Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight and 1996 Buick Park Avenue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

Vehicles are equipped with both the Personalized Automotive Security System (PASS-Key II(R)) and Universal Theft Deterrent (UTD) anti-theft system. PASS-Key II(R) is designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling engine unless an ignition key with a specific electrical resistance is used in ignition key lock cylinder. PASS-Key II(R) system operates using sensing contacts which are located in ignition key lock cylinder. These contact a key resistor pellet which is located on the ignition key. When lock is rotated, battery voltage is applied through appropriate fuse to PASS-Key II(R) decoder module. Pellet resistance is then compared with programmed value in module.

System components include ignition key, ignition key lock cylinder, PASS-Key II(R) decoder module, starter enable relay and Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The UTD option operates separately from PASS-Key II(R) system. UTD sounds horn and flashes headlights in the event of forced entry through doors or trunk. UTD system does not affect engine starting.