Yet another no start...

[02gtp]

Hi all. Let me first say that I am new to the nation. Just purchased a used 2007 9-7x used with 111xxx miles on it in May. I moved put of a 95 Mitsu Montero into the Saab and the difference is magnificent. Now, the honeymoon is over and I'm starting to run into problems. It has a failing DOD lifter, I have replaced the front hub assemblies and to top it off, a week ago, I randomly got a no crank, no start condition. I stumbled across a video on YouTube by Mayo. He's a riot! But he at least pointed me in a direction to begin troubleshooting and I appreciate it. I have been scouring the interwebz searching for an end all solution to this problem. I think the Passlock/Passkey/VATS is the culprit but I don't have proper tools to troubleshoot and the truck will not start.
My question is this:
Is there anyone or shop in the Dallas Fort Worth area who knows how to fix this the first time? I would like to avoid the dealership if possible but if that's the recommended place, so be it. Thanks for taking the time to read my sob story.

 

[Mooseman]

I'm afraid that you may not have a choice to go to the dealer or find an independent shop that has a Tech 2 scanner to be able to properly diagnose stuff with the PassKey system.

 

[02gtp]

Thank you for the reply. I sent the truck to a repair facility but they are saying its the Passlock Module at fault. they are looking for $750+ for parts and programming and they are less than the dealership.

If I get a PCM tuned with VATS disabled, would that allow me to start and drive the truck?

 

[BlazingTrails]

Thank you for the reply. I sent the truck to a repair facility but they are saying its the Passlock Module at fault. they are looking for $750+ for parts and programming and they are less than the dealership.

If I get a PCM tuned with VATS disabled, would that allow me to start and drive the truck?

I'm am not sure about tuning out the VATS, you should give PCMofNC a call and ask about that.

Why don't you give this a try and see if it works? It might point you in the right direction.

 

[02gtp]

Thanks for the prompt response. Unfortunately my security light does not flash nor does it ever go into the relearn process. I have sat in this truck so long waiting for that darn light to go out one time that I fell asleep for about 20 minutes.

 

[Mooseman]

Is that with new or used parts? Used parts can be installed like new ones and reprogrammed, like any other module. Did he check the key cylinder/sensor?

 

[02gtp]

Is that with new or used parts? Used parts can be installed like new ones and reprogrammed, like any other module. Did he check the key cylinder/sensor?

These would be new parts ordered from the dealer. To be honest, I'm not sure what all was checked but I was asked how many keys I had to the truck.I only have the single key. He also told me he hired someone else who is familiar with scanning these trucks and has the proper scanner to come in. The "specialist" was unable to communicate with the passkey module. Surprisingly I was not charged for the failed diagnostic. I hate dealing with electrical gremlins.

 

[02gtp]

I sent a message to pcm for less askin plainly if getting a pcm tune with VATS disabled will allow the truck to start. Keith replied in the affirmative that it will so I will be ordering one tomorrow. I think I will get the DOD disabled, have the shifts firmed to stage 2, and get TM disabled while at it. Here's to hope!

 

[Mooseman]

Before going to PCMofNC, give Jeremy a shot at Lime-swap.com. He basically does the same and charges a lot less ($99) shipping included. I had one done for my 5.3 and it really woke up the beast!

 

[02gtp]

Thanks for that info! I will reach out to him tomorrow.

 

[02gtp]

Just wanted to give an update:

I reached out to Jeremy at Lime-Swap and decided to go that way to disable the VATS. Long story short, I shipped the ECU to him on Wednesday, he received it Thursday morning, made the requested changes and shipped it out Thursday, I received it today around noon, went home on my lunch break, popped it in, reconnected the battery and turned the key. Just that fast, I was back on the road. Jeremy was very helpful in responding to emails and made the process painless. Thanks everyone who chimed in and a special thanks to Mooseman and Jeremy.