FIX: GM/Silverado/Duramax Security Passlock Relearn/Reset Procedure/Service Theft Deterrent System

I found some not so great instructions on how to do this so I decided to create a quick video to show how to perform this reset on GM vehicles where there's a car with lock icon. This should cover 2007-2011 (or later) GM trucks and SUVs like Carrie's Duramax Silverado.

[@heatherwochnick2475]

Thank you so much. You just saved my husband from sleeping on the couch after he "broke" my car.

[@57squared]

Ha ha, you're both welcome!

[@450rhino1]

Just change the sensor on the left side of the column. 3 screws holding the plastic, two philips screws holding the black, round sensor. Unplug it, turn the key to off and remove the sensor, put the new one in, re program your key, done. Don't pay for nothing except for the sensor from an auto salvage. Cost me $25.00 total. 30 min to program the key. 2006 H3 Hummer.

[@57squared]

Good tip for something else to try. The challenge is it could be so many things from PCM to TCM to that sensor, or wiring, etc.

[@sw3009]

Omggg Mr. you just saved me!! Been sitting her for an hour with that anti- lock on 😢but listening to your video and following your instructions crunk in about 2 secondss 😁👍 Thank you God bless you!! 💕

[@57squared]

Glad it helped!

[@paulwilliams4370]

You are correct about this. I had to buy a new ECM for my 2008 3500HD and ended up having it towed to the dealership. They reset it for $150. I was all in for the new plugs and play ECM and the labor cost at $450 total now she runs like a brand new one. Got the new ECM from flagship one inc. a hell of a lot cheaper than anywhere else I looked.

[@miguellinares1022]

Hi there I jus bought a ecm for my 09 gMC Duramax from flagship but I haven't get any luck yet doing the relearning thing jus wonder what was the end of u took it to the dealer or bought one from flagship and how did u program the new one thanks

[@darrelldavis3523]

Thanks a lot I'm going to try that tmrw. Got locked today.

[@rickdellinger7572]

GET ON WITH IT DUDE!!!!!!!

[@The_StreetRat_Official]

there is a skip forward button 😂

[@bobelkiniii1461]

Thanks to your comment I jumped 3 mins in thanks so much

[@Bigfr4nk]

Ikr

[@aaronsharp6417]

Thank you thank you thank you. I swapped out batteries, alternator, and starter. Then I saw this. God bless you brutha

[@57squared]

Glad it worked for you! I only swapped both batteries and then the dealer said it was the PCM, or the TCM, or the ignition, or this, or that. Glad I found this trick, it saved me a lot of $ had I gone with the dealer's suggesions.

[@alexanderaguirre-kj6ll]

IT WORKED FOR ME. HONEST HUMAN BEING.

[@tammyginn4313]

Just replaced the steering column on my 2008 Silverado 2500hd because I accidentally broke the theft deterrent module when my key stopped working. I have watched so many videos and how-to's for reprogramming or relearning but haven't found the right one yet. The going price for a locksmith or stealership to do it is $200-400. Any ideas?

[@bethedwards9896]

I love you man hey yall better listen to this man he knows what's up

[@ShrimpSmith]

Thanks for the post. I have 2007 Equinox with this problem. I am trying your fix but my dashboard doesn't have the lock light. Engine light maybe?

[@troyforklifthill9254]

Would this be an issue on a LB7 2001 ?

[@timkiddsr]

This was very helpful thankyou

[@The40Meister]

I’m not sure if this is what’s wrong with my 07 Pontiac G6 but I think my car thinks it’s getting stolen while I’m driving it because that symbol will come on and then all the gauges will go down and it will say error and I always have problems getting it started and haven’t been able to start it for a couple days but I just tried turning it fast and I think that works. Maybe by turning the key fast it starts before the computer can tell it any bs.

[@jerrycoffman9437]

Thank you this video helped me so much have a great day

[@57squared]

Glad it helped

[@stray1482]

Most of the other did not describe it as thorough as you - I am fully exasperated and incredibly angered so I'm going to wait and recharge the battery and try it again in the morning

[@user-lu6fp8il9o]

I'm having the same issue on my 2010 gmc Acadia, it was sitting dead for a a while put a new battery in now having that symbol..BUT when i try to go through this "cycle" my key locks up and i have to jiggle the steering wheel to get it to turn to the on position again, am i disrupting the cycle?

