I have a 2004 gmc canyon, purchased new in feb. 2004. It is equipped with the gm passkey ii system. This is intended to act as a theft deterrent by shutting down the flow of gas to the fuel injectors if someone attempts to start the vehicle with a key which does not properly register electronically with a starting module in the vehicle. The customers key has an embedded chip which sends an electronic signal to the starting module. If the signal received is misread the vehicle will not start. The problem is that after about 5-7 years the system starts to fail and does not properly read this electronic signal, thereby shutting down the flow of fuel to the fuel injectors. As a result, the consumer, using an original key, cannot start the vehicle without first resorting to a ten minute procedure to insert the key in the ignition, turn it to the accessory position and waiting until the module re-registers the key. Instead of acting as a theft deterrent, it acts as a consumer deterrent! An internet search, using the phrase "gm passkey ii problems" will turn up hundreds of disgruntled consumer complaints. This is an inherent design flaw in all gm vehicles produced since approximately 2000. Consumers report going to their gm dealerships and being charged $450-700 to replace either the starting module or the ignition switch, only to have the problem re-occur moths later. A private auto mechanic will refuse to work on the problem to by-pass the passkey ii system for fear of lawsuits by insurance companies if the vehicle is subsequently stolen. I spoke with a gm representative today after filing an internet complaint with gm. I was told gm would not do anything unless I first took my vehicle to a gm dealer for a diagnostic check (at my expense) since the vehicles warranty has expired. In light of the nationwide magnitude of this problem, and the impotency of the consumer (other than boycotting gm products in the future), I feel a nationwide recall of all gm vehicle.
2004 GMC Canyon electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 13 of 13, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Climate control fan only works in position 4. Took vehicle to dealership. They said it was a resistor on circuit board. They swapped it out. Less than six months later same thing. Took it in and didn't have them replace it. They did however disconnect connector to motor, it was burnt and slightly melted. Why are they not investigating this. I assume that the condensing camber doesn't drain properly, thus impinging on squirrel cage blower, thus higher starter amps required and that is how you overcurrent this connector and resistor.
Rear turn signal lights, brake lamps and head lamps experience permanent loss. Sometimes when the vehicle becomes wet the cruise control stops functioning, the power door locks stop working, the power windows stop working, and the power rear view mirrors stop working. Also there is periodic non-functioning of the remote key entry. As of 11/10/2006 the rear tail lights have been replaced twice and one head lamp at owners expense. Currently a third brake light requires replacement. On nov. 10, 2006 I took the truck in for repair an mentioned the recall on this particular problem. The dealership said that gm has not issued a recall and that the owner would have to pay for the repairs. I am aware of the "the federal safety agency campaign number 06v‑139" and gm's april 26, 2006 response to mr. Daniel c. Smith, associate administrator for enforcement, the federal safety agency. Although the recall references only the brake lamps and possibility of cruise control failure, I believe the problem is further exasperated with the other afore mentioned electrical problems. Consequences present themselves in the form of distractions to the driver when trying to drive and make adjustments to the following electrical componets when they fail to function: door mounted rear view mirrors, lowering of windows in order to pay for highway tolls, rear brake lights and turn signal lights fail, and reduced head lamp failures.
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