Transponder or not?

[MrRado]

Ok, so I've searched here some say Yes some say No.
Bulldog page said Yes, that's why I bought PLJX with my R/S.
I did wonder if so, how can a chip fit in this little flat key on my 05 CC?
If so, does anyone know where the it's located at in the key?
I've open up a Nissan key and the chip is pretty big, size of a smallest sun flower seed.

Some say key with transponder chip will have + by the head, mine doesn't.
I guess only to find out is to get a copy of chipless and try it out.

[golffnutty]

Any microchip can fit in the head of a key. Depends on the manufacturer. The GM B-111 is a transponder key the Home Depot sells that gets programmed at the vehicle. Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan keys all have huge heads, but they have watch batteries in them. The GM and the Honda key are one piece keys.

[MrRado]

Batteries?
are you talking bout battery for keyless?
Else, battery use for what?
In the picture, the fat head is of my Mazda 6, no remote.
So, would you know where the chip is embedded in the head?

I want to mod my key. I want to move my key and chip to the remote. 2 in 1.

[hmmbagodden]

Our truck's keys do not have transponders.

Passlock on these trucks measures a preset r-value (resistance) on the passlock wire that is tripped when a key has turned within the ignition. No key = no passlock value read = no start. Incorrect key = can't turn key = no passlock value read. Attempt to hotwire = no key in ignition = no passlock value read = no start.

[Wheelerr88]

My 2012 is chipped or whatever its called, i had to remove it from the factory key to run the buick flip key. Idk what year it started but based on the flip key thread your 05 shouldnt have anything.

Its the small led looking thing.

[hmmbagodden]

Ahhh, ohk. Canadian trucks use a transponder (PASS-Key III+) while U.S. trucks use the Passlock I described above.

Not sure if all Canadian model years used the PASS-Key system -- but I'm very confident that all U.S. model years used the Passlock system w/o transponders.

Edit: I browsed through the Colorado Owner's manuals through the years -- PASS-Key first showed up in 2008 for Canadian trucks. U.S. trucks have always been Passlock w/ pre-2008 Canadian trucks Passlock as well.

Here's some more information from the 2012 Owner's Manual:

Immobilizer Operation (PASS-Key III+ Canada Only)
The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle. Only the correct key starts the vehicle. If the key is ever damaged, the vehicle may not start.

Immobilizer Operation (Passlock U.S. Only)
Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system that enables fuel if the vehicle is started with a valid key. If an incorrect key is used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, the fuel system is disabled and the vehicle does not start.

[Wheelerr88]

Interesting, didn't think we'd have different keys between us and canada.

[fitsector]

What about 355´s on Mexico? My key is flat and has no lights, leds nor nothing. I bought the highest trim level available.

[hmmbagodden]

The PASS-Key III+ keys should be stamped with "PK3" on the key blade. Perhaps some Canadians can verify?

[Canuck355]

I have a 2008 Canyon in Canada my key only has the numeber 3 and a + sign stamped on it.

But here is a picture of the passlock module in the steering column I took when I did the remote start a few years ago. Sorry it's a little blurred.

[MrRado]

So the answer is: No we dont have any thing embedded in our US 04 Colorado key like the little one pictured above? I want to make sure when I grind the plastic off the metal I dont grind any diod/resistor/transponder because my keyless fob broke so I wa5t to do this:

[hmmbagodden]

You're correct, U.S. keys should have no transponder -- the anti-theft is purely within the ignition coil.

You can double check your key, there should be a "3+" stamped on the blade near the plastic handle.

[MrRado]

But what I dont understand was last time I went in hardware store, they couldn't make me a copy because they can't program it. I will try one more time to go get a copy.

Thanks again.

[Kashed Throat]

I don't have a chip in mine, just had 3 keys made at Homedepot and the truck starts and runs with al of them. I just ordered one of these though:


GM Uncut Key Blank with An Extra Nickle Plate Blank Pair of Key Blanks | eBay


I'm hoping it works because I love the smaller key. My friend has an 06 Avalanche and his OEM key is identical to mine, but he was able to use that older style GM key. Anyone have experience with it?

[MrRado]

I like the bigger one myself. I have the keyless remote siting around because it was broken. I want to get one of those flip key. I'll see what i can frabricate.

Originally Posted by Kashed Throat

I don't have a chip in mine, just had 3 keys made at Homedepot and the truck starts and runs with al of them. I just ordered one of these though:


GM Uncut Key Blank with An Extra Nickle Plate Blank Pair of Key Blanks | eBay


I'm hoping it works because I love the smaller key. My friend has an 06 Avalanche and his OEM key is identical to mine, but he was able to use that older style GM key. Anyone have experience with it?

[hmmbagodden]

Yea, there's no programming with the U.S. trucks -- you're good to go and just explain to the guy cutting keys that our trucks use Passlock, not PASSkey passive security. Later-model Canadian trucks will need the keys programmed.