The Ignition Key (Transponder)
The ignition key will be stamped with a + or a + surrounded by a circle. This symbol only identifies the key as a PassKey III+ transponder key and is not a reliable way to determine if a particular key is the correct key for a vehicle. Service parts may have a different stamped symbol than the production part. The only way to determine the proper key for a vehicle is by referencing the parts catalog.
The ignition key for PassKey III+ (PK3+) equipped vehicles is a standard 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. The immobilizer system 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 and rear compartment.
- Lock/unlock all of the storage compartments.
Valet Keys
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.
Fleet Keys
Fleet keys are NOT standard equipment on all GM vehicle lines.
Fleets keys allow full access to the vehicle just as a master key would. However, unlike a master key which may only learn 10 keys to a particular vehicle, an unlimited number of fleet keys may be learned to the vehicle. Fleet keys are only used in vehicles configured for fleet use with RPO 6E2 or 6E8.
- Start the vehicle.
- Lock/unlock all of the door locks and rear compartment.
- Lock/unlock all of the storage compartments.