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Changing Ignition Key and Key Fob Code Programming

9.3K views 21 replies 4 participants last post by  JohnWR  
#1 ·
Does anyone know if you can have the ignition key electronic code (GM pass key) and key fob code programming changed to a different code from the factory original? And if you can, what does that entail?
 
#2 ·
The key fob is going to by default have a rolling code. so every time you press a button on it the code changes.

As fr as the key is concerned just go and get a new key and have it programmed to the vehicle. That will have a new code when you do that.

If you are referring to the fuel continue password the TDM sends to the ECM this would require buying and installing a new TDM module and programming it to the vehicle.
 
#4 ·
Yes I'm referring to the fuel continue password. I want to change the code inside the TDM then program a new key that works with that code. If that is all done inside the TDM can that be changed to a new code without replacing the TDM? I'm sure the dealer would have to do it. There's got to be a way because the factory does it.
 
#5 ·
Once a key is coded to a TDM it cannot be coded to another TDM. Or so says GM. The system is flawed and if you muck around with it enough you can get the key to program.

Why are you concerned about the fuel continue password being changed?. This is not something that is easily stolen as the TDM is only going to broadcast the code with the use of a valid key.

You cannot change the fuel continue password without replacing the TDM. Not even a dealership is able to do it. It is hard coded into the module. When you replace the TDM it will have to be coded to the vehicle. This is something that a dealership would need to do. The ECM also needs to be told to learn the new fuel continue password from the TDM.

There is a way to copy the transponder codes from the old TDM to the new one during the programming stage. Too many times this process fails and the only way to not have to buy new keys is both TDMs would need to be opened up and a special EEPROM reader would need to read the data from the old TDM and then write it to the new TDM. You can have the dealership try to save the keys but but prepared to have to buy new keys for the vehicle.

I am still baffled as to what the need is to have a new fuel continue password.
 
#8 ·
Once a key is coded to a TDM it cannot be coded to another TDM. Or so says GM. The system is flawed and if you muck around with it enough you can get the key to program.

Why are you concerned about the fuel continue password being changed?. This is not something that is easily stolen as the TDM is only going to broadcast the code with the use of a valid key.

You cannot change the fuel continue password without replacing the TDM. Not even a dealership is able to do it. It is hard coded into the module. When you replace the TDM it will have to be coded to the vehicle. This is something that a dealership would need to do. The ECM also needs to be told to learn the new fuel continue password from the TDM.

There is a way to copy the transponder codes from the old TDM to the new one during the programming stage. Too many times this process fails and the only way to not have to buy new keys is both TDMs would need to be opened up and a special EEPROM reader would need to read the data from the old TDM and then write it to the new TDM. You can have the dealership try to save the keys but but prepared to have to buy new keys for the vehicle.

I am still baffled as to what the need is to have a new fuel continue password.
Because someone stole one set of the keys and the key fob was on it too! They know what the car looks like and licence plate number. I don't want to be paranoid parking the car with the original coding. It will be gone in seconds. At the place I parked it at they were just waiting till I let without the car to go home and get a spare set of keys. I out foxed them for the moment and had it towed home. I have already bought new blank keys and fobs. Just need to figure out how to change the coding. I can't believe GM did not think of that.
 
#9 ·
You need a dealer to program the keys when replacing the TDM. Well technically you do not need a dealership. you need a Tech 2 and GM Techline along with an account with GM service to download the calibration files.
 
#11 · (Edited)
The keys are no biggie. if you do not have any keys to the vehicle you can take your registration and your license to any GM dealership and they will be able to cut you new keys. I can tell you how to do a complete relearn of all the keys so the keys the person took will no longer work to start the car.

Unless you replace all of the key cylinders the remote key fob is moot because they can simply unlock the door using the key. They cannot do anything special with the key fob other then opening the car up.
Being that the vehicle is a convertible you shouldn't be leaving anything of value inside the car anyway.
 
#12 ·
If the TDM is being replaced the keys cannot be programed without the use of a Tech2. Dealerships have this device and the needed software to write the data to the TDM that needs to be written to it in order for it to work in the vehicle. without doing that single step you will not be able to program any keys to the vehicle. If an attempt is even made to program keys before the TDM has been coded to the vehicle it could cause an issue with the TDM and it would need to be replaced.

Now the OP simply needs to put the car into a master key learn routine. The TDM does not need to be replaced. If the OP does not have any keys to the vehicle new ones can be made by GM on the spot so long as the name on the registration matches the drivers license of the person requesting the keys be made. The programming of the key to the vehicle can be done without the dealership doing it and it can be done using a key that is not coded to the car. It takes 30 minutes to do and once the programming sequence starts all stored keys will be deleted and the new key will then be added.

You can erase all stored remote controls from the RCDLR as well and program new remotes. This does require the vehicle being brought to the dealership or special equipment to get the vehicle to learn the new remote controls. As said this is really moot because the person that has the keys can use them to unlock the doors.
 
#14 ·
I know they can open the doors with the keys. That's moot point because I watched a guy open the doors with a wire with a hook on the end. Took him all but 1 minute. I could have the locks changed but that's a waste of money because they can open it with a wire in seconds. The thing I don't want is the engine to start or them engaging in parking lot fishing with the remote using the horn button. If they can't find the car they can't use the key to open the doors.
 
#18 ·
The car will start with the old key for all of about 2 seconds and then it will shut down. In all reality if someone wants you vehicle bad enough they are going to take it regardless of the key being able to start it.

You can have the old key fob uncoded from the vehicle and you can have new transponder codes set to the car so it will not run for more then 2 seconds using one of the old keys. If you want the vehicle to not start at all then you need to have new key cylinders put into the vehicle.