The Ignition Key (Transponder)

The ignition key for Antitheft and Alarm Systems equipped vehicles is a typical looking ignition key with a transponder located in the plastic end of the key. The transponder value is fixed and unable to be changed. The Antitheft and Alarm Systems 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 keys may be identified by the letters "PK3" stamped into the steel shank of the key. The theft deterrent systems use the following types of ignition keys:

Master Keys
Master keys (black plastic end) are 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 (Gray plastic end) are NOT original equipment on this vehicle. Valet Keys (Gray plastic end) are available on other GM vehicle lines.

Valet keys (Gray plastic end) provide limited access to the vehicle and vehicle functions. Valet keys may perform the following functions:
^ Start the vehicle.
^ Lock/unlock all of the door locks.