Security/no start problem on 02 chevy impala

Maintenance/Repairs
1

Dear CarTalk listeners,



I am a happy audience of Car Talk. Since last year, my 2002 impala started to experience the security/no start problem. Most times the car starts fine but sometimes the engine just doesn’t crank and the security light is flashing on the control panel. The no-start problem is so intermittent and every time (three times) the car was at dealership, they just cannot duplicate it.



I searched the internet and it appears this is a common problem on GM cars with Passlock system. It seems to me more like a design fault than a part problem. It is so weird that no people asked the question on Car Talk. Are they not listening to Car Talk?



I decided to take a look by myself and GM Technichal Service Bulleton points to the possible problem on BCM connectors. I can locate the BCM under the dash of driver side but somehow I cannot disconnect the BCM connector. Is there any special tool that is required to disconnect the connectors?



Any suggestions how to fix the problem by DIY?



Many thanks.



2

There may be a retainer tab on the connector that has to be pressed down in order to remove the connector.

3

I do see some container tab around the connector and the press-down just doesn’t work. Maybe I should try it again.

4

Finally I managed to take the BCM off. I noticed a lot of yellow dots on solder points on the BCM board (both in front and back). Please take a look at

http://mysite.verizon.net/hhlloregon/bcm01.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/hhlloregon/bcm02.jpg

Is it possible that the BCM is defective? Your inputs are greatly appreciated.