Replaced ignition switch assembly

Tiny
GMCJR78
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I replaced my ignition switch, cylinder and got new keys. It's actually an entire assembly off of another vehicle. Mine took a dump. Still have off key. A bit worn but, I just installed it. Hadn't tried anything yet. Disconnected battery fully to charge it. Been disconnected bout. Well tomorrow will be 2 days. Is there anything I need to do before I try it tomorrow? Heard talk about programming and whatnots. Hoping was just a plug and play lol. Since it was all one same unit already linked to each other. Everything but my car reckon. Oh, I got a keyless entry with me ignition as well. Didn't have one before.
But was seeing if needed do anything or?
Thank you
Friday, June 18th, 2021 AT 11:56 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
If you mean you replaced the cylinder and keys you will still need to program it into the system as the transponder chips will be different in the new keys. However it should work to do the 30 minute relearn if those are the only items you changed.

This 30-minute learn procedure should be used when all vehicle keys are desired to be replaced or reprogrammed. This procedure will erase all previously learned vehicle keys from the Theft Deterrent Module. Once the 30-minute learn procedure has been completed, any remaining vehicle keys may be programmed using the Adding Keys procedure to ensure their continued functionality.

1. With an unlearned master vehicle key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Observe the security indicator, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn off.
3. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles or 30 minutes.

Important - The TDM learns the key transponder information upon the ignition switch transition from OFF to ON. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

5. With a master vehicle key, start the vehicle. The vehicle has now learned the key transponder information.
6. If additional keys are required to be learned, refer to Adding Keys.
7. With a scan tool, clear any DTCs.

The remote likely will not work unless the truck was built with keyless entry and it is enabled in the system. Then you can follow the process in the owners manual to add remotes.

Adding keys -
Insert an existing programmed working key into the ignition cylinder.
Turn ignition to the ON position for 5 seconds, then back to OFF position.
Remove the existing key and within 5 seconds insert new key and turn it to the ON position for 5 seconds.
Turn key OFF then back to ON. The key is now programmed.

The above work for US built versions, if your VIN starts with a 1 or 4 it should work, if it's a 2 or 3 it will not as they used a different system that you need a scan tool to access.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 5:56 AM
Tiny
GMCJR78
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Okay, thank you. Sounds good. Fixing to go find out what happens. Thanks again.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 9:10 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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You're welcome. Please let us know how you make out. For the remote it will depend on the actual option package you have as to how it gets programmed but I tend to use a scan tool for all of them because it's a lot faster. The owner's manual will also tell you and that can be found online if you don't have one.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
GMCJR78
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  • 5 POSTS
Well, I got remote to work.
The security light never came on. I did the 3 step. Tried to start and nothing. Literally nothing. Still no security light though.
The message board did say service theft deterrent. So I'm not sure. Got reset theft deterrent?
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
It should do the reset if the only parts you changed were the key cylinder and the keys. What did it do with the old switch? Any issues then other than worn? No security light usually means there is an issue with a failure in the system so I would verify that the fuses are all good. Does the security light come on during the initial key on bulb test?
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
GMCJR78
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Not that I know of. Key wouldn't turn no matter what I tried. Wheel wouldn't unlock.
Actually no I don't see a security light on initial key turn. Just in message board saying service theft deterrent system. But when I lock the doors the car and lock light flash.
I replaced the whole thing. In pic.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
Okay, you replaced the entire housing not just the cylinder. For that you do need a scan tool so the system can read the data from the replacement assembly, that is also why no security light, that piece isn't initialized by the PCM so it doesn't show up. The relearn process only works if you change only the key cylinder itself. In this case the system doesn't even know that the key is there. To make it work you will need a dealer level scan tool and a security code that they would have, some mobile locksmiths can also do this depending on your location would determine which is lower cost.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
GMCJR78
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Oh, I see. Wonderful, lol. Okay. Well, on 2 the next step I reckon.
Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
They can't make it easy these days, and the newer you go the worse it gets, lol.
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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 7:15 AM

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