CAL Automotive Locksmith Ignition System Repair & Replacement 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a vehicle with a PassLock system, the ignition lock cylinder is replaced but the engine cranks without starting. What is the next required step?
- Replace the BCM
- Perform a PassLock relearn procedure (Correct answer)
- Replace the transponder antenna
- Reprogram all door locks
Correct answer: Perform a PassLock relearn procedure
PassLock uses a resistance sensor in the lock cylinder; a new cylinder requires a relearn (typically a 10-minute learn cycle) so the BCM accepts the new sensor's value.
Question 2: A locksmith is asked to rekey an ignition to match door locks on a vehicle where the ignition uses a sidebar-style lock. What additional step is required compared to a standard pin tumbler?
- Sidebar must be shimmed before rekeying
- Sidebar wafers must also be reconfigured to match the new bitting (Correct answer)
- The sidebar prevents rekeying entirely
- A new sidebar must be ordered from the manufacturer
Correct answer: Sidebar wafers must also be reconfigured to match the new bitting
Sidebar locks have a secondary set of sidebar wafers that must be reconfigured alongside the main pins/discs to allow the sidebar to retract and the cylinder to turn.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'ignition cylinder indexing'?
- Programming the cylinder's chip to the ECM
- Aligning the cylinder's cam or drive tab to match the ignition switch drive (Correct answer)
- Setting ignition timing via the distributor
- Encoding the key cut depth to the key code database
Correct answer: Aligning the cylinder's cam or drive tab to match the ignition switch drive
Indexing ensures the cylinder's output cam or tang is correctly oriented so it properly engages and operates the ignition switch during installation.
Question 4: A customer's vehicle shows a 'No Start' condition with no crank. The key turns freely with no resistance. What ignition component has likely failed?
- Ignition coil pack
- Ignition electrical switch not engaging START circuit (Correct answer)
- Camshaft position sensor
- Fuel pump relay
Correct answer: Ignition electrical switch not engaging START circuit
If the key turns freely without the expected resistance of moving a working electrical switch, the switch mechanism has failed and is not completing the starter circuit.
Question 5: When drilling out a damaged ignition lock cylinder, at what component must the locksmith stop drilling to avoid further damage?
- The retainer clip
- The shear line between the plug and housing
- The ignition electrical switch assembly (Correct answer)
- The steering column shaft
Correct answer: The ignition electrical switch assembly
Drilling must be stopped at the back of the lock housing to avoid destroying the ignition electrical switch assembly, which would require additional replacement.
Question 6: Which statement about GM's VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) ignition keys is correct?
- VATS keys contain a transponder chip that must be programmed
- VATS keys use a resistor pellet embedded in the key blade (Correct answer)
- VATS keys are interchangeable between all GM vehicles of the same year
- VATS decoding requires an OBD-II scanner
Correct answer: VATS keys use a resistor pellet embedded in the key blade
VATS (also called PASSKey) uses a resistor pellet in the key blade; the BCM reads the resistance value and allows starting only if it matches the stored value.
Question 7: A locksmith is replacing an ignition lock cylinder and must retain the original key. This technique is called?
- Key duplication on site
- Originating to existing key (Correct answer)
- Key code sourcing
- Cylinder re-pinning to code
Correct answer: Originating to existing key
Originating (or keying) a new cylinder to the existing key means rekeying the replacement so it works with the customer's current key without cutting a new one.
CAL Automotive Locksmith Ignition System Repair & Replacement 3
On a vehicle with a PassLock system, the ignition lock cylinder is replaced but the engine cranks without starting.
What is the next required step?