GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Programming Theft Deterrent System Components

Important: When replacing a theft deterrent control module with an GM Service Parts Operation (SPO) Replacement Part, set up the control module prior to the 10-minute relearn procedure or the 30-minute relearn procedure.

Tools Required

Scan tool

Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Control Module

Use this procedure only if replacing the theft deterrent control module with an GM SPO Replacement Part.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, select Setup New VTD Module in the Vehicle Theft Deterrent, Special Functions data list.
  4. Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.

Important: 

   • When replacing a theft deterrent control module with an GM SPO Replacement Part, the module will learn the keys immediately. The existing powertrain control module (PCM) must learn the new fuel continue password when you replace the theft deterrent control module.
   • When replacing a PCM with a GM SPO Replacement Part, the new PCM will learn the incoming fuel continue password immediately after programming and upon receipt of a password message. Once a password message is received and a password is learned, perform the learn procedure to change this password again. A PCM which had been installed in another vehicle will have learned the fuel continue password of the other vehicle's theft deterrent control module. Perform either the 10-minute relearn procedure or the 30-minute relearn procedure after programming to learn the fuel continue password of the current vehicle's theft deterrent control modules.
   • When performing either relearn procedure, all previously learned keys will be erased from the theft deterrent control module's memory.
   • Additional keys may be learned immediately after the first relearn procedure by inserting the additional key and turning the ignition to RUN within 10 seconds of removing the previously learned key.
   • Use only a master key when performing the first relearn procedure. If you use a valet key first, the theft deterrent control module will not allow additional keys to be learned.

Tools Required

    • Scan tool
    • Techline Terminal with current Service Programing System (SPS) software

10-Minute Relearn Procedure

Use this procedure after replacing the following components:

    • The passkey III (PK3) keys
    • The theft deterrent control module
    • The PCM, see Important above

    Important: If replacing a theft deterrent control module with a GM SPO Replacement Part, perform the procedure to setup a new theft deterrent control module prior to the 10-minute relearn procedure.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  4. With a scan tool, select Request Info. under Service Programming System and follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
  5. Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal with the current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
  6. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions.
  7. Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
  8. With a master passkey III key, turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  9. With a scan tool, select Program ECU under Service Programming System.
  10. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.

    11. Important: On some vehicles the SECURITY telltale maybe illuminated on steady for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.

  11. Observe the scan tool, after approximately 10 minutes the scan tool will display "Programming Successful, Turn OFF Ignition". The vehicle is now ready to relearn the key information and/or the passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to ON.
  12. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 5 seconds.
  13. With a master Passkey III key, start the vehicle. The theft deterrent control module has now learned the key transponder information and the PCM has now learned the fuel continue password.

    14. Important: Perform this step ONLY on vehicles with EXPORT and Canadian configured theft deterrent control modules.

  14. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 15 seconds minimum.

    15. Important: Perform this step ONLY on vehicles with EXPORT and Canadian configured theft deterrent control modules.

  15. With a second master passkey III key, start the vehicle. The theft deterrent control module has now learned the second master Passkey III key transponder information
  16. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.

30-Minute Relearn Procedure

Use this procedure after replacing the following components:

    • The passkey III (PK3) keys
    • The theft deterrent control module
    • The PCM, see important above

    Important: This procedure is not available on vehicles equipped with option code (Z49 or BAE).

    If replacing a theft deterrent control module with an GM SPO Replacement Part, perform the procedure to setup a new theft deterrent control module prior to the 30-minute relearn procedure.

  1. With a master passkey III key (Black), turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Security telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn off.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles or 30 minutes.

    5. Important: The vehicle learns the key transponder information and/or passwords on the ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

  5. With a master passkey III key, start the vehicle. The vehicle has now learned the key transponder information and the PCM has now learned the fuel continue password.
  6. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.