GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    •  Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    •  Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides and overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3031: Security System Controller In Learn Mode

Circuit/System Description

When learning a vehicle key, the theft deterrent module (TDM) is placed in learn mode. DTC B3031 will set automatically as an indicator that the system is in learn mode and not as a fault indicator. Once the coded key is learned, learn mode will be exited and the DTC cleared. If the TDM does not exit learn mode, B3031 will remain current and indicate a fault.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The immobilizer system is in learn mode.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B3031 will set any time the TDM enters learn mode.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The security indicator will illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC B3031 will be cleared upon the successful exit of learn mode.
    • A history DTC will be cleared after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Immobilizer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Immobilizer Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Immobilizer Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Wiring Repairs
    •  Connector Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

Important: When performing a 10 Minute Relearn Procedure, all keys not learned at that time will be erased and not be recognized. Perform the Adding Keys procedure on all keys or instruct the customer how to perform the Adding Keys procedure should all vehicle keys not be present at the time of repair.

  1. Verify DTC B3060 is not set as current.
  2. If DTC B3060 is set as current, refer to DTC B3060.
  3. Perform the 10 Minute Vehicle Key Relearn procedure. Refer to Replacing Keys. The TDM should exit learn mode and DTC B3031 should clear.
  4. If the TDM does not exit learn mode, replace the TDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Important: Because of how vehicle key information and theft deterrent passwords are stored within the TDM, the Set Up a New Theft Deterrent Module procedure must be performed prior to the removal and replacement of the TDM if the vehicle keys are being reused. Performing the setup procedure first allows the scan tool to extract the key information and passwords from the old TDM prior to its removal. Failure to perform this step will result in the failure to learn the existing vehicle keys and new vehicle keys will be required when replacing the TDM.

If the existing vehicle keys are not being reused, the TDM is to be replaced prior to performing of the setup procedure.

Control Module References for TDM replacement, setup, and programming