GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptors

DTC B2947: Security System Sensor Power Circuit Low

DTC B2948: Security System Sensor Power Circuit High

DTC B2955: Security System Sensor Data Circuit

DTC B2960: Security System Sensor Data Incorrect but Valid

DTC B3055: No Transponder Modulation or No Transponder

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Security System Sensor Supply Voltage

B2947

B2947

B2948

--

Security System Sensor Signal

B2955

B3055

B2955

--

Security System Sensor Low Reference

--

B3055

B3055

--

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is switched to the ON position, the theft deterrent module (TDM) supplies 12 volts to the theft deterrent exciter module. The TDM also provides a low reference for the exciter. With the voltage supplied to the exciter, 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 TDM via the security system sensor signal . The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory, the learned key code. If the value received matches the stored value, the TDM sends the fuel enable password to the engine control module/powertrain control module (ECM/PCM) via serial data.

Conditions for Running the DTC

B2947, B2955, B2960, B3055

The ignition is in the ACCY or RUN position.

B2948

The ignition is OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B2947

Voltage seen by the TDM at the security system sensor supply voltage circuit is less than the expected value.

B2948

Voltage seen by the TDM at the security system sensor supply voltage circuit is greater than the expected value.

B2955

Voltage seen by the TDM at the security system sensor signal circuit is not within the specified range.

B2960

Voltage seen by the TDM at the security system sensor signal circuit is within the specified range, but not the learned value.

B3055

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 the fault is no longer present.
    • A history DTC will be cleared after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Immobilizer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component 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

Control Module References for scan tool information

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 the scan tool TDM Transponder Key parameter, turn ON the ignition with each of the available vehicle keys. The parameter should read Present with all available keys.
  4. If only one key results in the parameter reading Not Present, replace the appropriate key.
    If all available keys result in the parameter reading Not Present, refer to Exciter Circuit Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Exciter Circuit Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the theft deterrent exciter.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TDM.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 volt between the supply voltage circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TDM.
  6. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the supply voltage circuit terminal A and ground.
  7. If not the specified value, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TDM.
  8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the TDM.
  9. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp does not illuminate between the signal circuit terminal B and ground.
  10. If the test lamp illuminates, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.
  11. Verify a test lamp does not illuminate between the signal circuit terminal B and B+.
  12. If the test lamp illuminates, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.
  13. Test for 2 ohms between the signal circuit terminal B at the TDM harness connector at the signal circuit terminal B at the theft deterrent excite harness connector.
  14. If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance.
  15. Connect the harness connector at the theft deterrent exciter and the TDM.
  16. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool VTD States parameter does not display No Coded Key.
  17. If not the specified value, replace the theft deterrent exciter.
  18. If all circuits test normal, replace the TDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Theft Deterrent Exciter Module Replacement
    •  Replacing Keys
    •  Control Module References for TDM replacement, setup, and programming