[@luper31]

Thank you so much!!

[@user-wm7wm2pe8v]

This is what's going on with my GMC Yukon SLT tried doing the video you showed and still I've changed the ECM alternator starter battery I don't know what ignition lock cylinder

[@abm_smokinaces8588]

My situation is that. My transmission went out. Took it to my dads mechanic. He unplugged the battery to do the labor of fixing the transmission. He finished, plugged everything back up. And when he went to start it, so he can test drive it, it didnt turn on. And the anti- theft system is on and the symbol looks just like the one that pops on yours. He said he has tried what you did here but it didnt work. But honestly i feel like he didnt do it right. Anyone know all the possible solutions to fix this. Im really not trying to take it to the dealership cause i already spent a lot just to get the transmission fixed

[@lfreeman202]

I had a no start lockout problem on my 2009 Buick Enclave . Car with her sign just wouldn't go out... Found it it was the 2A Power Mod, Passkey fuse on the passenger side under the glove box by their feet. Remove the access panel and it's upside down.

[@user-jm7mq4dw3c]

I have a 13 max. My harness was chaffed and someone stole my tcm and pcm while I had it it out. I have everything done also it is in security mode. I only have one key but I cannot reset the pats. The security light will not flash also my radio is not doing anything. Is there something else that would cause no crank.?Security issue?

[@antonioramirez499]

Thank you !!!

[@alastairmcdougall1566]

This just happened on my 2011 Duramax. Great info. Much appreciated

[@57squared]

Glad it worked! There is probably a module starting to go out. If you see it progressing first try a new key, then you need a scanner that can read the BCM codes (most autozone or DIY ones won't) and it may be the BCM, key cylinder, or PCM causing the problem once key itself is ruled out.

[@THESLOTTOMAN]

Same thing happen to my 2011 duramax right now

[@TurboSnail8734]

@@THESLOTTOMAN just happend to mine too

[@THESLOTTOMAN]

@@TurboSnail8734 my heater Core that warms up the blow tubes went out

[@articiahughes8283]

What has been working for me is turning on the key in the on position before starting for 10 seconds (I.e wait until the the radio comes all the way on so you can here the music, the a/c settles, the engine light and car theft light is on the dash on the dashboard only and then finally you should here like a little poof or air release or whining) then before I crank the truck I push the brake pedal all the way to the floor as hard as I can and then try to start the truck. The truck cranks on with no problem.

[@bryangallagher2849]

Thanks just saved me tow, and the dealership inflated cost of ? At least $500. Owe ya a 🍺

[@57squared]

Excellent!

[@goodjob8839]

I have a Hummer h3 my ignition is not recognizing my key the battery drain and it won't start can u help mev

[@CrazyBearGaming69]

@@goodjob8839 hey hit me up I’ll be able to help you I have a 06 hummer h3

[@CrazyBearGaming69]

@@goodjob8839 do you have a Instagram or anything I can get ahold of you on to help you with your hummer ?

[@melowyellow7941]

Thnaks so much!

[@jibbymcbeet]

What causes this?

[@PatriotCoinRings]

When the heat makes you take out your frustration on the wife....lol @0:10 *Tosses the wife under the bus "Carrie's Drunk Actually"* Hey, I feel you! I've been working on mine for the last 3 days! After a simple car wash mine locked me out so I called AAA who couldn't reprogram the antitheft device so after 6 hours that first day I just paid to have it towed to my house. The second day paid a locksmith who has an antitheft key programming machine but despite cutting a new key and trying to program, he couldn't get this done but said they "Still had to charge me for the call out $50). Then paid a Chevy Dealership $70 to cut a brand new key and still no luck. Spent the last day (all day) trying this and everyone else's suggestions so if it doesn't work for me by tomorrow, I'll have to pay the estimated $400 the dealer here quoted to do it for me. Could be PCM or other but how far do you keep going before you throw in the towel? Uggggggggg I'm going to go hit the Jack Daniels myself right now "Mike's drinking again"...lol Thanks for helping so many people though bro.

[@donoh3909]

He said… “Carrie’s TRUCK actually” not DRUNK….lol

[@ethanpetefish1640]

THANK YOU SO MUCH JUST SAVED ME $500 2008 GMC Sierra

[@57squared]

Great! Glad it worked for you.

