GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Immobilizer System Component Programming Domestic

Set Up a Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) Using Existing Keys

Important: Use this procedure only if replacing the theft deterrent module (TDM) using the existing vehicle keys.

Important: Because of how vehicle key information and theft deterrent passwords are stored within the TDM, the Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Module procedure must be performed prior to the removal and replacement of the TDM if the vehicle keys are being reused. Performing the setup procedure first allows the scan tool to extract the key information and passwords from the old TDM prior to its removal. Failure to perform this step will result in the failure to learn the existing vehicle keys and new vehicle keys will be required when replacing the TDM.

Do not use the scan tool for any other programming operations while performing this procedure. Doing so will erase the stored data retrieved from the original TDM and cause the set-up to fail.

  1. Perform the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure using the Prepare Module For TDM Setup Procedure calibration. Refer to the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure below.
  2. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, select TDM in the Vehicle Control Systems Module Replacement/Setup data list.
  5. Select Step 1.
  6. Select Use Existing Keys.
  7. Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions. The scan tool will then display Replace Module Per Service Manual. At this time, replace the TDM. Refer to Control Module References .
  8. After the new TDM has been installed, using the scan tool, select Step 2 and follow the on-screen instructions.

Set Up a Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) Using New Keys

Important: Use this procedure only if replacing the TDM using new vehicle keys.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, select TDM in the Vehicle Control Systems Module Replacement/Setup data list.
  4. Select Step 1.
  5. Select Use New Keys.
  6. Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.

10-Minute Relearn Procedure

Important: 

   • When performing the 10-minute relearn procedure, all previously learned keys will be erased from the TDM memory. Additional keys may be learned after performing the relearn procedure.
   • Use only a master key when performing the first relearn procedure. If you a valet key is used first, the TDM will not allow additional keys to be learned.

Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

    • The vehicle keys
    • The TDM
    • The engine control module (ECM)

    Important: When replacing either the vehicle keys, PCM, or TDM 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 preparing a TDM for replacement, the Prepare Module For TDM Setup Procedure calibration is required. This allows the retrieval of required information from the TDM prior to its replacement.
       • When learning vehicle keys and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn For Learning Replacement Keys calibration is required. This clears all previously learned keys from the TDM and enables the TDM to learn new vehicle keys. For learning additional vehicle keys, refer to Adding Keys .
       • When replacing a TDM or ECM and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the VTD Learn for Powertrain calibration is required. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the fuel continue password of the new TDM.

    Important: When replacing a TDM with a GM SPO replacement part, ensure the Setup a New TDM procedure 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 the 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 vehicle 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 indicator 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 vehicle key, start the vehicle. The TDM has now learned the key transponder information and/or the ECM has now learned the fuel continue password.
  15. If additional keys are required to be learned, refer to Adding Keys .
  16. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.

30-Minute Relearn Procedure

Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

    • The PASS-Key III plus keys
    • The theft deterrent module (TDM)
    • The powertrain control module (PCM)

    Important: 

       • This procedure is not available on vehicles equipped with EXPORT configured TDMs.
       • When performing the 30-minute relearn procedure, all previously learned keys will be erased from the TDM memory. Additional keys may be learned after performing the relearn procedure.
       • When replacing a TDM with a GM SPO Replacement Part, ensure the procedure to setup a new TDM is performed prior to the 30-Minute Relearn Procedure.

  1. With a master vehicle key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the security indicator. 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 RUN. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

  6. With a master vehicle key, start the vehicle. The vehicle has now learned the key transponder information and/or 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.

Immobilizer System Component Programming Canada

Set Up a Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) Using Existing Keys

Important: 

   • Use this procedure only if replacing the theft deterrent module (TDM) using the existing vehicle keys.
   • Because of how vehicle key information and theft deterrent passwords are stored within the TDM, the Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Module procedure must be performed prior to the removal and replacement of the TDM if the vehicle keys are being reused. Performing the setup procedure first allows the scan tool to extract the key information and passwords from the old TDM prior to its removal. Failure to perform this step will result in the failure to learn the existing vehicle keys and new vehicle keys will be required when replacing the TDM.
        Do not use the scan tool for any other programming operations while performing this procedure. Doing so will erase the stored data retrieved from the original TDM and cause the set-up to fail.

  1. Perform the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure using the Prepare Module For TDM Setup Procedure calibration. Refer to the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure below.
  2. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, select TDM in the Vehicle Control Systems Module Replacement/Setup data list.
  5. Select Step 1.
  6. Select Use Existing Keys.
  7. Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions. The scan tool will then display Replace Module Per Service Manual. At this time, replace the TDM. Refer to Control Module References .
  8. After the new TDM has been installed, using the scan tool, select Step 2 and follow the on-screen instructions.

Set Up a Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) Using New Keys

Important: Use this procedure only if replacing the TDM using new vehicle keys.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, select TDM in the Vehicle Control Systems Module Replacement/Setup data list.
  4. Select Step 1.
  5. Select Use New Keys.
  6. Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.

10-Minute Relearn Procedure

Important: 

   • When performing the 10-minute relearn procedure, all previously learned keys will be erased from the TDM memory. Additional keys may be learned after performing the relearn procedure.
   • Use only a master key when performing the first relearn procedure. If you a valet key is used first, the TDM will not allow additional keys to be learned.

Use this procedure after replacing any of the following components:

    • The vehicle keys
    • The TDM
    • The engine control module (ECM)

    Important: When replacing either the vehicle keys, PCM, or TDM 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 preparing a TDM for replacement, the Prepare Module For TDM Setup Procedure calibration is required. This allows the retrieval of required information from the TDM prior to its replacement.
       • When learning vehicle keys and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn For Learning Replacement Keys calibration is required. This clears all previously learned keys from the TDM and enables the TDM to learn new vehicle keys. For learning additional vehicle keys, refer to Adding Keys .
       • When replacing a TDM or ECM and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the VTD Learn for Powertrain calibration is required. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the fuel continue password of the new TDM.

    Important: When replacing a TDM with a GM SPO replacement part, ensure the Setup a New TDM procedure 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 the 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 vehicle 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 indicator 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 vehicle key, start the vehicle. The TDM has now learned the key transponder information and/or the ECM has now learned the fuel continue password.
  15. If additional keys are required to be learned, refer to Adding Keys .
  16. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.