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For 1990-2009 cars only

Key Identification and Usage


Object Number: 793164  Size: SH

The keys are double sided and reversible. The master key and valet key contain transponders that are read by the theft deterrent system when the keys are used in the ignition. The keys have 10 cut positions (1) with five different depths (2).

Two master keys are supplied with the vehicle which contain a transponder (3). These keys will operate all of the locks on the vehicle.

Cutting Keys


Object Number: 793164  Size: SH

The key code can be obtained by translating the five-character identification code on the key tag or the original Ignition Lock Cylinder. The keys have 10 cut positions (1) and five cut depths (2). Key cut positions are numbered 1 to 10, counting from the head of the key to the tip. The key cut depths are 1 to 5. The master key contains a transponder (3). If the body control module (BCM) does not recognize a valid key transponder, the BCM will disable the vehicle. For programing the keys to the vehicle, refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components in Theft Deterrent.

  1. Cut a blank key to the proper depth and sequence of each of the tumbler positions.
  2. Inspect the mechanical operation of the key in the lock cylinders in the doors, the ignition switch, the rear compartment lid and any storage compartments:
  3. • Turn the key both directions in each lock cylinder.
    • Turn the key with each side of the key pointing upward in each lock cylinder.
  4. If replacing a master key, program the key transponder to the vehicle. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components in Theft Deterrent.

Lock Cylinder Tumblers

Each of the five key cut depths have a corresponding tumbler. The tumbler depth number (1-5) is stamped on the tumblers for identification.

Assembling and Coding the Ignition Lock Cylinder

Tools Required

J 41340 Lock Cylinder Staking and Holding Fixture

Important: If the key code cannot be obtained no identification code is available, proceed to step 1. If the key code is known or a new key code will be used, proceed to step 6.

    Important: Be careful to observe and record each tumbler and it's relative position in the lock cylinder as the tumblers are removed.

  1. Remove all of the tumblers by rotating the lock cylinder so that the tumbler slots are facing down.
  2. Hold the lock cylinder close to a flat surface.
  3. Pull the lock cylinder side bar out with your fingers. It may be necessary to tap the lock cylinder on a hard surface to remove all of the tumblers.

  4. Object Number: 793164  Size: SH
  5. Determine the tumbler numbers and their respective positions. To determine the current key code perform the following steps:
  6. 4.1. Starting with position (1) the open end of the lock cylinder, find and record the lowest level (tumbler number) that is visible.
    4.2. Repeat the previous step for positions (2) through 10.

    Object Number: 621830  Size: SH
  7. Starting with position (1), insert the tumblers (2) into their corresponding slots in the coded order.
  8. Using your fingers, pull out the side bar (8) until the tumblers fall completely into the lock cylinder.
  9. Insert one tumbler spring  (3) above each tumbler (2).
  10. Lubricate the tumblers using GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent.
  11. Insert the spring retainer (4) into the lock cylinder.

  12. Object Number: 65499  Size: SH
  13. Use a flat-bladed tool to firmly press the retainer (1) down until the lock cylinder is fully seated in the lock cylinder.

  14. Object Number: 65501  Size: SH
  15. Inspect for proper tumbler installation:
  16. 11.1. Hold the spring retainer (2) in position.
    11.2. Insert the key (1) into the lock cylinder. The side bar (3) should drop down to the level of the lock cylinder. If the side bar does NOT drop down to the level of the lock cylinder, proceed to the previous step 2.
  17. Remove the key from the lock cylinder.

  18. Object Number: 65502  Size: SH
  19. Secure the lock cylinder in the J 41340 .
  20. 13.1. Inspect that the spring retainer is facing up and positioned directly under the punch slots.
    13.2. Insert the lock cylinder completely into the J 41340 until the lock cylinder bezel contacts the J 41340 .
    13.3. Tighten the J 41340 holding screw.

    Object Number: 65503  Size: SH
  21. Stake the bezel end of the spring retainer:
  22. 14.1. Hold the flat side of the punch squarely against the face of the lock cylinder bezel.
    14.2. Stake the lock cylinder metal over the spring retainer prong.

    Object Number: 65504  Size: SH
  23. Stake the opposite end of the spring retainer:
  24. 15.1. Remove the J 41340 punch.
    15.2. Rotate the J 41340 punch 180 degrees.
    15.3. Hold the J 41340 punch squarely against the end of the punch slot.
    15.4. Stake the lock cylinder metal over the spring retainer prong.
  25. Loosen the J 41340 holding screw.
  26. Remove the lock cylinder from the J 41340 .
  27. Inspect that the spring retainer is properly staked. Repeat staking as needed.
  28. Lubricate the lock cylinder retainer slot and the lock cylinder retainer with GM P/N 12345996 or equivalent.
  29. Orient the lock cylinder retainer to the tapered notch in the lock cylinder housing.
  30. Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the ignition lock cylinder housing.
  31. Inspect for proper ignition lock cylinder rotation using the key.

Assembling and Coding the Door Lock Cylinder

The door lock cylinder uses seven tumblers (positions 3 through 9). The tumbler positions are staggered on both sides of the lock cylinder (five on one side and three on the other).


    Object Number: 619321  Size: SH

    Important: The lock cylinder tumblers are not self-retaining. Hold the tumblers in place when the key is not in the lock cylinder. Hold the lock cylinder tumblers (8) in place when performing this procedure.

