1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 65

PASS-Key' I1 Your vehicle is equipped 1 with the PASS-Key 1 (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key I1 is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert os remove the key from the ignition. When thePASS-Key I1 system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter and fuel systems.For about three minutes, starter the won't work and fuel won'tgo to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle againor uses another key during this time, the vehicle willnot start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match. The ignitionkey must be clean and dry before it's inserted in the ignitio'nor the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light stays on when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or wet, Turn the ignitionoff. PASS-Key I1 uses a resistor pelletin the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. 2-16