Chart F: PASS-Key II System Intermittents

DIAGNOSING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTS:
The most likely causes of PASS-Key II system intermittent no start-no crank complaints are either incorrect resistance measurements or an intermittent starter enable relay.

Incorrect resistance measurement checks:
^ If condition is present with only one key and not others, clean or replace faulty key.

^ If condition is present with all keys, it is likely that ignition key lock cylinder is dirty/defective or there is a fault in the key resistance circuit wiring, connections, or contacts.

^ A method for checking the key resistance circuit with an ohmmeter is as follows:

1. Measure resistance across key contact while removed from vehicle.

2. Disconnect PASS-Key II decoder module, insert key in ignition switch, measure resistance across decoder module connector terminals B8 and B7. Manipulate wire harness while performing this test. Resistance should be within 10 ohms of key resistance measured when it was removed from vehicle. If resistance is not within 10 ohms, determine if resistance difference is in wiring, wiring connections, dirty key/lock cylinder contacts, or a defective lock cylinder.

3. Rotate key through all positions and monitor for a resistance change. A change over 10 ohms indicates a problem with the ignition key lock cylinder or key contacts.

Intermittent starter enable relay checks:
^ If SECURITY indicator comes on for 2 seconds and then goes off, starter enable relay is most likely the problem. Check connections to starter enable relay; if OK, install a new starter enable relay.

^ If SECURITY indicator remains on past the 2 second bulb check when vehicle does not crank, starter enable relay is not the problem.

^ If symptom is "have to turn key to crank position several times successively before engine cranks", an intermittent starter enable relay is the problem. Check connections to starter enable relay: if OK, install a new starter enable relay.

^ If vehicle can be started immediately after fault, starter enable relay is not the problem.

Start vehicle and check for intermittent wiring connections by moving associated PASS-Key II system wiring harnesses:
^ This sets a PCM Pass-Key II fault (DTC E58) if problem is detected in fuel enable circuit.

^ Check PCM for PASS-Key II history fault code. if a PASS-Key II history code is present, check for intermittent wiring or contacts in fuel enable circuit.

^ Check power and ground wiring to PASS-Key II decoder module while manipulating harness.

^ The SECURITY indicator illuminates and remains on while a problem is detected in key resistance circuits and turns off if the fault goes away.

^ The SECURITY indicator illuminates for a 2 second bulb check if ground or battery wiring inputs are intermittent. A loss of battery input is not a possibility since internally the PASS-Key II decoder module uses the ignition input for power if battery is lost.

Some other areas to check include the following:
^ Inspect PASS-Key II decoder module harness connector at base of steering column, wiring and terminals for tightness/damage or corrosion and positive lock mechanism. Inspect PASS-Key II decoder module connector for bent pins.

^ Inspect starter enable relay for proper lock mechanism and connections.

^ Lightly tapping PASS-Key II decoder module determines if module is intermittent. Data indicates that problem for an intermittent is typically not the PASS-Key II decoder module.

^ Thermal cycle starter enable relay and PASS-Key II decoder module. Reinstall in vehicle to induce a possible heat related fault.