GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 472948  Size: MF
Body Control Module Components
Body Control System Schematics
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Inserting the PASS-Key® (with resistor pellet) in the ignition lock cylinder completes the PASS-Key® circuit. Contacts in the ignition lock cylinder mate with the pellet contacts. The BCM compares the resistance value of the key pellet to the valid resistance programmed into the BCM. If the proper resistance value is read, the BCM allows the following functions to occur:

    • The theft deterrent relay to energize.
    • The steering column to unlock.
    • The BCM sends a message through the serial data line to the PCM to allow fuel enable processing to occur.

If the resistance value is incorrect, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The resistance level sampled at the BCMs PASS-Key® input circuit is one of fourteen valid but incorrect resistance ranges, signaling an invalid PASS-Key® detection.
    • This condition must be present for 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC B2721 in the BCM memory.
    • Sends a message to the IPC to display the SECURITY indicator.
    • The BCM will disable the theft deterrent relay.
    • The PCM will not allow fuel enable processing to occur.
    • Disables sampling of the PASS-Key® resistance for a time-out period of 3 minutes.
    • Does not disarm an armed UTD system.
    • The steering column remains in the locked position.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • This DTC requires an ignition cycle in order to change from current to history.
    • The BCM detects a valid PASS-Key® resistance value on the PASS-Key® input circuit (CKT 1073).
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clearing DTCs feature.
    • Use a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
       - There is an intermittent open or short to ground on CKT 1073 or CKT 1074.
       - There are poor connections at the BCM or the ignition switch connector.
       - The PASS-Key® is incorrect.
       - The ignition lock cylinder key contacts or the PASS-Key® resistor is dirty or loose.
    • If the key resistor pellet is incorrect, there will be no BCM outputs to the theft deterrent relay or to the PCM. This state will last about 3 minutes. If a key is inserted, or the ignition is turned ON again before the 3 minute time frame is complete, the timer will reset to 3 minutes. Disconnecting the battery will not clear the timer sequence, but the timer will reset to 3 minutes when the battery power is restored. Even if a proper key is inserted during one of the time periods, the vehicle will not start until the total time period has lapsed.
    • While very unlikely, it is possible that extremely hot or cold ambient conditions may cause a DTC B2721 to set. To eliminate this possibility, perform the tests when the vehicle and the key are at room temperature. Clean the key resistor contacts of any foreign material. The foreign material could interfere with the key detection circuit and set a DTC.
    • Check for poor connections at the BCM and at the ignition lock cylinder. A poor connection could cause an open, an incorrect PASS-Key® resistance, or an intermittent malfunction.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests while moving the related wiring, the connectors, and the key. This can often cause the malfunction to appear. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step checks to see if both ignition keys supplied with the vehicle are within the allowable range.

  2. This step checks to see if an ignition lock cylinder was recently replaced. If replaced, the new PASS-Key® must be the of the same resistance value as the original PASS-Key®. If the original PASS-Key® resistance value is not available, then the PASS-Key® system may be reprogrammed. Refer to PASS-Key Programming in Theft Deterrent.

  3. This steps checks to see if other PASS-Key® DTCs are stored; the conditions that set these DTCs could cause a DTC B2721 to set.

  4. This step uses the ignition lock cylinder test in order to determine if the ignition lock cylinder is functioning properly.

  5. This step determines if the BCM output voltage circuit and internal ground are good.

  6. This step checks for an intermittent malfunction and requests a thorough inspection of any related PASS-Key® circuit wiring and connections.

DTC B2721 -- PASS-Key® Detection Circuit Out of Range

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Were you sent here from the BCM Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

2

Try each of the keys provided with the vehicle in the ignition lock cylinder, waiting 3 minutes between each in order to allow the PASS-Key® timer sequence to reset.

Does one of the keys work?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

3

Was the ignition lock cylinder recently replaced?

--

Go to PASS-Key Programming

Go to Step 4

4

Using a scan tool, check for PASS-Key® DTCs B2722, B2723, or B2735.

Are any of these DTCs stored in the BCM memory?

--

Go to Applicable DTC Table

Go to Step 5

5

Perform the lock cylinder test using the J 35628-A interrogator. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Test .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the ignition lock cylinder connector C3.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. At the BCM side of the ignition lock cylinder connector C3, measure the voltage between terminals A and B.

Is the voltage reading within specifications?

Approx. 5.0 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Reconnect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Clear any DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs .
  5. Wait 5 seconds and check for DTCs.

Does DTC B2721 set as current?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

8

Replace the malfunctioning ignition key.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

9

Check for an open or short (to ground or voltage) in CKT 1073 or CKT 1074.

Was a problem found and repaired?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

  1. Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement .
  2. Program the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Reconnect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Clear any DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

--