Its normal for the 92 PCM'* to have that code, its not normal for a check engine light if I recall though, it should be a code but not set off the light.

You need to see if you actually have a problem with the VATs system/Passkey. If you have issues you will have security light activity when you try to start it.

Other things to look at are the crankshaft sensor which will prevent it from starting but crank.

From what you describe with the rough running that points toward the ignition system, it could be a dozen things. Lets get some more items narrowed out first.

can you remove one of the plugs/plugwire while you crank and see if there is a spark?

While I haven't read everything..I'd like to clear up a point Hans is making.

Why would you question the ignition system for a rough idle when you know " It now has a vacuum leak between the throttle body and the SC. " this is a prime candidate to making the car run poorly.

Just back from reading the thread.
#1 Find a battery charger and charge that battery. Without enough power ..and even with a jump, the car will crank and possibly not start.
#2 The fuel pressure needs to be tested... a gauge is only about $20 and I'm sure you may be able to find a loaner if you look around hard enough (or use the Walmart return policy )
#3 Until you fix the vacuum leak.. expect the car to run poorly at best.

I just replaced the crank position sensor about 2 years ago, so I'm doubting that that'* the culprit, but I suppose it'* possible.

I'm gonna run out and check the security light situation after I get out of this class.
Hooray for Organizational Behavior Management :'(

Oh yeah, when i got it running, the car had not warmed up enough before it died to remind me of my past crank position sensor experience.

UPDATE, Weds. @ 1:30PM

Just ran out to the car, the SECURITY light does NOT stay on. The battery has enough juice in it from having my friend'* car charge it last night that 15 hours later, it still turns over fast.

Next step is to check fuel pressure and establish the presence of spark. Time for a trip to Advance Auto for a pressure guage and spark tester...

You're probably going to need a voltmeter or 12 volt test light. You can use a spare plug to test for spark. When you check for spark checking the three front wires will help rule out a coil problem.

i'm actually gonna buy one of those clamp-ground spark testers, figure it'll be handy to keep around, and I ordered that vacuum secondary gasket that I needed from the local Pontiac stealership.

Thanks for your close attention to this thread, by the way.

You are on the right track. get fuel pressure numbers and insure the plugs do have spark.

I missread 2 things in this thread, one being the car had a vaccum leak, 2 the car did crank but not start. this rules out passkey and the roughness is likely caused by a bad vaccum line.

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?:

I'm so friggin confused right now...

So I mooched a ride off some friends to Napa and bought a Thexton Adjustable Spark Tester. Took the middle front plug wire off, (gashed my left middle finger knuckle in the process ) and grounded the tester on the alternator bracket mount bolt.

turn the ignition, and IT STARTS. Dies right away, probably from that vacuum leak, but it started & ran for a full second or so. I'm thinking my next step will be to clean the ever living **** out of the ground connections on the coil mount base...

on the bright side, I'm REALLY glad I didn't bring it to a shop, cuz the diagnostic labor hours would be skyhigh...

Well, my vacuum secondary gasket showed up today, so I can replace that. However, some snow showed up too. This oughta be interesting...

EDIT: wow, thank the lord for peel & stick gaskets. that was about as painless as you could ask for while working in the snow