I get a lot of calls for General Motors products, both about programming keys when all keys are lost and adding keys when you still have one key available.
Please note this will only work on North American produced GM vehicles.
This blog will give you a working knowledge of GM onboard key programming.
GM key programming where there are no keys available.
(This is known in the industry as the 3-10’s)
1. Insert a properly cut transponder key into the ignition and turn the key to the on position.
2. The THEFT light will come on, leave the key in the ON” position for 10 minute and the light will go out.
3. Within 55 seconds turn the ignition to the “OFF” position and then back to the “ON” position for another 10 minutes, the THEFT light will again stay on for the 10 minutes.
4. When the THEFT light goes out again, you will again have 55 seconds to turn the ignition to the “OFF'” position and then again to the “ON” position
5. After the THEFT light goes out the third time the key should be properly programmed.
6. Remove and reinsert the key, start the vehicle to confirm the programming has worked.
Please note when turning the key to the “OFF” position DO NOT remove it from the ignition or you will have to start over.
This programming procedure is effective about 80% of the time, if it does not work then you will meed to call a local Automotive Locksmith who can program the keys with software through the OBD plug in the vehicle.
To add keys to the vehicle when you have an existing Master key
1. Insert the existing key into the ignition of the vehicle and turn to the “ON” position.
2. Watch the THEFT light it will go out within 10 to 20 seconds, when it does turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.
3. Insert the mew transponder key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position
4. Watch the THEFT light it will go out in the same 10 to 20 seconds, when it does turn the new key to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.
5. Reinsert the key and start the vehicle to confirm the programming has worked.
In my experience I have had the 3-10 programming only work about 65% of the time, I have never had a failure with the adding a key feature.
I hope this helps any DIYer’s.
This is what the THEFT light looks like on most GM models.