  1. Hold the cylinder (6) so that the side with five tumbler openings are up.
  2. Insert five tumbler springs (7) into the five spring wells.
  3. Install the tumbler (8) for position 4 in the slot nearest to the front of the lock cylinder.
  4. Install the 3 remaining tumblers (8) for positions 6, 8 and 10 in the lock cylinder.
  5. Press the tumblers into place with light hand pressure.
  6. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the tumblers are not flush with the lock cylinder, remove the tumblers and perform the coding procedure again.
  7. Important: Hold the tumblers in place before removing the key.

  8. Rotate the lock cylinder (6) so that the side with 3 tumbler openings are up.
  9. Insert 3 tumbler springs (7) into the 3 spring wells.
  10. Install the tumbler for position 5 into the slot nearest the front of the lock cylinder.
  11. Install the 2 remaining tumblers for positions 7 and 9 in the lock cylinder.
  12. Press the tumblers into place with light hand pressure.
  13. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the tumblers are not flush with the lock cylinder, remove the tumblers and perform the coding procedure again.
  14. Lubricate the tumblers using GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent.
  15. If necessary, perform the following steps to install the shudder door.
  16. • Install the 2 plate springs (3) into the 2 spring wells in the head of the lock cylinder (6).
    • Press the shutter (2) into the lock cylinder until it snaps into place.
  17. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the lock cylinder does not rotate in the lock cylinder housing, disassemble the lock cylinder and perform the coding procedure again.
  18. Partially remove the lock cylinder core to install the spring and ball.
  19. Place the detent spring (5) into the spring well located on the side of the lock cylinder (6).
  20. Apply the heavy grease to end of spring to retain the detent ball. Carefully place the detent ball (4) on the detent spring (5).
  21. Using a small flat-bladed tool to hold the ball in place. Simultaneously insert the lock cylinder core into the lock cylinder housing.
  22. Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

  23. Depress the detent ball and spring and insert the cylinder (6) into the lock cylinder housing (9).
  24. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the lock cylinder does not rotate in the lock cylinder housing, disassemble the lock cylinder and perform the coding procedure again.
  25. Install the lock pawl (10) to the lock cylinder (6).
  26. Install the lock pawl E-clip (12) in order to retain the lock pawl.
  27. Remove the key from the lock cylinder (5).
  28. Install the lock cylinder cap (1) by pressing the cap onto the lock cylinder with light hand pressure.

Assembling and Coding the Endgate Lock Cylinder

The endgate lock cylinder uses seven tumblers positions 3 through 9. The tumbler positions are staggered on both sides of the lock cylinder five on one side and three on the other.


    Object Number: 619321  Size: SH

    Important: The lock cylinder tumblers are not self-retaining. Hold the tumblers in place when the key is not in the lock cylinder. Hold the lock cylinder tumblers (8) in place when performing this procedure.

  1. Hold the cylinder (6) so that the side with five tumbler openings are up.
  2. Insert five tumbler springs (7) into the five spring wells.
  3. Install the tumbler (8) for position 4 in the slot nearest to the front of the lock cylinder.
  4. Install the 3 remaining tumblers (8) for positions 6, 8 and 10 in the lock cylinder.
  5. Press the tumblers into place with light hand pressure.
  6. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the tumblers are not flush with the lock cylinder, remove the tumblers and perform the coding procedure again.
  7. Important: Hold the tumblers in place before removing the key.

  8. Rotate the lock cylinder (6) so that the side with 3 tumbler openings are up.
  9. Insert 3 tumbler springs (7) into the 3 spring wells.
  10. Install the tumbler for position 5 into the slot nearest the front of the lock cylinder.
  11. Install the 2 remaining tumblers for positions 7 and 9 in the lock cylinder.
  12. Press the tumblers into place with light hand pressure.
  13. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the tumblers are not flush with the lock cylinder, remove the tumblers and perform the coding procedure again.
  14. Lubricate the tumblers using GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent.
  15. If necessary, perform the following steps to install the shudder door.
  16. • Install the 2 plate springs (3) into the 2 spring wells in the head of the lock cylinder (6).
    • Press the shutter (2) into the lock cylinder until it snaps into place.
  17. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (6). If the lock cylinder does not rotate in the lock cylinder housing, disassemble the lock cylinder and perform the coding procedure again.
  18. Install the lock cylinder spring (9) to the lock cylinder.
  19. Install the lock cylinder spring retainer (8) to the lock cylinder.
  20. Remove the key from the lock cylinder (5).
  21. Install the lock cylinder cap (1) by pressing the cap onto the lock cylinder with light hand pressure.

Assembling and Coding IP Storage Compartment Lock Cylinder

The IP storage compartment lock uses five tumbler positions 7-10 . The IP storage compartment lock cylinder also uses a retainer tumbler. The retainer tumbler is not moved by the key. The purpose of the retainer tumbler is to retain the lock cylinder in the lock. The retainer tumbler occupies the slot closest to the head of the IP storage compartment lock cylinder and should come already installed in the cylinder.


    Object Number: 619320  Size: SH
  1. Hold the cylinder (4) so that the side with five tumbler openings is facing up.
  2. Insert tumbler springs (2) into the five spring wells.
  3. Install the tumbler (1) for key cut position 7 into the slot nearest to the front of the lock cylinder.
  4. Install the 3 remaining tumblers for positions 8, 9 and 10 into the cylinder.
  5. Firmly press the tumblers until they snap in place.
  6. Insert the key into the lock cylinder (4). If the tumblers are not flush with the lock cylinder, remove the tumblers and perform the coding procedure again.