lost key

[xxoasisxx]

I know, I know, I'm a moron! My key chain broke, and the ignition key to my 2002 Grand Prix SE has fallen off. It's gone!
The dealership informed me that I would have to pay for a blank key, at a cost of $70.00. I would have to pay for key code information from GM, at a cost of $35.00. I would have to tow the car into the dealership, at a cost of $60.00. I would have to pay an hours labour to program the key, at a cost of $89.90 (Canadian funds).
That's a total of 254.90 + Tax. For a key?
I don't mind paying for the key cutting, and the information from GM, but can't I program the key myself?
Does anyone know the procedure for programming an ignition key for a 2002 Grand Prix SE?

[kustomkid54]

Do you still have the other set of keys that came with the car?

[DoberManJT]

Getting the blank key cut to your lock may be the expensive part of the process, BUT you can buy blank pk3 keys on ebay for about $25. However, without another key for your car, you wouldn't be able to take it to wal-mart to get it cut for a whopping $2. Oh, and by the way, that $35 GM key code cost is TOTAL BS. The reprogram process is stored the car's PCM, it is time consuming -- 30 minutes sitting in the car, but it is NOT hard. I did it myself to a new Master Key for my car. The dealership is ripping you a new one.

Here are the correct instructions for reprogramming a Master Key (the one which has a small M on it) and all secondary keys

Symptoms:
=======================================
Engine starts but stalls 4 seconds later.
Security light is on.
Vehicle is undrivable.
Tempers flare.
Yell at 'stupid car'.
=======================================

Procedures:
=== Relearning the Master Key's code ===
Using the Key with the characters PK3 M (M stands for Master Key).
Insert Key into ignition and turn to Run position (do not start car).
Security light will blink for 10 minutes.
When it stops blinking, turn key back one click (dash lights will go
off).
Within 2 seconds, turn key forward to Run position.
(This procedure is repeted 3 times, for a total of 30 minutes)
After the third time, turn the Key to Off and remove the key from the
ignition.
Re-Insert the master Key into Ignition and start the car.
The Security light should go out after a few seconds.
(If light stays on, you messed up the procedure, try again)

=== Relearning other Keys ===
All Secondary Keys should be moved away from ignition switch.
Insert Master Key into ignition and start vehicle.
Ready the secondary key in your other hand.
Turn off and remove the Master Key from ignition.
Within 2 seconds, insert the secondary key and turn to Run position.
(do not start car)
when security light turns off (1-2 seconds), turn key to Off for 2
seconds.
Turn key to Run and wait for light to go out again.
This process should be repeated a total of 3 cycles of Run-Off.
Remove secondary key.
To test the key, re-insert and start car.
Light should go out within 1-2 seconds.

[DoberManJT]

Forgot to mention... once you get a working master key do yourself a favor, buy one or two extra blank keys on ebay, take them to wal-mart and get them cut for a small fee, and program them in as secondary keys. Total cost for this -- $30 for one, $60 for two, which beats the $165 dealership wants to charge you for one.

[xxoasisxx]

kustomkid54 - No, unfortunately the car only came with one key, and I didn't have the foresight to get another one cut.

DoberManJT - I'll try what you have suggested, and get back to you with the results. Thanks.

[WRBsGTP]

you're not alone Oasis--i only got one key when i bought my car too. i thought there was a policy or something against that, but i guess not.

[kustomkid54]

Dealers only have to give you the keys that were turned in at the time of trade in.
BUT, if you tell them you want a 2nd key, I don't think they will lose a sale over a key they pay about a dollar for.

[xxoasisxx]

DoberManJT - That worked! I don't know how to thank you, but keep up the good work. It's nice to know there are people out there willing to help, and not expect something in return.
Although, if you want to send me an e-mail, I could mail you a Sanp-On hat or something.

[DoberManJT]

Glad to hear things worked out for you! If you want to thank me here is what you can do -- if someone has a question and you know the answer don't get them a hard time or make them feel stupid, just help them the best you can.