How to Disable the Passlock on Vehicles
by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017The Passlock system on a Vehicles is the anti-theft system. The Passlock system uses a recognition transponder in the ignition tumbler and a computer chip in the ignition key. If you use any key besides the one programmed to the Vehicles to start the car, it will go into theft mode and disable the ignition system. While you cannot remove the Passlock system, you can disable it by tricking it into thinking the Vehicles had a malfunction.
Under The Hood:
- How to Disable the Passlock on an Envoy
- How to Disable the Passlock on a Chevy Malibu
- How to Disable the Passlock on a 2000 Pontiac
How to Disable the Passlock on an Envoy
Insert the key in the ignition, and turn it to the "on" position. This causes the anti-theft light to blink on and off. Leave the key in the ignition for 10 minutes.
Turn the key to the "off" position -- and leave it there for 20 seconds -- after the anti-theft light stops blinking. This disables the Passlock system; it is ready to "relearn" your key.
Remove the key. Put the key back in the ignition, and start the vehicle.
Items you will need
Ignition key
How to Disable the Passlock on a Chevy Malibu
Disconnect the vehicle's battery. Use a small screwdriver to gently pry off the bezel surrounding the ignition key lock.
Remove the radio as far as possible by disconnecting three screws from its face. Do not disconnect any wires. Removing the radio allows you to see the ignition key area.
Look inside the ignition key area; locate the wires that operate the Passlock system. The wires are in a group of three that connect to the side of the ignition lock. One wire is black, one white and one yellow.
Cut the yellow wire in the middle. Install a new toggle switch in the wire series, using the yellow wire. When installing the toggle switch, use about 14 inches of wire. This allows switch mounting in the hidden but accessible location behind the ashtray.
Turn the switch to the "ON" setting. Reassemble the radio and key lock bezel.
Turn on the car and let the vehicle idle. Turn the toggle switch to the "OFF" position. This disables the Malibu's Passlock system.
Items you will need
Flathead screwdriver
Toggle Switch
How to Disable the Passlock on a 2000 Pontiac
Pry the ignition cylinder trim ring off the dashboard using the trim tool. Pry the bezel around the stereo off the dashboard with the trim tool.
Unbolt the stereo from the center of the dashboard using a socket set. Remove the stereo from the dashboard by hand. Disconnect the stereo wiring harness and antenna wire from the back of the stereo by hand.
Unbolt the ignition tumbler from the dash using a socket set. Push the tumbler into the dash and then pull it over into the hole left by the removal of the radio.
Turn the ignition tumbler onto its side to access the Passlock wiring that enters the side of the tumbler. There are two wiring connectors together on the bottom of the tumbler and one on the side; the Passlock is the one on the side.
Peel back the insulating tape on the Passlock wiring by hand to expose the wires.
Insert the ignition key into the ignition tumbler and start the Pontiac. Isolate the yellow Passlock wire by hand and cut it in half with the wire cutters. Tape off each end of the freshly cut yellow wire with electrical tape.
Reassemble the Pontiac's dashboard in reverse of how you disassembled it.
Items you will need
Trim tool
Socket set
Ignition key
Wire cutters
Electrical tape