Known Issues/P1626/Pontiac

P1626 on Pontiac

Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Lost

Critical1 Pontiac model affected$250-$550 typical repairSystem: Electrical
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P1626 on Pontiac vehicles indicates theft deterrent fuel enable signal lost. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Pontiac model — most commonly on Grand Am. This is a manufacturer-specific (commonly GM) anti-theft code indicating that the fuel-enable signal from the theft-deterrent system was lost or not received by the engine control module. As a security measure, the immobilizer or body control module must send a valid signal authorizing the ECM to deliver fuel; without it, the ECM disables fueling so a stolen vehicle cannot be driven. The result is usually an engine that cranks but will not start, often with a security light on. It generally points to a security-system communication or authentication problem rather than a fuel or engine mechanical fault. Typical repair costs on Pontiac range from $250 to $550, depending on the specific model and root cause.

Common Causes of P1626

  • •Communication fault between the body control module and ECM
  • •Faulty or unrecognized key/transponder or immobilizer issue
  • •Damaged wiring or connectors in the theft-deterrent circuit
  • •Faulty body control module (BCM)
  • •Faulty or improperly programmed engine control module
  • •Loss of power or ground to a security-system module
  • •Modules not properly relearned after a battery or part replacement

P1626 on Pontiac by Model

Pontiac Grand Am(1 issue)

  • Passlock Anti-Theft System False Activation Causing No-Start1999-2005

    The Passlock theft-deterrent sensor built into the ignition lock cylinder wears and sends an unstable resistance signal to the body control module, which then interprets a legitimate key as a theft attempt. The system disables the fuel injectors, leaving the car cranking but not starting with the SECURITY light flashing, and the failure typically recurs and worsens until owners are stranded repeatedly. This is one of the most widely documented complaints on the 1999-2005 Grand Am, with a 23+ page Edmunds thread and a RepairPal-confirmed pattern failure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does P1626 mean on Pontiac?▼

P1626 stands for "Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Lost." This is a manufacturer-specific (commonly GM) anti-theft code indicating that the fuel-enable signal from the theft-deterrent system was lost or not received by the engine control module. As a security measure, the immobilizer or body control module must send a valid signal authorizing the ECM to deliver fuel; without it, the ECM disables fueling so a stolen vehicle cannot be driven. The result is usually an engine that cranks but will not start, often with a security light on. It generally points to a security-system communication or authentication problem rather than a fuel or engine mechanical fault. On Pontiac specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.

What causes P1626 on Pontiac vehicles?▼

Common causes on Pontiac: Communication fault between the body control module and ECM, Faulty or unrecognized key/transponder or immobilizer issue, Damaged wiring or connectors in the theft-deterrent circuit, Faulty body control module (BCM), Faulty or improperly programmed engine control module. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.

How much does it cost to fix P1626 on a Pontiac?▼

Repair costs on Pontiac range from $250 to $550, depending on the specific model and root cause.

Which Pontiac models have P1626 documented?▼

Au7o has documented P1626 on 1 Pontiac model: Grand Am.

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