2003 ignition key different?

JAF1 · June 10, 2003

Is the ignition key on the 2003's anything special? Theft encoded or anything? I want to get a few extra.

k1500chevy97 · June 10, 2003

Just had 2 extras cut for my 03 and they were just regular blanks .

I dont know if the ignition is different between models though ( base - LS - LT )

greyghost03 · June 10, 2003

The keys look like regular blanks to me. No chips or anything special in them.

JAF1 · June 11, 2003

Sorry, but that is a step in the wrong direction. I just assumed that it did because they used to have them. For as much as these trucks are and as popular they are for being stolen they should do something more. Think about it. Break the window (no alarm going off) and hot wire the thing (no special key needed). That's takes us back to 1950's security. Unless I'm totally missing something here.

GDN · June 11, 2003

Per the book and brochure - Passlock is still part of the key and ignition. I think any key will start the truck - but isn't the fuel flow supposed to stop if you actually drive off without a Passlock key in the ignition. I typically carry a spare cheap key in my billfold just to unlock it should the keys ever get locked in it - I haven't done that with the new one - it has Onstar. If you get one made and give it a try let us know.

GnatGoSplat · June 11, 2003

Sorry, but that is a step in the wrong direction. I just assumed that it did because they used to have them. For as much as these trucks are and as popular they are for being stolen they should do something more. Think about it. Break the window (no alarm going off) and hot wire the thing (no special key needed). That's takes us back to 1950's security. Unless I'm totally missing something here.

They had lots of reliability problems with the original Passlock system which had the chip in the key. The chip in the key was a specially coded resistor and the vehicle would only start with that special key.

These trucks use Passlock II which uses a specially coded ignition switch. The ignition switch sends a specific voltage to the BCM and the BCM sends a password to the PCM to allow the truck to start. This means the truck cannot be hotwired. I don't know if GM implemented any way to stop someone from drilling the ignition cylinder and making it so it'll turn without a key though.

kinzerhaus · June 11, 2003

They went to having ignition swith as part of the process to keep you from cracking the column and starting by pulling the connection rod. That would bypass the old style security. I guess you could drill the cylinder but it definately would take longer to steal. Remember you can't stop a thief just slow him down. The longer it takes the less they want to mess with it.

99silveradoz71 · June 12, 2003

keep you from cracking the column and starting by pulling the connection rod.

Aww come on, I love starting the recovered stolens with my duty knife at work.

2M3Bill · June 12, 2003

A Chev electronic tech told me that a non coded key will start and drive the trucks, but only 2 or 3 times then the computer bails and the truck will not start without reflashing the computer at the dealer.

JAF1 · June 16, 2003

A Chev electronic tech told me that a non coded key will start and drive the trucks, but only 2 or 3 times then the computer bails and the truck will not start without reflashing the computer at the dealer.

Why would that be if there is nothing special about the key?

GnatGoSplat · June 16, 2003

A Chev electronic tech told me that a non coded key will start and drive the trucks, but only 2 or 3 times then the computer bails and the truck will not start without reflashing the computer at the dealer.

Nope, that's not true.