GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

A transponder is embedded in the head of the PASSKey III key. When the ignition switch is turned to the RUN, Bulb Test, or START position, the transponder is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique identification code. The theft deterrent module receives this identification code signal to determine whether the PASSKey III coded key is legitimate or invalid.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition switch must be in the RUN, Bulb Test or START position.
    • The theft deterrent module reads the identification code in the PASSKey III coded key every 0.3 seconds and compares it against the valid stored identification code stored in memory.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The theft deterrent module read an identification code in the PASSKey III coded key that is not the same as the valid stored identification code stored in memory. The theft deterrent module considers this to be a tamper attempt. Refer to Circuit Operation for additional information.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC B2960 set as current DTC in the theft deterrent module.
    • The theft deterrent module does not send a fuel enable signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
    • The theft deterrent module flashes the SECURITY indicator in the instrument panel cluster.
    • The theft deterrent module starts a 10-minute lockout timer. No further key reads will be performed until this time elapses.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The theft deterrent module no longer reads an invalid identification code in the PASSKey III coded key during the next ignition cycle.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive fault-free ignition cycles. An ignition cycle consists of an ignition switch transition from LOCK/OFF to RUN.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Determine if key used is the incorrect one. Perform the PASSKey III programming procedure.
    • A poor or intermittent connection may cause this DTC to set. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. To set this DTC, a key with a working transponder was read by the theft deterrent module. For that key to operate the vehicle, a 30 minute PASSKey III programming procedure must be performed.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the diagnostic system check for the theft deterrent system?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent

2

Perform the PASSKey III programming procedure. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components .

Important: If the PASSKey III programming procedure is performed, all keys not learned at that time will be erased and will not be recognized. Perform the quick learn procedure on all keys or instruct the customer how to perform the quick learn procedure.

Did you complete the repairs?

Go to Step 3

--

3

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

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK