So I bought a BCM from the last gen Firebird and I look forward to installing it when it arrives, but I also wanted to install a passkey ignition switch.

This article: http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/vats.html mentions that one from an 89 Camero will fit without having to modify anything.

Has anyone tried this? Also, is there anyway for me to tell which resistor I would need by just looking at the information on the BCM:



The BCM is used, so it will be looking for a specific resistor.

I wrote both articles on the F-body BCM installation and also the VATS page you mention.

@Resistor value: Unfortunately no, the BCM is the same for all resistors. In fact, if you buy a replacement BCM it is unprogrammed and "learns" the proper resistor value on first key-on.
GM didn't want to make breaking into the Passkey code too easy. ;-)

Regarding the Camaro lock housing: the information came from Rick at "Columns Galore", who at the time also offered the parts. I never got the part myself. With all the shipping cost of the part to Germany (and not having a BCM at the time), it was just too expensive/risky for me at the time. If you found an 89 Camaro in a junkyard, with the right tools it'd be a matter of minutes to pull that part. If you find the definitive answer to the question if the column housing and lock cylinder fit the Fiero column, I'd appreciate the feedback!

Thanks a bunch for both of those pages.

I don't mind being the first to try out the 89 camero lock housing. My biggest concern at this point is discovering the right resistor for the used BCM.

I know people that would let me borrow 1 of each of the VATS keys, but not cut them. So without them being cut, I don't know how I would go about testing. Or would I be better off splicing in resistors until I find the right one and match that up to the key "number" that I need?

Of course, my favorite option would be to somehow reset the BCM. I've looked into the "reprogramming" process, but it looks like it could be a waste of 30 mins:

The next section applies only to those vehicles that use a BCM.

For those vehicles that use a BCM, the BCM can learn the resistance value of the existing key by using the relearn process. In order for the vehicle to start, the BCM (as well as the Passkey module in other vehicles) must identify the resistor pellet in the key, then the BCM sends a password to the PCM. If this password matches the password stored in the PCM, the system enables fuel delivery. So you can see that if either the BCM or PCM are replaced, a relearn procedure is necessary. This same relearn procedure can be used if an ignition key with a different resistance value is used to replace the existing key. Before beginning the relearn, make sure there is a fully charged battery in the vehicle, and both the BCM and PCM are properly powered up and in communication with each other. Now you’re ready to initiate the relearn procedure.

1. First, insert the ignition key and turn the ignition switch to the “On” position (Do not start the engine). Leave the switch on for 11 minutes. The security light may flash or be on steady during this 11 minute period. Make sure the light is no longer on or flashing before proceeding to #2 .
2. Turn the ignition switch off for 30 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “On” position (as in step #1) for 11 minutes again.
4. Turn the ignition switch off for another 30 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “On” position for 11 minutes a third time.
6. Turn the ignition switch off for 30 seconds one final time.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the “On” position one final time and wait 30 seconds.
8. Attempt to start the engine. If the engine starts and runs normally, the relearn is complete. If the engine does not start, check for trouble codes and address them before attempting the relearn procedure again.

If this works, then I think I could grab a key with any resistor pellet in it. Then if it doesn't, I've wasted money on an expensive key. =(

I hate the passkey thing. When I got a new steering column in the Z, I took the old ignition switch, zip tied the key into it, zip tied them both under the dash never to bother me again. I just use the key in the new column to unlock and start the car.

I have done this once before. What I did was insert a pot into the passkey harness (there is a plug near the steering column - probably there for testing purposes). In any event, I adjusted the pot the the first key resistor reading, inserted it into the harness, tried to start. If it started then that is value of the resistor to use, if not I just adjusted to pot to read the next resistor reading and repeated.

Note: at the time the original key switch was still in the column so it was easy to start the car and the resistor was just connected up to the passkey module 'resistor' input.

IIRC there are only 15 different resistor values and I do believe that I found a post in here as to what those values were (I am sure they are posted on the net someplace anyways). I *might* still have the info at home as to what they were, but that was about 10 years ago that I did this so it may be tough to find in the garage.

edit: found the values from one of my old posts.

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: The values for the resistors are (note: Passkey1 systems only, which the 92 should be): 392, 523, 681, 887, 1130, 1470, 1870, 2370, 3010, 3740, 4750, 6040, 7500, 9530, 11800 ohms.

[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 10-01-2012).]

You don't have to use of the BCM to use passkey. Older cars use a passkey module that drives ECM. I'm told Replacement modules will learn the key plug on first start up.

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quote Originally posted by fieroluke: Regarding the Camaro lock housing... if you found an 89 Camaro in a junkyard, with the right tools it'd be a matter of minutes to pull that part. If you find the definitive answer to the question if the column housing and lock cylinder fit the Fiero column, I'd appreciate the feedback!

I installed a '92 TPI engine from an IROC in my 308 kit back in '93. I bought a new VATS module and key cylinder, and the cylinder fit in the Fiero column with only minor adjustments. It does stick out of the column about 1/8" more than the Fiero cylinder but it's not really noticeable. I can take and post a photo later if you'd like. IIRC, the new VATS module learned the pellet resistor value on first use. With a used one, if you don't get it right on the first three attempts, it shuts down the VATS module for something like 30 minutes before you can try another three resistors until you get it right.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: With a used one, if you don't get it right on the first three attempts, it shuts down the VATS module for something like 30 minutes before you can try another three resistors until you get it right.

Heard that too, but never had that happen to me when I was dicking around with the one I was working on - I seem to recall that it was on the 5th try that I found the right value, however your mileage may vary with mine.