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.
Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Control Module
Use this procedure only if replacing the theft deterrent control module with an GM SPO Replacement Part.
- Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
- Turn ignition on, with engine off.
- With a scan tool, select Setup New VTD Module in the Vehicle Theft Deterrent, Special Functions data list.
- Follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
When replacing a PCM with a GM SPO Replacement Part, the new PCM will learn the incoming fuel continue password immediately after programming and upon receipt of a password message. Once a password message is received and a password is learned, perform the learn procedure to change this password again. A PCM which had been installed in another vehicle will have learned the fuel continue password of the other vehicle's theft deterrent control module. Perform either the 10-minute relearn procedure or the 30-minute relearn procedure after programming to learn the fuel continue password of the current vehicle's theft deterrent control modules.
When performing either relearn procedure, all previously learned keys will be erased from the theft deterrent control module's memory.
Additional keys may be learned immediately after the first relearn procedure by inserting the additional key and turning the ignition to RUN within 10 seconds of removing the previously learned key.
Use only a master key when performing the first relearn procedure. If you use a valet key first, the theft deterrent control module will not allow additional keys to be learned.
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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.