Aftermarket Remote Starter with PK3 Keys

[jmoleary]

Having learned some interesting behavior from experience, I'd like to share with anyone interested. I wanted to install an aftermarket remote starter on my wife's 2002 Montana. Because it uses PK3 keys, manuals stated an additional PK3 key placed inside an additional transponder module was required. I found a shortcut that works for me because I don't value the PK3 key security anyway. I simply duc-taped an original PK3 key inside the steering column, next to the ignition module. Now the very expensive PK3 keys don't work, but cheap hardware store copies do. Also the remote starter works fine without the additional transponder expense.

[rattler02]

Now that's a clever trick

[bighank]

Did you have to first LEARN the NEW key using the procedure in the manual?
Can't see how the new key with an UNKNOWN RFID CHIP would work. BIGHANK

[jmoleary]

Yes,
Of course the key taped inside the steering column is one "known" to the security module. The manual tells how to program up-to-4 keys into the security module. In this case, I already had one already "known" key anyway so I just taped it in place after making several cheap copies of it (not using the expensive PK3 keys)

[radeohedca]

Do any of you happen to know what version of key security the '99 Montana uses ?
Thanks.

[radeohedca]

Originally Posted by jmoleary

---TRIM--- Now the very expensive PK3 keys don't work, but cheap hardware store copies do. Also the remote starter works fine without the additional transponder expense.

Interesting that the PK3 keys don't work anymore. I suppose the transponder is being confused by the contention of seeing 2 keys (the one taped inside the column and the one in the ignition). That must have thrown you for a loop at first.