GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

10-Minute Immobilizer Relearn

Important: You must have 2 previously learned vehicle keys to perform this procedure.

This 10-minute relearn procedure will relearn the start enable password between the theft deterrent module (TDM) and the engine control module (ECM).

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Ensure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  4. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method. Ensure the correct programming selection is chosen based on component being replaced or programmed. For this procedure, go to the V.T.D. Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn menu and choose the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Powertrain System selection.
  5. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.
  6. Important: 

       • The scan tool may 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 indicator may be illuminated for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.

  7. 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.
  8. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 2 minutes.
  9. With the first previously learned vehicle key, turn the ignition to the RUN position for 15 seconds, then start the vehicle.
  10. Remove the vehicle key.
  11. With the second previously learned vehicle key, turn the ignition to the RUN position for 15 seconds, then start the vehicle. The TDM and ECM have now relearned the pre-release password and the challenge/response data.
  12. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.