and still won't work each time. Next step is taking it to the dealer to see what they can do.

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM.. and I have unfortunately became a victim of the ignition lock cylinder/pass lock sensor problem that most GM car owners are experiencing... I have replaced my fuel pump and fuel filter 4 times over the last 16 months and now once again my car doesn't start.. I tried the whole "let the car sit ten minutes to reset" thing, but that only works so many times... I called several Pontiac dealerships and they have all said the same thing... the ignition lock cylinder would need to replaced.. which is about $178.99 and for labor I was quoted about $275.00 and that does included resetting the system... but after all that I think I will still continue to have the problem... oh well we will see.

I have had the same problem; the car was running great, then all of a sudden it does not start. Thankfully I found an honest person within a dealership that told me up front what the problem was before I invested tons of money into fuel pumps (which I too was thinking was the problem). I did have to have the sensors replaced in the security system. This cost is approximately $400 + including your diagnostic charge.

I have a 2001 Grand Am and had the code sensor cylinder replaced, and reprogrammed, well I was charged for it anyway and was given two new keys, but the old key I had at home will still start the car. Is this possible? Or was the key the only thing that was bad? The keys cost $20, and the total bill was $531 parts labor and reprogramming.

I have a 99 Grand Am. The security light stays on, my car starts up fine, but the light is always on. I'm trying to find a way to cut it off.