A write up would be a lifesaver! It seems this problem is fairly common with the Malibu's:
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrol...ht_is_on.shtml

 

Well I've been reading horror stories about the Passlock system. People have had the passlock sensor, ignition module, new keys made, and the PCM replaced only to have the problem resurface. I see that a couple sites sell a learning module to bypass the Passlock system and I have read good things about it in other forums. http://www.nopasslock.com/ The website is awfully shady looking though.

I also found this method of using resistors: http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74971
I think I am going to give this a try. I am a bit unsure about tearing apart the ignition though...

As common of a problem as this is I'm surprised no one else here has run into it.

 

Just an update, I used the method above and have not had any more Passlock security problems. Just measured the resistance of the passlock and soldered resistors in. Took about 3 hours to tear the dash apart, do the work, and put it back.

 

Great job!!! That could not have been easy to do, but don't have to worry about Passlock anymore.

 

i had the PassLock issue in my 02 monte and had the stealership replace it... and they did... with another faulty one! the replaced THAT ONE on their dime and about a month later my 02 rolled so i never got around to where the problem re-emerged. after that, i switched dealerships for my warranty oil changes and one of the supervisors told me i should have tried having a new key cut by my VIN... that that had fixed it for one of their mechanics who had a Monte with the same problem earlier. i am glad you were able to remedy the situation yourself, tho...

 

wow...missed this thread the first time around. I had no idea that was an issue. Thanks to Nocturnx andrysZ34 for amassing this info and posting it for us. Maybe we should pin this thread to the top of General Tech for Troubleshooting? What do you think?