1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 72

PASS-Key@I1 Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key II (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key I1 is a passive theft-deterrent system.It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition. The ignition key must clean anddry before it's be inserted in the ignition or engine may not start. If the the engine does not start andthe SECURITY light stayson when youtry to start the vehicle, key may be dirty or the wet. Turn the ignitionoff. Clean anddry the key. Wait about three minutesand try again. If the starterstill won't work, and the key appears to be clean anddry, wait about three minutes andtry another ignitionkey. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see "Fuses and Circuit Breakers'' the in Index). If the starter won't work with the other your key, vehicle needs service. your vehicle does start, first If the ignition key may faulty. See your dealer or be a PASS-Key I1uses a resistor pelletin the ignition key locksmith who can service PASS-Key 1 . the 1 that matches a decoder in your vehicle. If you accidentally use key that has a damaged a or When the PASS-KeyI1 system senses that someone is missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter SECURITY light will flash. But you don't have to wait and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter three minutes before trying another ignition key. won't workand fuel won't go to the engine. someone If See your dealer or locksmith who can service the a tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key PASS-Key I1 to have a new key made. will during this time, the vehicle not start. This discourages someonefrom randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match. 2-17