The 1996 Pontiac Firebird came equipped with a version of GM's passlock feature, which was designed to prevent the engine starting when the car is stolen. When you start the car the security light will begin flashing and the car will turn over but not start. This means the code coming from the key does not match the code your car remembers. Before heading to the dealer for a costly repair, try this simple code-relearn procedure to make sure the code in your key matches the code stored in the car.
Insert the key in the ignition and attempt to start the engine. If it does not start leave the key in the "On" position and wait 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes has finished the security light will stop flashing.
Turn off the ignition and wait 20 seconds. Turn the ignition back on and attempt to start the car. Depending on the ignition and whether it has previously been repaired or replaced, this may start the car. If it does not then continue to Step 3.
Repeat the process 3 times. This means you try to start, wait 10 minutes with the ignition on, turn the ignition off and wait 20 seconds, then attempt to start the car three times. When you try and start the car after the third waiting period it should start up. The codes have been relearned and the problem should not come back. If the car still will not start then you may need to bypass or replace the passlock system.