[@jasonh_fitness]

Do we know why it just happens like that. My Saturn Sky did this today and it wont turn on.. I hear the three clicks but wont turn over

[@57squared]

Every situation is different. I dunno about the Saturn, but repeated clicks may be a starter relay or not enough amps to fully close the relay. Some vehicles had a PCM service bulletin for new software, or it could be work out parts like ignition key cylinder, etc. Mine would crank for a second if I turned the key from off to start quickly before it interrupted the starter.

[@dshz0202]

Thank you

[@luigi4549]

My battery gauge stays at zero and none of my dome lights work along with the hazards when I turn the key it just clicks but when I turn the headlights on they work so it’s not a battery problem. Do you think it could be this ? Also my door locks won’t lock or open and my alarm won’t work 07 Denali

[@57squared]

Sounds like more than just the theft control module to me. What exactly, not sure.

[@TheArron24]

Did u fix this my 07 is doing the same thing

[@mkdiff6290]

So I just sit and wait until the lock go away ?

[@davejanovec1120]

That works . No cutting wires no nothing else . Gutter done

[@darthraider4083]

I have an 07 single cab 4.8 Ive tried this and doesnt seem to work my light at no point in the 30 min time frame never goes off once stay lit the entire time do I need to lock my doors? Leave the head lights and radio on as well?

[@cordedarms5972]

Mine does the same did you ever figure out why your light didn't go off?

[@_darthraider_6784]

@@cordedarms5972 I wrapped the wire around the colum and when I tilted the steering wheel up it pulled it out causing my light to come on, check you wiring, fuse or the sensor itself could have gone bad, You can also try a hard reset take and uhook your battery put cardboard inbetween the terminals and battery then take both Pos or both Neg and put them on the battery cables it will reset the ecu.. Theres a video on here about it, hope that helps

[@supervibetrucker5570]

If this doesn't work.....Have somebody jumper your truck.Resets it. Boom!

[@spencersargent9120]

Does that actually work? Im haveing troubles with my truck and im thinkin of doing that

[@trex726jtp]

2011 GMC Canyon. Intermittently will not start. 2 or 3 tmes a month. Battery, starter, relays, fuses all good. Headlights flash on 2 minute afer trying to start. 8-12 minutes later, Starts everytime. Very aggravating. Gonna try your recommendation of leaving switch on until radio and fan is operating, depress brake. Ill post an update. JT

[@katiepritchard9507]

If you do this and it starts does it keep happening when you turn it off or is it a one time fix?

[@57squared]

Depends what is wrong with the vehicle or key.

[@lifteddreamz830]

I replaced my ECM on my 08 Tahoe and the Key Relearn process isn’t working but my Ignition lock cylinder is going bad. Is it possible the key relearn process won’t work because the ignition lock cylinder is bad?

[@57squared]

Lock cylinder is one potential cause of the no-start from theft deterrent so could be contributing.

[@lifteddreamz830]

@@57squared another thing that happened is when I tried the relearn process the security light won’t stay on like it’s supposed to. It turns off with the rest of the lights after turning the key to run position

[@ShawnT_1JZ]

had same issue on my 08 impala after changing door speakers and reconnecing the battery, all of a sudden my key didnt work, did the same thing praying my battery wouldnt die and it worked,

[@peterputnam3804]

2012 Silverado light on dashboard for theft deterrent service comes on tried every trick on KZbin none works. Recently put in a new battery as old battery did not test well. Light on dashboard came on about a week later. My next step is to pull fuse 35 and if that doesn't work will disconnect positive battery cable and wait 5 or 10 minutes. Truck still starts just that lite on dashboard annoys me.

[@alexquezada510]

I have a 2008 Acadia i changed the ecu and tried this procedure multiple times and immobilizer is still on, any ideas?

[@57squared]

Not familiar with that vehicle, but other potentials could be ignition cylinder, chip key, theft control module or wiring.

[@craiggerlach5548]

My lock light stays on after a battery swap too. Tried this procedure and light never goes out, battery saver comes on as all lights on with key on. Going to try and use scan tool next...

[@craiggerlach5548]

Just plugged in scan tool without opening tool and light went out and vehicle started.. weird.

[@donoh3909]

What kind of scan tool do u mean?

