Pontiac Repair: 99 trans am will crank, clutch pedal, cylinder test

Question
QUESTION: Todd,
 I am working through the chart, but I can't seem to locate B+.  There are 4 pins coming off the relay, is it one of these?  Boy, I really dislike computers..
thanks
steve

ANSWER: B+ is battery positive. Connect the test light aligator clip to the (+) side of the battery and what ever pin it's asking for the relay.

Attached is the chart you were looking for.

Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) System Check
Step
Action
Normal Results
Abnormal Results

1
    •  Observe the SECURITY indicator.

   •  Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

   •  For automatic transmissions, shift the transmission into the PARK position.

   •  For manual transmissions, depress the clutch pedal in order to close the clutch start switch.

   •  Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

   •  Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
    •  The SECURITY indicator illuminates for approximately 5 seconds, then turns OFF.

   •  The engine starts.

   •  The engine stops.
    •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Does Not Crank  

   •  SECURITY Indicator On, Engine Starts  

   •  The SECURITY indicator illuminates and stays on. The engine does not crank. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Test .

2
Disconnect the key lock cylinder connector at the base of the steering column.
Connect the male and the female parts to the mating connectors on the pigtails from the J 35628 interrogator or equivalent.
Insert the ignition key into the key code reader on the J 35628 interrogator.
Press the On-Off rocker switch to the ON position.
A number from 1-15 will appear on the display of the interrogator. This indicates the electrical code of the key. The letter E indicates an error.
Set the key code selector on the J 35628 interrogator to a code which is different from the code read on the key code reader display.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position.
The vehicle does not crank. The SECURITY indicator is illuminated.
    •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Does Not Crank  

   •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Cranks  

   •  SECURITY Indicator On, Engine Starts  

3
Complete the following steps within the 3 minute Tamper Mode time out:

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Disconnect and remove the J 35628 interrogator.
Reconnect the connectors at the base of the steering column.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position.
The vehicle does not crank. The SECURITY indicator is illuminated.
    •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Does Not Crank  

   •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Cranks  

   •  SECURITY Indicator On, Engine Starts  

4
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Wait 3-4 minutes.
Observe the SECURITY indicator.
When the indicator is OFF, use the customer's key in order to turn the ignition switch to the START position.
The SECURITY indicator tuns off.
The engine starts.
    •  SECURITY Indicator Off, Engine Does Not Crank  

   •  SECURITY Indicator On, Engine Starts  

Again it's confusing because it doesn't print it out in the chart form. Sorry:( If this is confusing you this is REALLY something that you should let a technician look at either a good shop that has talented technicians "which is hard to find" or the dealer and even then it's hit or miss.....

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for all your help, I know alot more about these systems now than I did before.  We overlooked the easiest fix of all... Bad starter relay.  I feel somewhat dumber now, but at least it starts.  Know anyone who wants a 99 trans am convertible with an ls1-6 speed and a 4.10 gear?
Thanks again for your help.
steve

Answer
Your welcome!

That's why about 3 replies ago to you I asked you to check to see if you were getting power down at the starter that way you could have traced it backwards into the car instead of from in the car out to the starter. Glad you found the problem! Once again thanks for using allexperts.

Todd