GM Transponder Keys

GM first used transponder chip keys in 1997, but they were not quick to phase in this technology. Currently, GM uses transponders on most of its models.

Do not confuse transponder keys with the earlier VATS/PASS keys which have a visible resistor pellet.

Many original GM transponder keys have either PK3, PK3+ or a "+" marked onto them.

Moreover, GM further utilizes a technology named Pass Lock in certain automobiles dating from 1996 to 2007. Such cars do use electronics along with the ignition, yet, there are no electronics in the keys.

This fact often is a point of confusion. An additional common confusion concerns immobilization technologies employed on truck models.

General Motors has not used transponder chips in any truck models until 2007. Models with transponder chip keys are:

Buick Models:

• Enclave (from 2008 onward)
• LaCrosse (beginning in 2005)
• LeSabre (models starting in 2000)
• Lucerne (2006 and newer)
• Park Avenue (models from 1997 to 2005)
• Regal (2011 and subsequent models)
• Rendevous (models between 2002 and 2007)
• Terraza (2005 to 2007 models)
• Verano (specifically the 2012 model)

Cadillac Models:

• Catera (models from 1997 to 2001)
• CTS (2003 models and onward)
• Deville (2000 to 2005 models)
• DTS (beginning in 2006)
• Escalade (from 2007 onward)
• Seville (models between 1998 and 2004)
• SRX (starting in 2004)
• STS (2005 to 2011 models)
• XLR (models from 2005 to 2011)

Chevrolet Models:

• Avalanche (2007 model)
• Aveo (2004 and later, optional and rare)
• Camero (from 2010 onward)
• Captiva Sport (specifically the 2012 model)
• Caprice (2011 and newer, police version)
• Colbalt (models between 2006 and 2011)
• Corvette (beginning in 2005)
• Equinox (from 2007 onward)
• Express Van (2008 models and later)
• HHR (starting in 2006)
• Impala (from 2006 onward)
• Malibu (2004 and subsequent models)
• Monte Carlo (2006 and 2007 models)
• Silverado (from 2007 onward)
• Sonic (2012 models and later)
• Suburban (from 2007 onward)
• Tahoe (beginning in 2007)
• Traverse (starting in 2009)
• Uplander (2005 to 2008 models)
• Venture (models from 1999 to 2005)
• Volt (2011 and newer)

GMC Models:

• Acadia (2007 and later)
• Sierra (from 2007 onward)
• Savana Van (2008 models and onward)
• Terrain (beginning in 2010)
• Yukon (from 2007 onward)

Oldsmobile Models:

• Auora (2001 to 2003 models)
• Silhouette (1999 to 2004 models)

Pontiac Models:

• Aztek (2001 to 2005 models)
• Bonneville (2000 to 2005 models)
• G3 (2009 and 2010 models)
• G5 (2007 to 2009 models)
• G6 (2005 to 2009 models)
• G8 (2008 and 2009 models)
• Grand Prix (2000 to 2008 models)
• GTO (2004 to 2006 models)
• Montana (1999 to 2009 models)
• Soltice (2006 to 2010 models)
• Torrent (2007 to 2009 models)
• Vibe (2008 to 2010 models)

Saturn Models:

• Astra (specifically the 2008 model)
• Aura (2007 to 2009 models)
• Outlook (2007 to 2009 models)
• Sky (2007 to 2009 models)
• Relay (2005 to 2007 models)
• Vue (2008 and 2009 models)

DUPLICATION & ORIGINATION

General Motors employs one of the most straightforward ways for adding keys. Their previous PK3 key systems may be copied by one of two techniques.

One primary method involves an easy onboard method, using a single pre-programmed transponder key together with an additional transponder key.

The different way is cloning the transponder value onto a key with an exclusive rewriteable chip.

Each method is considered simple, with each equally viable.

Later keys that have a PK3+ encrypted technology may as well be programmed using the very same simple onboard method assuming one programmed transponder key exists.

In case all keys get lost for an automobile that uses a PK3 or the PK3+ technology, replacement keys can yet be configured using an in-car re-programming process that takes 30 minutes to finish.

Exceptions include: The Catera, G3, Aveo, and GTO utilize different programming techniques, thus the previously mentioned doesn't apply.

Starting from the model Saturn Astra in 2008, GM is altering the key format on more and more vehicle models yearly to a high-security sidewinder (side milled) key type.

Our team has been consistently cutting this kind of key for about 30 years now. Also, some of these vehicles listed above employ Passive Entry and Passive Start fobs instead of bladed keys having transponder chip systems.

Prox fobs are either an optional feature or standard equipment, depending on model and year. Our team is equipped to copy and also create for all of the General Motors transponder keys.