Immobilizer Description and Operation (Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Asia)

Immobilizer Description and Operation (Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Asia)

The immobilizer system functions are provided by the theft deterrent module (TDM). When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains a unique value, which is received by the TDM. The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory. This value is known as the learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is the challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. If the calculations match, the TDM sends the fuel continue password via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If either the transponder's unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the ECM via serial data. The components of the immobilizer system are as follows:

* The TDM
* The ECM
* The ignition key (transponder)
* The ignition lock cylinder
* The security indicator



Theft Deterrent Module (TDM)

The TDM uses the following inputs: battery voltage, ignition switched voltage, and ground circuit. The TDM uses the following outputs: password exchange with the ECM, fuel continue/disable via the serial data circuit.


When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains a unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent control module. The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. The TDM then performs one of the following functions:

* If both the transponder value and the calculation to the challenge are correct, the TDM will send the fuel enable password to the ECM via serial data.
* If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the ECM via serial data.
* If the TDM is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value for 1 second due to a damaged or missing transponder or a damaged exciter, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the ECM via serial data.



Engine Control Module (ECM)

The ECM verifies that the password received from the TDM via the serial data circuit is correct. The ECM can learn only one fuel continue password. If the fuel continue password is correct, the ECM enables the starting and fuel delivery systems.


The ECM disables the starting and fuel delivery systems if any of the following conditions occur:

* The fuel continue password is incorrect.
* The fuel disable password is sent by the TDM.
* No passwords are received. There is no communication with the TDM.



The Ignition Key (Transponder)

The ignition key for PASS-Key III equipped vehicles is a typical looking ignition key with a transponder located in the plastic head of the key. The transponder value is fixed and unable to be changed. The immobilizer system uses the ignition key transponder value to determine if a valid ignition key is being used to start the vehicle. There are approximately 3 trillion possible transponder values. There are no visible electrical contacts. Immobilizer systems use the following types of ignition keys:

Master Keys

Master keys have a black plastic head for full access operation of the vehicle. Master keys may perform the following functions:

* Start the vehicle.
* Lock/unlock all of the door locks.
* Lock/unlock all of the storage compartments.


Valet Keys

Important: Valet keys are NOT standard equipment on all GM vehicle lines.



Valet keys have a gray plastic head and are for restricted operation of the vehicle. Valet keys may perform the following functions:

* Start the vehicle.
* Lock/unlock all of the door locks.



Ignition Lock Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder performs all of the functions of a lock cylinder on a non-PASS-Key III equipped vehicle. The ignition lock cylinder for vehicles with PASS-Key III plus is located on the steering column. The exciter coils surround the ignition lock cylinder such that they are very close to the head of the key which contains the transponder.


If an ignition lock cylinder is replaced, the new ignition lock cylinder must be coded to match the mechanical coding of the PASS-Key III plus keys. When replacing an ignition lock cylinder, and new keys are required, the new keys must be learned by the TDM. Refer to Replacing Keys (Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Asia) (Service and Repair) .


Security Indicator

The TDM can command the body control module (BCM) to illuminate the security indicator only when the ignition key is in the ON position. If the ECM loses communication with the TDM, the BCM will also detect the loss of communication and will illuminate the security indicator. The security indicator can indicate both malfunctions, indicator ON steady and tamper, indicator flashing. A flashing indicator indicates unauthorized operation.