Chip in Key or Not?

[kenc]

The dealer told me there is a chip in the key for my 2003 AV. I made a copy to keep in my wallet to open the door if locked out, etc, and assumed it would not start the car. It Does! I did a search here and see others have done the same, and I've seen posts that indicate that others think there is a chip. The owners manual blurb on passlock implies a chip, but really just say you need a "valid" key.
Has anyone actually made a copy and not been able to start their AV with it or otherwise have proof that a chip exists?

 

[barnesgw]

Last week I had my dealer make 3 spare keys for both the 02 Suburban and 03 Avalanche. There is no "chip" in either of them. He just used stock blanks that his parts department had. Took 5 minutes, just like in the mall. I asked him if he "programmed" it for the security system, and he told me that is not necessary.

On my TransAm, there was a definite "chip" at the base of the key, but the current key does not have it.

Gerry

 

[TLB]

Well If there is no "chip" in the key, why does it say "driver one" and "driver two" in the driver information center?

I have also seen "unknown driver" when I have moved some cars at the dealership.

If I get some time at work I will check into this.

Terry

 

[AVid]

I do believe the driver number comes from the key FOB and not the key.

HTH
John

 

[karen0220]

I have an 03 AV and there is no chip in my key(s). I have made several copies of the key and they all start the truck. The driver 1 or 2 that shows up when you start the truck is from the FOB

hope this helps

princess

 

[Rus7y]

Well If there is no "chip" in the key, why does it say "driver one" and "driver two" in the driver information center?

I have also seen "unknown driver" when I have moved some cars at the dealership.

If I get some time at work I will check into this.

Terry

Doesn't that have to do with the memory function of the seats, mirrors, etc.?

Rusty

 

[ygmn]

somewhere on here is the explanation....about keys...someone posted how the passlock checks the key for resistance or something....and how it may start and work for a while but eventually the truck dies....

I am unsure of what is accurate but it is a good read....

Check the thread about theives prowling my parking lot at work...

 

[SpottyJ]

What YGMM said above, and no there is no chip just an electronic security system in the colum that prevents hotwiring or screwdriver in the ingition lock cylinder.

SpottyJ

 

[RJLACK]

Now this is just a question here - but for those who have made extra keys and using them to start their AVs - are all your keys on a key ring together - have you tried starting the AV with the new cut key and leaving all your oyher keys in the house - the other question is as long as you use the correct remote it will accept the key - I believe this to be why your extra keys work. Now this is conjecture only and I intend on getting this ironed out soon with some solid information! I will post what I find soon!

 

[openminds]

There is no chip in the 02 Avalanche key. This chip (transponder) system has been used in some GM products (Corvette, Lumina etc.) but not in our AV. One of my spares is a plain steel blank and it works fine. Even with my "real" key 500 miles from home or at the bottom of the lake.

Driver 1 & 2 refer to the Keyless entry fobs. User settings can be saved and set upon entry according to which fob you unlock with.

Hope this helps.

 

[RJLACK]

OK well that answers that! I still believe it has to do with sequence - at least that is my understanding when diagnosing a theft detected code stored in the ECM - we do get these in the shop from time to time - however not on an AV yet - so I am still not certain. A friend of mine got his AV stolen and was told by the dealer that the thief either had to have a key or a remote to steal it or it would not start and run! Thats what he was told - when they recovered it it had no broken glass nor did it have any steering column damage or wiring damage - this would seem to support what the dealer said!

 

[ShapeShifter]

somewhere on here is the explanation....about keys...someone posted how the passlock checks the key for resistance or something....and how it may start and work for a while but eventually the truck dies....

I am unsure of what is accurate but it is a good read....

Check the thread about theives prowling my parking lot at work...

The full (and very technical) explanation is here: http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=15;action=display;threadid=14781;start=msg239110#msg239110

-- SS

 

[neo7241]

Now this is just a question here - but for those who have made extra keys and using them to start their AVs - are all your keys on a key ring together - have you tried starting the AV with the new cut key and leaving all your oyher keys in the house - the other question is as long as you use the correct remote it will accept the key - I believe this to be why your extra keys work. Now this is conjecture only and I intend on getting this ironed out soon with some solid information! I will post what I find soon!

      I was at the Local Chevy dealer today to get an extra key and fob. The Service Manager (and parts guy in on the conversation also), told me that the Av did not get the transponder in the key until 2007. I had them make me a key there, and bought a new fob from them as well. The key does not have the transponder in it. I programmed the fob myself.