GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B3935

Circuit Description

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent module (TDM). The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder, this is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge, if the calculations match the TDM sends the fuel enable password via the serial data circuit to the powertrain control module (PCM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the PCM via the serial data circuit.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3935 Transponder Authentication Error.

DTC Symptom Type

DTC Symptom Descriptor

57

Expected reaction after event did not occur.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    •  The ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY or RUN position.
    • DTC B1325 03 or B1325 07 is not current.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The transponder value matches the value stored in the TDM memory.
    • The transponders calculation on the challenge from the TDM does not match the TDM calculation.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The vehicle will not start.
    • The TDM sends a message via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM) to flash the SECURITY indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The TDM clears the current status of the DTC when the transponders calculation on the challenge matches the TDMs calculation.
    • The TDM clears the history status of the DTC after 100 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Verifies the conditions for setting DTC B3055 or B3060 are not current.

    2.

  2. If a new key must be tried, the key must have the proper mechanical cut and the theft deterrent control module must "learn" the transponder value.

    3.

  3. If the replacement key does not work, the theft deterrent control module must be malfunctioning.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Theft Deterrent System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Theft Deterrent System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Is DTC B3055 or B3060 set as a current code?

Go to DTC B3055 or DTC B3060

Go to Step 3

3

Important: Two learned master keys are required to perform the Adding Keys procedure on some export vehicles. If only one learned master key is available then the Replacing Keys procedure will need to be performed. Refer to Replacing Keys .

  1. Replace the suspect key.
  2. Copy the mechanical cut of the available key on a PK3+ replacement key.
  3. Perform the Adding Keys procedure if the required number of learned master keys are available. Refer to Adding Keys . If the required number of learned master keys are not available. Refer to Replacing Keys Replacing Keys .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 4

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4

Does the replacement key cause DTC B3935 to set?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Important: If a 10 Minute or 30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure is perform, all keys not learned at that time will be erased and will not be recognized. Perform the Adding Keys procedure on all keys or instruct the customer how to perform the Adding Keys procedure. Refer to Adding Keys .

    • If original vehicle keys are to be reused, perform the TDM setup prior to TDM replacement. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components .
    • If new vehicle keys are being used, continue with step.

Replace the TDM. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

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6
  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Attempt to start the vehicle.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK