GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Replacing the PASS-Key® III Module

The replacement PASS-Key® III (VTD) modules are manufactured to be able to learn the FIRST key that is used to start the vehicle. When learning the first key, simply insert the ignition key and turn the ignition ON.

Learn More Keys Mode (Domestic Vehicles Only)

The PASS-Key® III module can learn up to 10 valid key codes to operate the vehicle. To program more keys, use the following procedure. This procedure must begin with a valid key.

  1. Insert a valid key into the ignition and turn the ignition ON.
  2. Observe the PASS KEY telltale in the I/P. After the 2-second bulb test, turn the ignition OFF and remove the valid key.
  3. Within 10 seconds insert the invalid key to be learned into the ignition, and turn the ignition ON. The PASS KEY telltale will be illuminated while the VTD module is learning the key.
  4. When the PASS KEY telltale turns OFF, more keys can be learned by repeating steps 2 and 3.

To exit the Learn More Keys Mode, turn the ignition OFF for more than 10 seconds.

Valid Key Code Counter

The VTD module has a valid key code counter that stores the number of valid keys that the module has learned. A maximum of 10 key codes can be learned by the VTD module. The value of the counter can be viewed using the scan tool.

All Keys Lost (Domestic)

If the customer has lost all the keys that the VTD module has learned, the PASS-Key® III module can be reprogrammed to learn 10 new keys. This procedure will take 30 minutes to complete.

  1. Cut the new key with the mechanical key code for the vehicle.
  2. Insert the new key in the ignition and turn the ignition ON.
  3. The PASS KEY telltale will flash at 1 Hz.
  4. Leave the key ON in this state for 10 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, turn the key OFF and then back ON within 10 seconds.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5, for a total of 3 ignition key cycles.
  7. After the third ignition key cycle 10 minute time period has elapsed the PASS KEY telltale stops flashing and the new key has been learned.

This procedure will reset the valid key code counter to 1. To program more keys, refer to Learn More Keys Mode.

Learn More Keys (Export Vehicles - Techline T50/T60 is Available)

This procedure must be used with the Techline T50/T60 to learn keys on the export vehicle. The procedure can also be used on domestic vehicles, if all the valid keys have been lost, to reduce the programming time from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.

  1. Cut the new key with the mechanical key code for the vehicle.
  2. Insert the new key in the ignition and turn the ignition ON.
  3. Connect the Tech 2 and Select Service Programming System (SPS).
  4. Identify the vehicle and press the Request Information softkey.
  5. The VIN and PCM calibration is displayed. Verify the VIN. Press the Yes key on the Tech 2 if the VIN is correct.
  6. Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline PC and reset the Tech 2 power.
  7. Select Service Programming System (SPS) on the Techline PC - Select Terminal to Tech 2 as the programming method.
  8. Select Done and follow the instructions - Select Theft Module Re-learn - The Techline PC downloads to the Tech 2.
  9. Reconnect the Tech 2 to the vehicle - Select SPS - Identify the vehicle - Press the VTD Learn softkey.
  10. The VTD module is now unlocked and a 10-minute wait period is required.
  11. After the 10-minute wait period, turn the ignition OFF. Then turn the ignition ON with the same key. Pass-key® III learns the key.
  12. The Security light is illuminated until the original valid key is inserted and the ignition is turned ON.
  13. If an original valid key is not available, learn an additional key to complete the procedure.