• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

PK3 keys?

bat119

bat119

New member
I bought 2 extra keys for my 2002 Grand Prix and had them cut to fit my car, I left them on the counter and went to work when I came home my wife said " I tried both keys in the car and they work fine " this is strange because I didn't program them for the car! Is it possible the transponder security feature is turned off? the light stills blinks on top of the dash and the sercurity dash light comes on, is this a twilight zone moment or what?
 


are you talking about the ''security chips'' that they put in the keys?? if so my 99 doesent have it so are you sure yours does?? just thought i'd throw that out there
 
In the manual it says that cars with the security system have a flashing light on the dash and the keys have PK3 on them and I have all that, is there any other way of telling for sure?
 
well i have a single brass key no plastic no chip that was cut by home depot or somewhere and i just tried it and it starts the car and works fine....my car has the light on the dash with the keyless entry and horn alarm...i didnt know of any gp that came with that feature...i could be wrong but your and mine dont have it 4 sure lol



what is pk3?? you mean it is actually on written on the key???
 


Yes it has PK3 right on the key according to the manual its a transponder key
they cost $125 apiece at the dealer and $20 each on Ebay.
 
hmmm ok so mine doesent have that on the key...just says gm....anybody else have any ideas??
 
By Jove I think I got it !
I bought the car used and it has a remote starter kit installed, (for all you people that live in a warm climate its a device to start your car in cold weather -40 without having to go outside and freeze your ass off) when you install these you have to install an overide box to defeat the anti theft system or the fuel system will shut down. and thats why the keys work without being programmed.
 
you should still be able to program them in the car... that way if something happens to the bypass, your keys still work.
 


whoever installed your bypass wired it wrong, the bypay uses a factory key and an extension antenna, but should only be active when the remote start is active, the way the system is set up in you car seems that the bypass is always active, thus making the security key pointless, with about 50 seconds and a screw driver you could probably start the car......

The quick remedy would be to open the dash, find the bypass and re-wire it so it is switched on/off by the remote starter :th_thumb-up:
 
97-03 dont have the chip in the key it on the 04+. you can take your key to walmart, home depot ect. and have 20 cut and they will all work. when i had my 98 i had like 6 made just like that and they all worked fine.
 
carl06GT said:
97-03 dont have the chip in the key it on the 04+. you can take your key to walmart, home depot ect. and have 20 cut and they will all work. when i had my 98 i had like 6 made just like that and they all worked fine.
Click to expand...

They started using the PK3 system in 2000, IIRC.
 


my bonneville (2001) has PK3. and the key once made must be coded by GM or a locksmith with the proper scanning device so the keys will work. i just had a new key cut at GM today for my bonny and it doesnt even unlock the doors. possibly the dealership screwed up, because the PK3 system is only for the ignition and not the doors
 
There are actually two procedures, but one involves using a programming tool which only dealers would have access to, so I am going to leave that one out.
30 Minute Relearn Procedure (Steps): This is for a "replacement" (new) key (no original available)
1) Insert a "Master" Passkey III (PK3) Key (the one with the black plastic cover as shown above).
2) Turn the Ignition to ON, but do NOT start the engine. You should see the "Security" message on the dash for about 10 minutes and then it will turn off.
3) Turn OFF the Ignition and wait 5 seconds.
4) Repeat the above steps (1-3) a total of 3 times, or a total of 30 minutes.
5) After the third time (including turning back to the OFF position), start the van. The van should now have "learned" the transponder information and will allow it to start and continue to run.
Important Notes:
- When the above procedure is used, all previously learned keys will be erased from system memory.
- Additional keys can be learned immediately after the relearn procedure. This is done by inserting the additional key and turning the ignition to the RUN position within 10 seconds of removing the previously learned key

From another source (that provides PK3 keys): This is used to add a "duplicate" key (have original)
1) Insert the "Original" (working) Key.
2) Turn the Ignition to ON (RUN), but do NOT start the engine. Turn the Ignition OFF and remove the key.
3) Within 15 seconds insert the new "duplicate" key and turn the Ignition to the ON position. The Security indicator should light for about 2 seconds to indicate that the new key has been programmed.
4) The new key should now be able to start and run the van.
Notes:
- The manual seems to confirm this procedure except that the new key should be inserted and turned to ON (RUN) within 10 seconds.


SCREW DEALERSHIPS!!
 
carl06GT said:
97-03 dont have the chip in the key it on the 04+. you can take your key to walmart, home depot ect. and have 20 cut and they will all work. when i had my 98 i had like 6 made just like that and they all worked fine.
Click to expand...


Wrong, 2000 is when PK3 came out for the Grand Prixs.

My 1999 doesn't have a chip, my 2000 has a chip (PK3)...
 
You rock! I tried this method on a washed car key (with original) and it worked! Dealership wanted 50 bucks for a new key, plus they would have to "program" it!
-04 Grand Prix GT
Note: still don't let wife wash car keys!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top