XU6 1999 BCM/ FOB Starting Problem

[charmaine rule]

Afternoon all.

Newbie to the forum.

Had a broken ignition cylinder, couldn't start the car, key would not turn. Phoned my local Holden dealer that have serviced the car since new(have had it since new). They said to get the car to them, they wouldn't come out. NRMA hotwired the car to get it to the dealership.

Dealer had the car for two days, put in new cylinder, but could not get the key to start the car without using the black fob, to immobilise the immobiliser (it has the HSV one in the glovebox.).

They were tasked with finding a solution!

A week went by and they called me back in with the red fob also, to see if they could reporgram the BCM for a new fob. They had the car for the day, but no go.

Anyone have any ideas. Holden are hopeless, they say its old technology, I should get a new car. It only has 290K on the car and does not have any other problems.

Is the place that fitted these HSV immobilisers in Melb still in existence, I am heading down to Melb in a weeks time. Maybe I could take it to them, if they still exist.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

Can you confirm that you didn't need to use the black key fob to turn off the immobiliser before the ignition barrel was replaced. That would indicate that you have the type 2 ISS described below:

There have been three different types of security systems fitted to HSV vehicles in addition to the standard Holden security.

1. Imbedded Security System (ISS) – Non passive: Fitted to VS Series 2 vehicles.
Has three barrel shaped keys (two black and one red) which can be plunged into the key pad in the centre console. The black barrel key needs to be plunged on every start up. The red barrel key is used to introduce replacement or additional black barrel keys to the ISS.

2. Imbedded Security System (ISS) – Passive: Fitted to VS Series 3 and VT Series 1 vehicles.
Has three barrel shaped keys (two black and one red) which can be plunged into the key pad in the glove box. This system does not require the black barrel key to be plunged on start up. The red key is used for introducing new ignition keys or additional black barrel keys to the ISS. If no red barrel keys are available to introduce new ignition keys then the black barrel key will need to be used every time the vehicle is started. If neither red nor black barrel keys are available the complete ISS system will need to be replaced. ISS red keys are not available separately as they are individually coded to their modules and can only be purchased as part of a complete ISS kit. Therefore if an owner needs a new ignition key but cannot provide the red barrel key the only option can be to remove and replace the ISS system. Dealers should try to ensure that when trading in or selling any of the above vehicles the ISS keys are passed on with the vehicle to save your customers and Service Departments inconvenience.

3. Embedded Security System (ESS) – Passive: Fitted to VT Series 2 to VZ vehicles.
Is a totally passive system requiring no owner input or extra keys. All diagnosis for ESS systems can be accessed on Holden SIP under HSV Models Section J Options and Accessories. When linking new keys to an old BCM or vice versa, a link enable procedure will be required. The link enable procedure is generated by Australian Arrow and their phone number is available at the end of the ESS diagnostic procedure in Holden SIP.

HSV EMBEDDED SECURITY SYSTEM

The HSV Embedded Security System (ESS) is a micro-processor controlled immobiliser which automatically interrupts four essential electrical circuits when in armed mode, preventing the vehicle from starting. The ESS stores important security codes and every time the vehicle is started it reads these codes. If any of these codes are different from the stored codes the ESS emits five beeps, enters armed mode, and prevents the vehicle from starting. If the ESS receives the correct codes it emits a single beep and allows the vehicle to start.

Operation of the ESS requires no extra input from the owner above the normal procedure of starting the vehicle. When ignition is switched off the module automatically enters armed mode. Disarming the system is achieved simply by inserting a correct key into the ignition barrel and turning it to the on position. Confirmation of the disarm is provided by a single beep. Conversely, if the vehicle enters armed mode when the ignition is turned on five beeps are emitted.

The ESS has been designed so that in the event of power loss to the system (flat battery or theft attempt) it will return to the same operating state when power is restored. For example, if the system is operating in armed mode when the power is interrupted, it will return to the armed condition when power is restored.

To further enhance vehicular security the module is placed in a difficult to access location and is embedded into the vehicles main wiring harness. All wiring to the module is the same colour and of the same wire gauge.

A Security Information Card is supplied with the vehicle which contains the ESS PIN. This PIN is required by the authorised service agent in the event of either a Body Control Module (BCM) replacement or if new keys need to be programmed to the vehicle. The service agent contacts Australian Arrow Pty Ltd quoting this PIN. They then get the PIN converted to a particular security code which corresponds to a sequence of vehicular functions. By performing this sequence, which is different for every vehicle, the vehicle can be fitted with a new BCM or have new keys programmed to it. There are approximately 60,000 different codes available.

The HSV ESS is an electronic immobiliser which derives its main power feed from the car battery. However, the current consumption when the ignition is turned off is zero so there will be no adverse effects to your car battery.

 

[charmaine rule]

I have never had to use the Black Fob before to start the car, now I have to use it everytime I start it. If I put the key in and turn it nothing but red lights and a series of beeps. Have to use the fob, and bing away it goes, very very annoying.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

Perhaps the Dealer didn't use the correct process. Follow the process shown in the attachment below under the heading "Introducing new (black) tags to the system". Turn the ignition off when the red led has illuminated for two seconds, and try and start the car as normal without using any tag. Note that the red tag is the "Master" referred to in the attachment.

If that works, then fine. If it doesn't, then go through the entire process a further four times to clear any rubbish out of the system. Then try and start the car as normal. Even if it has worked the first time, I suggest you go through the remaining four times.

If neither of the above works, then I am out of ideas and advice.