If you have minimal damage to the column it should be possible to replace just the key cylinder. For that you have a couple of options, one is to use the VIN number and order two new keys with a lock cylinder from a dealer or automotive locksmith. They will ask for the VIN, your ID and the title to prove you own the car. Then you simply install the lock cylinder and test the new cylinder to be sure it triggers the PassLock sensor. If it does the theft light will go off and the car will run. The other option is to replace the lock cylinder with a new one that comes with new keys, the catch to this option is that the rest of the locks on the car will not work with the new keys. For this method the easy relearn may work, but it may not, some of them are touchy and require a scan tool to reprogram the module. The scan tool would also tell you if the sensor was working or not.
The GM relearn takes 30 minutes, but if the sensor isn't working you won't know it until the process is done and the car still won't start.
The relearn is as follows:
First make sure the battery is good or connect a charger
1-Now turn the key on.
2-Try to start the engine and leave the key in the "on" position.
3-The security light should start flashing.
4-After 10 minutes the light should stop flashing and go off.
5-Turn the key to "off" and wait 5 seconds.
Repeat steps 1-5 two more times for a total of three times.
At the end of the third time you shut off the key, wait the 5 seconds and then try to start the car. If it starts and runs, the relearn is complete. If it still acts the way it is now then either the PassLock sensor is bad and the cylinder housing needs to be replaced as well, or the relearn using that method didn't program correctly.
The key cylinder replacement isn't difficult as long as the housing and column are okay.
As you have a broken cylinder you remove the two covers from the steering column.
Then to install the replacement you need to rotate the key in the housing to the run position with the ignition switch inside the column in that same position. The lock assy. Should then slide in and lock in place. At that point you would do the relearn. If you needed to pull it back apart it is much easier with it already partially apart. If it works you can reattach the covers and should be all set. If the relearn doesn't work you will need a dealer level scan tool to complete the job.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 10:32 AM
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