GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Key Replacement (Spare Key Available)

Use the J 35628-A Interrogator or equivalent to determine the proper electrical code of the key.

Important: The J 35628 Interrogator (old style) requires the use of the J 35628-95 Adapter to correctly read PASS-Key® codes on double side cut keys.

  1. Insert the customer's spare ignition key into the key code reader on the J 35628-A Interrogator.
  2. Press the On-Off rocker switch to the ON position.
  3. A number from 1 to 15 appears in the window. This number indicates the electrical code of the key. If the interrogator displays E, replace the ignition key.
  4. Cut a new key having the electrical code determined in step 3.
  5. Use the new key to start the engine. Ensure the following conditions:
  6. • Ensure the key is mechanically correct.
    • Ensure the key is electrically correct.

Key Replacement (No Spare Key Available)

  1. Use one of the following methods to determine the code if the ignition key is lost and there is no spare:
  2. • Determine the mechanical code from the code on the ignition key lock cylinder or recode the cylinder.
    • Determine the code from the dealer invoice for the vehicle or from the Chevrolet Zone Office.
  3. Retrieve a blank PASS-Key® (a test key that has no resistance pellet).
  4. Cut the blank PASS-Key® to this mechanical code. Use this new key to operate the ignition switch for the remaining steps.
  5. Remove the knee bolster under the steering column.
  6. Important: Ensure to differentiate between the 3-Way PASS-Key® Connector and the yellow 2-Way SIR Connector. The 3-Way PASS-Key® Connector has PPL/WHT and WHT/BLK wires.

  7. Disconnect the key resistor sensing terminals connector (the three-cavity connector leading into the steering column).
  8. Connect the male and female connectors on the vehicle harness to the mating connectors on the J 35628-A Interrogator and Adapter J 35628-210.
  9. Set the key code selector on the J 35628-A Interrogator or equivalent to #1.
  10. Use the key made in step 3 to attempt to start the engine. Perform the appropriate step:
  11. • The key code selector is set to the correct electrical code if the engine STARTS. Cut a new key having this electrical code. The new key is now the customer's replacement key.
    • Go to step 10 if the engine does NOT START.
  12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  13. Turn the key code selector to the next higher position.
  14. Press the START rocker switch on the 4 minute Timer on the J 35628-A Interrogator to initiate a 4 minute time period.
  15. The red indicator turns off at the end of the 4 minute time interval.
  16. Attempt to start the engine.
  17. Repeat step 10 through step 14 until the engine starts.
  18. Cut a new key having the electrical code which allowed the vehicle to start.