New key programming

[Wubs]

Hi.

I searched and could not find this posted before: If I buy a key off of eBay, how do I program it to be accepted by my 2002 Montana?

I'm dense, so I'll explain: I only have one original key (it has the "chip" in it to prevent theft). I want to buy a key from eBay as it cost $50 from the dealer here in Canada and another $50 to program it.

Can I do it myself? If so, what is the link for the instructions? (same for another remote keyless fob I need to buy, please).

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes pity on me and replies!

-Wubs

[Onblsht]

Do you already have the remotes? If not, check out the link in my sig...they seem to have all the Montana remotes and should be able to help.

[Wubs]

Originally Posted by Onblsht

Do you already have the remotes? If not, check out the link in my sig...they seem to have all the Montana remotes and should be able to help.

It's NOT the remote FOB programming instructions I am looking for.

I am looking for info on how to program a PK3 key.

Thanks

[sharo23]

Originally Posted by Wubs

Hi.

I searched and could not find this posted before: If I buy a key off of eBay, how do I program it to be accepted by my 2002 Montana?

I'm dense, so I'll explain: I only have one original key (it has the "chip" in it to prevent theft). I want to buy a key from eBay as it cost $50 from the dealer here in Canada and another $50 to program it.

Can I do it myself? If so, what is the link for the instructions? (same for another remote keyless fob I need to buy, please).

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes pity on me and replies!

-Wubs

all gm cars has a master key you need to have it most of them it's the black head one start the car with the master key shut it off and insert the new key with in 5 sec and it should learn the key

[BETTY NAPIER]

Originally Posted by sharo23

all gm cars has a master key you need to have it most of them it's the black head one start the car with the master key shut it off and insert the new key with in 5 sec and it should learn the key

THE NEW KEY MUST BE TURNED TO THE ON POSITION WITHIN 10 SECONDS AFTER REMOVING THE ORIGINAL KEY AND THEN REMOVED AFTER LEAVING IT IN THE ON POSITION FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS. OTHER NEW KEYS CAN BE PROGRAMMED THE SAME WAY.

[Wubs]

Actually, through my research I have discovered that in Canada and Europe, the insurance companies have forced GM to make it so that there MUST be two pre-programmed keys BEFORE any additional keys can be programmed.

This is to prevent easy duplication by theives (it makes sense to me, read on to see why).

To program additional keys when you only have ONE key, the GM dealer uses that programming tool they have to erase this setting from the BCM. Then they program the second key; then use their tool to add the deleted setting back in to prevent a thief from programming any additional keys using only one master key.

Here is the rationale: some cars are stolen after a parking valet or mechanic has one key, they could get a second blank key, cut it to match the one master key, program it and then steal your car days later so you wouldn't think that they had anything to do with it.

Probably not a common scenario, but one that made the insurance companies worry enough that GM did it this way.

So, only in the USA do you need one key before you can program a second key.

Every where else, you need 2 keys, or go to a dealer and pay lots of money.

[bobbuell]

is the programming of a spare key different if you have to have 2 keys, if i do it myself?

[Wubs]

If you already have two working keys for your Montana/Venture/Shilouette, then you can program additional keys as per the owner's manual.

In the USA you only need to have one working key.

In Canada, Europe & Japan, you need to have 2 working keys.

-James

Originally Posted by bobbuell

is the programming of a spare key different if you have to have 2 keys, if i do it myself?

[BIGPROFITT]

How can I tell if my van came from the US or Canada? Just want to make sure before I get started.

[maxwedge]

Look at the VIN, if it starts with a 2 it is Canadian.

[travist]

Mileage will be in km, not miles if it was fmade in Canada.