Pontiac Repair: 1996 Pontiac Grand Am Control Module, theft deterrent system, grand am gt

Question
Todd:  I have a 96 Grand Am GT 2.4 liter, engine starts but ignition misfires, and eventually stalls, tach. and speedometer do not register.  I think it is the engine control module. No trouble codes on the computer.  Have been told that module is part of theft deterrent system.  How do you replace the module and get it programmed to work with the Theft deterrent system?

Thanks Jim

Answer
Hey Jim:

When this starts and dies does the security lamp come on on the dash? If id doesn't it's more than likely not a security issue. If the light comes on stays on or it's flashing then yes it's a security system problem. If this is the case then let me ask you does the car have an after market remote starter on the car? if so then that's the issue not the car it's self. If no remote starter then 9 times out of 10 it's the ignition lock cylinder housing. there are 2 sensors in the housing and send a go no go signal to the dash cluster which intern sends a fuel enable signal to the powertrain computer. It seems a bit confusing I'm sure but that is usually what happens. This is a dealer only part as well. Most of the time it will set a code in the module of a p1629 or other 1600 series dtc's. It will set trouble codes in the instrument cluster module too.It could be other issues to fuel pump, crank sensor,ignition module the possibilities are endless. With out seeing it I can't really tell you what the issue is. Sorry I can't pin it down much more with out more details.