GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using the diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3055: No Transponder Modulation or No Transponder

Circuit/System 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. This stored value is the learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM will send the start enable password via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the start disable password to the ECM.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition is in the Accessory or Run position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TDM is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Vehicle starting will be disabled.
    • The security indicator will be illuminated.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will be cleared when the TDM detects a valid transponder value from the ignition key.
    • A history DTC will be cleared after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles or when a scan tool is used to clear DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Immobilizer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Immobilizer Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Immobilizer Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

Important: When using this diagnostic, more than one vehicle key is required to ensure proper diagnosis. If more than one key is not available at the time of service, contact the customer and ask if any other keys can be provided for service. If unavailable, a new second key can be created.

  1. Inspect all available vehicle keys that they are correct vehicle keys .
  2. If not a correct vehicle key, replace the key.
  3. While viewing DTCs with a scan tool, attempt to start the vehicle using all of the available keys. The vehicle should start with all available keys.
  4. If only one key results in inoperative starting and DTC B3055 is set as current, replace the suspect key.
    If all available keys result in inoperative starting and DTC B3055 is set as current, replace the TDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Replacing Keys
    •  Adding Keys
    •  Control Module References for theft deterrent module replacement, setup, and programming