[@craiggerlach5548]

@@donoh3909 my issue was a ground wire was broken in harness from a heater core swap and pushing harness around up near gar pedal.. the scan tool must have been making the ground for me and allowing me to start vehicle.. was Autel dongle

[@arnolavila9174]

my truck has been sitting for 3 months and the process that I just saw does not work for me I disconnect the battery and nothing does not ask me for a code to be able to make a new key and 4 different people have tried now I have to take it to the dealer

[@mrmula555]

Same here 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Carloss80k]

same

[@aidenerskine6339]

Hopefully this works, would be awesome

[@gerardorodriguez8028]

Hey man. I have a 08 silverado. Has the same issue.... what should I try next..?

[@57squared]

Need to get the BCM codes read. Cheap code reader Wont read them so dealer or someone else with a better scanner. Could be a number of things.

[@riverrivers250]

my grandpas gmc sierra,, he activated that anti theft on his truck,,, he has a gmc sierra and chevy silverado,, so he used the chevy keys on his gmc without realizing untill i saw the key he was using,.,, apparently he kept trying and trying to start it, so now its locked (anti theft on)

[@shaunoguinn1015]

I did this but the anti theft light goes off within 30 seconds, been doing this for 4 hours and still no start

[@awgarage9318]

I have a 2011 Silverado, security light won’t go off during the 30 minute relearn. Stays on after the first 10 minutes. Truck has a new key cylinder, ignition switch, immobilizer, and pcm vats delete. Key turns, lights come on but no crank. Any ideas?

[@jayjoleee7099]

I’m just learning you have to get the key program by locksmith, I’m seeing the computer programs it better.

[@57squared]

VATS delete at PCM should completely resolve the problem forever. I question is that programming was correct since the lock light is still on. My other thought would be a wiring issue but having lock light on and VATS delete is suspect to me at least.

[@jayhuncho2155]

Did you figure it out?

[@dennisguajardo1940]

Same issue did you fix problem? I too have vats deleted. Immobilizers off and still symbol wont go away. No crank no start. Tried the key method spent over 10 min symbol never turned off

[@brandondonovan8402]

@dennisguajardo1940 hi did you end up figuring out why the light did not go out after 10 minutes? TIA

[@TomAnderson-cb7ue]

How you do that

[@Alehyn666]

similar thing happened, locked the truck over the weekend because we were gonna go to the cottage(thing is never locked been YEARS since we locked it up) came back 2 days after to try and unlock the doors, remote wouldnt work at all, so used the key in the door, opened it, started beeping like mofo(theft alarm) usually putting the key in the cylinder will shut it up and start, wouldnt tried this video, nothing so figured it was something in the wiring, anyways got pissed took a drillbit to the starter to jump it with the key on, cranked for 20sec started, no more issue? starts w/ the key now no alarms everything went back to normal, before that temp unit was showing fahrenheit(we cannucks, use celsius) went back to celsius as normal, truck is haunted, figured id post what fixed my issue.

[@jrod7659]

Yes my car got hit in the front was a hit and run and that light came on after that

[@Alektrivi25]

Mine doing the same thing the key is stuck in egnjtion

[@57squared]

Hmm that's odd the key is stuck. Sounds like it may be a problem with the lock cylinder itself.

[@dakotaalexander9292]

If had a car that after replacing the batteries allowing the anti theft system not start the car. Upon further troubleshooting there was a low voltage code, not saying this is the issue every time but bad connection at the battery can cause your cars antitheft system to not start your car on gms.

[@rickdellinger7572]

MY GOD!!!!

[@lizard9003]

I have the same problem I changed the battery, alternator and starter and still no crank no nothing it shows anti theft lock what should I do next

[@57squared]

Get it diagnosed by someone reputable so you don't keep throwing parts at it. Battery, alternator, starter aren't usually related to the theft control lock issues. TCM, PCM, lock cylinder, wiring, key, etc.

[@BS-ql9zm]

skip to 2:10

[@jorgecampos939]

video starts at 2:22

[@pastrana37]

Please if anybody read my issue Please Any Comments Will be appreciate.My 2007 gmc yukon won't Crank up I scan The Vehicle Came out with Code P1516 Not sure if started issue or throttle body.

