GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Alero Export 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B3055

Circuit Description

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent control module. The theft deterrent control module then compares this value to a value stored in memory (learned key code). If the value is correct the theft deterrent control module sends the enable password via the serial data circuit to the powertrain control module (PCM).

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition switch must be ON. The theft deterrent control module cannot have DTC B1327 set as a current DTC.

Condition for Setting the DTC

The theft deterrent control module is unable to measure the ignition key transponder value. This may be due to a damaged or missing transponder, a non Passkey III (PK3) key, or a damaged exciter.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The theft deterrent control module sends a class 2 message containing athe fuel disable password to the PCM.
    • The vehicle will not start.
    • The theft deterrent control module sends a class 2 message to the instrument cluster to illuminate the SECURITY indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The theft deterrent control module clears the current status of the DTC when it senses a valid, memorized, transponder value from the ignition key.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Verifies the condition for setting DTC B3055 is current.

    2.

  2. The key must be a PASS-KEYIII® transponder key with an operating transponder for the system to work.

    3.

  3. The only method to confirm whether the transponder in the key or the theft deterrent control module is malfunctioning is to try a alternative component in the system. The vehicle was delivered with 2 keys.

    4.

  4. The possibility is unlikely that more than one key will be defective. If all keys do not work, the theft deterrent control module must be malfunctioning.

    5.

  5. If the vehicle has a malfunctioning theft deterrent control module that malfunctioned during an ignition cycle, the system will be "fail enabled" and the vehicle will start for all keys.

    6.

  6. If a new key must be tried, the key must have the proper mechanical cut and the theft deterrent control module must "learn" the transponder value.

    7.

  7. If only one key was available for the vehicle and the replacement key does not work, the theft deterrent control module must be malfunctioning.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Theft Deterrent System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Theft Deterrent System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Theft Deterrent Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent

2

Is DTC B3055 set as a current code?

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3

Inspect the vehicle's key for damage to the molded head and for PK3 embossed on the shank.

Is the head of the key damaged or missing the PK3 embossing?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Are more than one of the vehicles keys available?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Attempt to start the vehicle using all of the vehicle's available keys.
  2. Using a scan tool, observe for any theft deterrent control module DTCs.

Do any of the available keys start the vehicle?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Do all of the available keys cause DTC B3055 to set?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Test the low reference, sensor signal and supply voltage circuits of the theft deterrent control module for a short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Replace the damaged/inoperative/suspect key.
  2. Copy the mechanical cut of the available key on a pass key III replacement key.
  3. Perform the Adding Keys procedure if a learned master key is available. Refer to Adding Keys . If a learned master key is not available . Refer to Replacing Keys .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

Does the replacement key cause DTC B3055 to set?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 15

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Did find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

11

Important: If a 10 Minute or 30 Minute Re-Learn Procedure is perform, all keys not learned at that time will be erased and will not be recognized. Perform the Adding Keys procedure on all keys or instruct the customer how to perform the Adding Keys procedure. Refer to Adding Keys .

  1. Replace the theft deterrent control module . Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  2. With a scan tool, perform the Set Up New VTD Module procedure in the Vehicle Theft Deterrent, Special Functions data list.
  3. Perform the Programming Theft Deterrent System Components procedure. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

Does the replacement module cause DTC B3055 to set?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the theft deterrent exciter module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Did find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the theft deterrent exciter module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Exciter Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

15
  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs
  2. Attempt to start the vehicle.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK