Passkey III

Hi everyone, Sure hope someone can give me some advice on this Pass-Key III system. My sisters 2000 Chevy Venture is stuck in my driveway. The security light is on and it wont start. I have checked around the other sites I belong to and nobody knows much about this, so I thought who better to ask then the guys that add remote starts and such. I found a reset procedure that goes something like this.... ALL Keys Lost (Domestic)

If the customer has lost all the keys that the VTD module has learned, the PASS-Key® III module can be reprogrammed to learn 10 new keys. This procedure will take 30 minutes to complete.

     1.Cut the new key with the mechanical key code for the vehicle.

     2.Insert the new key in the ignition and turn the ignition ON.

     3.The PASS KEY telltale will flash at 1 Hz.

     4.Leave the key ON in this state for 10 minutes.

     5.After 10 minutes, turn the key OFF and then back ON within 10 seconds.

     6.Repeat steps 4 and 5, for a total of 3 ignition key cycles.

     7.After the third ignition key cycle 10 minute time period has elapsed the PASS KEY telltale stops flashing and the new key has been learned.

This procedure will reset the valid key code counter to 1. To program more keys, refer to Learn More Keys Mode. That did nothing. Is this the correct procedure? So I was thinking it could be the module in the steering column. I pulled that out, looks like this. So can I replace this with a junk yard one? Is there anyway to test it? Since this produces a electromagnetic field, could I check it with a compass? Any advice on this system would be great. I would just love to know if Im on the right track here. Thanks. Bob

A few things about the GM 30min key learn: -Did you wait for 10+ full minutes between key cycles? Wait 11 minutes to be safe if you are just timing yourself with the vehicle clock / radio -Make sure the battery voltage doesn't go down during this step. (headlights off, no accessories / radio etc.) -After the 3rd 10 min key learn, key off for minimum of 5s before attempting to start the vehicle. Replacing the key loop might not do you any good. The vehicle PCM could also give you trouble because that is where the PK3 data is stored for the key learn. Another option to try "just because" is disconnect the vehicle battery for 30s before trying to do a key learn again. Did this just happen out of the blue? Also do you have more then one key available? Try learning the other key the 2nd time, the keys can also fail.

Thanks for the reply, I have tried the procedure a few times with no luck. The light never goes out. Battery is new and I did all this with a 10amp charger hooked up and the head light fuse out. That is the only key, could it be bad? The main reason I think the pickup module may be bad is because this procedure fails. It just acts like it doesn't see the key. I can unplug that module and get the exact same results. If the key information is stored in the pcm, is there anyway I could read it with my OBDII connector and laptop? If I could just see the number of keys stored that may give me a clue. Thanks, Bob

# of keys stored is not going to be an OBD relevant value. You would need to get a hold of somebody that has access to a GM TechII Do you have any errors showing up with your scan tool? GM has loads of different P-Codes for various Immobilizer faults. Might shed some light on if the PCM is failing or not. Not sure what a locksmith will charge for a new cut key, I'm also guessing you can't wait for a new cheap key from EBAY or anything.

Thanks for the reply, No errors stored, E-bay sounds good, but then I would still need it cut. Dealer wants 30 or 40 bucks.   Could be worth a try. As an update, I went to the local u-pick it lot and got a replacement module for the steering column. Nothing....    So Im thinking key or BCM. Key is cheap, that could be my next try. What are the chances of the key being bad? If its not the key, its going to get expensive. I want this thing out of my garage. Thanks, Bob

bobby_w wrote: What are the chances of the key being bad? Thanks, Bob

Ever see how people treat their keys? The key is the first thing a mechanic changes when symptoms like what you have pop-up. I'm kind of astonished that your sister only has ONE key to her van. I rarely ever lose keys but I still keep spares and all my vehicles have always come with two sets, originals (used vehicle) at that.

Thanks for the responses everyone, You guys have the best responses regarding the passkey II. I took the key to PepBoys today to test it, they have no idea how to work the equipment they have, so after some time learning there test gear, I determined that the key was bad. Went to the dealer and got a 55 dollar key, no luck, same thing.... Setting it on fire soon. Bob

PassKey III sorry, typo. Bobby

catback wrote: bobby_w wrote: What are the chances of the key being bad? Thanks, Bob Ever see how people treat their keys? The key is the first thing a mechanic changes when symptoms like what you have pop-up. I'm kind of astonished that your sister only has ONE key to her van. I rarely ever lose keys but I still keep spares and all my vehicles have always come with two sets, originals (used vehicle) at that.

I forgot to say, yes, why would anyone not have extra keys? I have three keys for my Explorer, it came with two and I bought a spare.   Seriously, who only has one key? My sister..... This thing is dead.   I just ran it through another 30 min. key re-learn, nothing.......    Help me, please, Bobby

have you tried the passkey reset. turn the key on for 15 mins. the sec light should blink. if it comes on solid after 15 mins turn it off. wait 5mins and turn the key and hold it it til the the car starts. if that doesnt work, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery and touch it to a really good ground. that will reset the PCM and BCM.