Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Code 46, Pass-Key Diagnosis
PASS-Key is a sophisticated system that interfaces PCM and starter with a power source, decoder module, starter enable relay, ignition switch and instrument cluster. Check system for following common problems:
- Ensure ignition key resistor pellet is not cracked, dirty or coated. Ensure excess plastic does not exist around pellet contacts.
- Check ignition key pellet sensing contacts in ignition lock cylinder. Look into cylinder lock. If contacts are damaged or are not Silver in color, replace cylinder lock.
- Check related fuses.
- Check security indicator bulb in the instrument panel.
A defective resistor pellet within ignition key or incorrect resistance value of key (15 different assigned values) will prevent vehicle from starting. Key must be correct electrically and mechanically. If incorrect key is used to try to start vehicle, decoder will not allow vehicle to start for 2-4 minutes, even after correct key is inserted.
If starter enable relay must be replaced, check circuit to starter solenoid for possible short. A short may have caused relay to fail.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.