Pontiac Repair: 96 sunfire theft system, pontiac dealers, wireing harness

Question
QUESTION: hi my daughters car has intermittent starting problems with the pass lock activating. I'm usually able to relearn and get it going but it is acting up more often

the mechanic said to replace the instrument cluster can i use a used part does it need programmed from the dealer i have reviewed the procedure to remove and install a new one but i can't find any information on programing or resetting it to work with my specific car thanks for any suggestions or help

ANSWER: Hi steve:

No no programming is needed for that other thne the same way you have been able to get the car running right now with the 10 minute learn proceedure... BUT, It's rare that the cluster causes this issue, Usually it's the ignition lock cylinder housing that goes bad. It depends on what codes set as to what the issue here is.. It's ususaly 90 % lock housing and 5% cluster and throw in a few cars here and there with bad ground wire connections or cars that had a remote starter wired in to the car and the intsall was not up to par causing a no start.. Good luck :)


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QUESTION: hi again
well i changed the cluster as per Pontiac dealers suggestion and did the relearn 10 min. the theft light quits flashing still no start. it starts for about a second then dies out !! I'm trying to keep the cost down motor runs good when it started. i can put a used column in for about 100 dollars with key and all. my questions are is there any computer issues or programming with doing this and it looks straight forward about 4 bolts a connector and wireing. do you have any suggestion or tips  the reason i am considering the whole column is because the multi switch right turn signal works only if you hold it up and horn does not work so there might be a short or something. I'm hopeing that a new cluster and used complete column will either fix it or eliminate everything down to the wireing harness thanks again for you help

Answer
where did you get the cluster from? is it a remanufactured one? or is it out of another car? if it's a reman one that theft system has to be enabled in the cluster in order for it to work. I didn't think that was the root cause of this issue. I think it's a lock cylinder housing... If you can get one for $100.00 then go for it just make sure it's out of the same year car. and then do the 10 minute learn and it should go that is if the ignition lock housing is good in the used column you get.