[@matthewadolph51]

Throttle actuator control module- throttle actuator position performance is what that code is for

[@pastrana37]

@@matthewadolph51 Thank you

[@paulaarp6737]

I had a code for the throttle body position sensor. I took it off and cleaned it very well because I didn’t have the money to replace the part. After that all my electrical started acting up. I see the car and lock symbol when I have to lock it by hand on the button because my fob won’t work. I can’t get a new fob to work and I replaced the batteries on the old fob. It won’t go into pairing mode when I hold down the driver side door unlock. I’m so f$%#ing frustrated. Any help would be truly appreciated

[@pastrana37]

@@paulaarp6737 Hi Paula I'm Really like help you out..But I'm not mechanic..Tried To Searching out You issue on KZbin Ton of video's available..Good luck & Happy Holiday's🎄

[@paulaarp6737]

@@pastrana37 I have tried about 7 different things and nothing

[@raymondharper5338]

I did that still not working

[@tristenleidner1146]

What if ive done this time and time again and the light never goes off

[@cordedarms5972]

Same as you. Did you ever figure it out ?

[@tristenleidner1146]

@@cordedarms5972 yes it was a 2 amp fuse on the fuse box located under the hood on the driver side which is utilized for the antitheft system/ignition

[@cordedarms5972]

@@tristenleidner1146 Appreciate it🤙🏼

[@tristenleidner1146]

@@cordedarms5972 no problem let me know if it helps!

[@cordedarms5972]

@tristenleidner1146 fingers crossed 🤞 old school fuse with a z wire. My eyes are getting bad. I switched it with a new one and now the light is going off but the one time I didn't have the charger on🤣 at least I got a nice refurb ECM and BCM, ignition lock🤦 just like the old square body, one key to get in one key to start it😆

[@user-ve1cr1sq9l]

Good information but very long presentation

[@ramonsepulveda2666]

But what if the security light don't come off

[@57squared]

Could be a bad key, lock cylinder or something else. Get the BCM codes read (can't use a basic scanner) to get an idea, or buy a new key and try it, that's a cheap way to test if it's the key.

[@ramonsepulveda2666]

I just scanned it and it said crankshaft position 're learn

[@57squared]

@@ramonsepulveda2666 Did you change the PCM? If not, then you need to do the crank relearn as it may be causing the no-start. If it takes then hopefully it fixes it. Otherwise you need to find out what is causing the crank relearn code. Try this resource: highway71autoparts.com/gm-crankshaft-position-relearn-case-relearn/ HOWEVER, you need to start the vehicle. So it could still be the key. What scanner did you use? Is it a basic one or will it read the BCM codes, not just the more basic codes?

[@kevinortiz7879]

@@57squared i have the same problem but I did change the pcm. What do I do ?

[@ramonsepulveda2666]

It has a new ignition lock cylinder that I recently programmed could it have messed up my truck do I need original keys?

[@chemicallyfreenolye5462]

i have a 2007 isuzu i290, it was made by GM same issue for yrs😔 #recallplease

[@michpackfan]

Same fix in about 100 videos, doesn't always work

[@tphixxtvlogs3943]

Waiting for security light to go off on the third and final time but this third time the light is staying on longer than the previous two times. The first two times I did it ten minutes a piece. Third time is going on 25 minutes.

[@REsuperGRX7]

i had same issue, turned out the BCM was bad, sent mine in for repair but was told was non-repairable and they sold me a "refurbished" unit programmed to my vin. see today if this fixes my issue.

[@Tylerdoesit]

@@REsuperGRX7 what happened? I assumed it fixed it because you never commented again

[@norman7179]

How many batteries and starters have been replaced because of this ? How can I disable this B/S so it doesn't happen again ??? What if there is an emergency and I don't have 30 minutes to play games with this piece of trash ?

[@B_HarTz]

Doesn’t work, fake video and I’ve already tried that literally using my phones timer 😂

[@ScootinIsLife]

Try working on those nose hairs before your next videos !

[@santaanaty2224]

😂 lies

[@lexusry]

WHAT AN AWFUL GM DESIGN

[@articiahughes8283]

What has been working for me is turning on the key in the on position before starting for 10 seconds (I.e wait until the the radio comes all the way on so you can here the music, the a/c settles, the engine light and car theft light is on the dash on the dashboard only and then finally you should here like a little poof or air release or whining) then before I crank the truck I push the brake pedal all the way to the floor as hard as I can and then try to start the truck. The truck cranks on with no problem.