Microchip in Key

[chevy4x4trucks]

I was told by the dealer that there is a microchip in the silverado key and that the truck wouldn't start if you got  a regular copy and that if I wanted a copy I would have to get it through them.  Well, I got a copy at a local auto parts store, just a basic metal key, w/o a rubber head and tried it out and it worked.  Does anyone know why this is?

[Zane]

its all part of their "great' security system.

I'm not sure why a regular key worked, did you drive it anywhere far?

If it did work, then i should be talking to some people to find out why!

[bscottb]

I know GM has had "passlock" security keys for a long time. I don't know what it is because I had a key made at the hardware store and it works fine. My wife has a Volvo S60 and her key does have a computer chip in it. It is a very large key and I had a spare cut for it and wouldn't work at all.

[Charles]

If the key has a microchip you can actually see it.

[95 Silverado]

GM used two security systems

Passlock 1- small chip in key, key has to match ignition switch or it won't start, key has to have chip to work

Passlock 2(after '96, I think) key has no chip, any key that is cut right will work, prevents starting vehicle without a key in the ignition(they had problems with the chips in passlock 1)

[GMNewProductInfoCenter]

The PassLock 2 system is the one with the pellet in the plastic section.  The vehicle shouldn't start with out the proper key. it seems like we have had quite few that don't operate as intended. Whoops!  

[RyanbabZ71]

I got a key cut at a local hardware store (after locking my keys inside the dealerships service bay opps first time i ever did it).  I used my key mainly when i was at the water park and just carried around the cut key.  I have used this key to start and drive my truck and it has worked fine

 

Great security system

[Greg]

My dealer traded for my Av and the other dealer sent one correct key and one wrong one.  When the other dealer couldn't find the correct key, my dealer made a new one and stopped before he tried it to ask someone for the correct procedure to have the truck "learn" the new key.

[ScottS]

My understanding is as follows;

 

Passlock - Most trucks apparently, no chip in key, can have key cut anywhere.

 

Passlock II - Chip in key, mostly used on luxury cars.  

 

My '99 Suburban has the Passlock system, and any key properly cut will work.  I asked at the parts department, and the obove information is what I was given.  The parts guys at the dealership I deal with are actually quite good.

 

So, for what it's worth, there's another version of the world of Passlock  :notice:

 

Scott

[badpewterz]

the trucks have passlock but the way it works is that if the key has all the right cuts then it will work fine.

the security part is in the ing. cyl. if it doesnt see the right cuts then it wount turn on fuel pump, so any akey aslong as its cut to the right cuts will work fine.

i cut them all day long at work