Replacing locks / ignition

[alero_ecotec]

So, In all my good luck, I had someone break in last night and steal my spare set of keys. So, some random person has my house keys and the key/fob to my Alero. The house locks have already been changed, so now my focus is on the car.

I called the dealership, they want $800 for parts and labor. That's not happening.

I'm hoping that I can go to a junkyard and get the door/trunk/ignition locks and keys and do this myself. Anyone have any experience with this? Or know anywhere I could find a how-to on a malibu or grand-am or something? I know replacing the ignition is going to be a PITA since it's in the dash, but it has to be done.

[Beholder88]

Well, getting a cylinder from the junk yard and installing it won't be the hard part. It's programming the computer to the new keys and remote. Since our cars use passlock, the key has to match what the computer has stored in it. You would have to bypass the security in order for it to work.

[CactusWill]

Yeah, either that or take the bcm and pcm from the junk car too, so that the ignition cylinder and switch already match the computer.

[alero_ecotec]

So it looks like there is no easy way to re-program the computer for the new keys?

[CactusWill]

Nope, thats why the dealer wants $800 to do the job.



You replaced your house keys, that was important.... But as for the car, if you have full coverage auto insurance then I'd just install a good kill switch and be done with it.

[Beholder88]

Yeah, either that or take the bcm and pcm from the junk car too, so that the ignition cylinder and switch already match the computer.

There's still a problem here. The PCM would still have to be programmed with his VIN #. Unless you have a garage that will do your inspections without looking at it. You could just send your PCM off to DHP and get it re-programmed.

[CactusWill]

That is assuming that his state requires inspections. Most states don't.

[alero_ecotec]

You replaced your house keys, that was important.... But as for the car, if you have full coverage auto insurance then I'd just install a good kill switch and be done with it.


I actually thought about that already. I'm living at home right now, but I'm leaving to start my Masters Degree in June, so I'll be in an entirely different city, and therefore only have to worry about my car these next couple months when I'm home.


Anyone know the best way to install a kill switch?
My initial idea was to splice the switch into the ignition wires, but is that going to mess with the computer too? I guess there is always the fuel pump.

[CactusWill]

Yeah don't mess with the ignition wires.


If its only going to be a couple months, you could always just pull out the ignition maxi fuse at nighttime, or the fuel pump relay or fuse, or the starter fuse, etc etc, you get the idea. It may be an extra minute of hassle every day, but its free and your car is back to stock every time you put the missing piece back in place.

[Cliff8928]

Well, getting a cylinder from the junk yard and installing it won't be the hard part. It's programming the computer to the new keys and remote. Since our cars use passlock, the key has to match what the computer has stored in it. You would have to bypass the security in order for it to work.

So it looks like there is no easy way to re-program the computer for the new keys?

OK, first off the keys do not have anything to do with the PCM/BCM or anything like that. The cylinder is what does all of that, not the keys themselves. When you replace the cylinder, you would just have to leave the key in the RUN position for 10 minutes or until the THEFT light goes out? The procedure is on here a million times. Then the new value for your cylinder will be stored and everything will work just fine.

[Beholder88]

Noted, thanks for the clarification. I've never personally run into this problem.

[alero_ecotec]

Eh, I just decided to bite the bullet and bought.....the club. It ain't pretty, but it works in the temporary. Thanks guys.

[jayson_waltz]

yea our keys aren't chipped so they don't need to be programmed and the pcm doesn't need a diff vin or anyhting either. go to the junkyard and get a set of locks, cylinder, and keys and just put them in