Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Programming Theft Deterrent System Components
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Immobilizer System Component Programming
10-Minute Immobilizer Relearn
This 10-minute relearn procedure will relearn the fuel enable password between the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) and the engine control module (ECM).
1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
3. Ensure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
4. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method. Ensure the correct programming selection is chosen based on component being replaced or programmed. Ensure the correct Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Powertrain System selection is chosen based on the engine RPO of the vehicle being programmed.
5. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.
Important:
* The scan tool will initially display 12 Minutes. The first 2 minutes allow the scan tool to initialize the appropriate control module. The remaining 10 minutes is the relearn timer.
* On some vehicles the security indicator may be illuminated for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.
6. Observe the scan tool, after approximately 10 minutes the scan tool will display "Programming Successful, Turn OFF Ignition". The vehicle is now ready to relearn the key information and/or the passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK.
7. Turn OFF the ignition and wait 2 minutes.
8. Turn the ignition to the RUN position for 15 seconds, then start the vehicle. The RCDLR and ECM have now relearned the fuel continue password.
9. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.
30-Minute Immobilizer Relearn
This 30-minute relearn procedure will learn the fuel enable password between the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) and the engine control module (ECM).
This procedure will only work on an ECM or RCDLR which has not already learned a valid fuel enable password. If the ECM or RCDLR has already learned a valid fuel enable password and you wish to relearn that password, the 10-Minute Immobilizer Relearn procedure above must be used.
1. Press and hold the OFF/Acc button for approximately 4 seconds to turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
2. Observe the security indicator. After approximately 10 minutes the indicator will turn off.
3. Press the OFF portion of the ignition switch and wait 5 seconds.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles or 30 minutes.
Important: The vehicle learns the password on the transition from OFF to CRANK. You must press the OFF portion of the ignition switch and wait 5 seconds before attempting to start the vehicle.
5. Start the vehicle. The module being programmed has now learned the fuel enable password.
6. Clear any DTCs.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.