GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: When replacing a theft deterrent control module with a GM SPO Replacement Part, ensure the procedure to setup a new theft deterrent control module is performed prior to the 10-minute relearn procedure or the 30-minute relearn procedure.

Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Control Module

Use this procedure only if replacing the theft deterrent control module with a 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 theft deterrent control module will learn the keys immediately. However, the existing engine control module (ECM) must learn the fuel continue password of the replacement theft deterrent control module.
   • When replacing an ECM with a GM SPO Replacement Part, the new ECM will learn the incoming fuel continue password of the theft deterrent control module immediately upon the next ignition switch from OFF to CRANK. A ECM 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 to learn the fuel continue password of the current vehicles theft deterrent control module.
   • 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 after performing either the 10-minute relearn procedure or the 30-minute relearn procedure. Refer to Adding Keys .
   • 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.

10-Minute Relearn Procedure

Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

    • The passkey III+ (PK3+) keys
    • The theft deterrent control module
    • The ECM--See Important above.

    Important: When replacing either the passkey III+ (PK3+) keys, ECM or theft deterrent control module and the 10-minute relearn procedure is used, ensure that the appropriate calibration is selected for the replacement component on the calibration selection screen of the service programming system. The appropriate calibrations for specific vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system components are described below.

       • When replacing PK3+ keys and the 10-minute relearn procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Passkey III System Control Module calibration is required. This clears all previously learned keys from the theft deterrent control module and enables the theft deterrent control module to learn new PK3+ keys. For learning additional PK3+ keys, refer to Adding Keys .
       • When replacing an ECM that has previously learned another vehicles theft deterrent control modules fuel continue password and the 10-minute relearn procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Powertrain System Control Module calibration is required. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the next fuel continue password it receives.
       • When replacing a theft deterrent control module and the 10-minute relearn procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Powertrain System Control Module calibration is required. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the next fuel continue password it receives.

    Important: When replacing a theft deterrent control module with a GM SPO Replacement Part, ensure the procedure to setup a new theft deterrent control module is performed 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. Ensure 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. Ensure the correct programming procedure is selected based on component being replaced or programmed. See Important above.
  7. Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
  8. With a master PK3+ 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: 

       • The scan tool will initially display 12 Minutes. The first 2 minutes allow the scan tool to initialize the appropriate control module. The remaining 10 minutes is the relearn timer.
       • On some vehicles the SECURITY telltale may be illuminated on steady for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.

  12. 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 CRANK.
  13. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 5 seconds.
  14. With a master PK3+ key, start the vehicle. The theft deterrent control module has now learned the key transponder information or the ECM has now learned the fuel continue password.
  15. Important: Perform this step ONLY on vehicles with EXPORT configured theft deterrent control modules.

  16. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 15 seconds minimum.
  17. Important: Perform this step ONLY on vehicles with EXPORT configured theft deterrent control modules.

  18. With a second master PK3+ key, start the vehicle. The theft deterrent control module has now learned the second master PK3+ key transponder information.
  19. If additional keys are required to be learned, refer to Adding Keys .
  20. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.

30-Minute Relearn Procedure

Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

    • The passkey III+ (PK3+) keys
    • The theft deterrent control module
    • The ECM--see important above.

    Important: 

       • This procedure is not available on vehicles equipped with EXPORT configured theft deterrent control modules.
       • When replacing a theft deterrent control module with a GM SPO Replacement Part, ensure the procedure to setup a new theft deterrent control module is performed prior to the 30-minute relearn procedure.

  1. With a master passkey III+ (PK3+) key, 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.

  6. With a master PK3+ key, start the vehicle. The vehicle has now learned the key transponder information and the ECM has now learned the fuel continue password.
  7. If additional keys are required to be learned, refer to Adding Keys .
  8. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.