Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
What is the difference between Passlock II and Passkey III...which one is the better system? And if these systems are any good why is the theft rate so high on the Cadillac Escalades or Chevrolet C/K pickups?
Answer -
Hi,
Very good question. Both are not anti-theft as they are deemed to be. They are merely theft deterents that don't stop theft.
PASSLOCK does not have a special ignition key. Security is solely as good as the rotation of the ignition lock. Once rotated (Various ways besides the properly cut ignition key)the engie will start and you wave bye bye.
PKIII is a transponder system that requires identification be the vehicle's computer that a key with the correct electronic (computer chip)encrypted key is being used to start the car. This system has issues too and there are certain insurance companies out there that will deny your theft claim because the car is considered "Unstealable."
There are so many factors to be considered when it comes to the theft of a vehicle and when recovered if we have t5he opportunity to examine after taking thes variables into consideration may be able to determine how the vehicle last operated under its own power, not to determine if the vehicle was stolen.
The problem with the factory theft deterrents is that if you know how to defeat a system in a Suburban, you can steal all the manufacturer's lines if equipped with the same system.
GM has been using VATS (Resistor embedded in key blade) since 1986. If you had a computer from 1986 how good would that be? I guess for the person that still uses eight track tapes that would not be a good comparison (LOL).
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Thanks for the initial reply back...another question if I may...I know someone with a 2005 GM truck and the owners manual says its equipped with Passlock II but the key looks like it has a transponder(chip)embedded in the key itself which makes me think it might be a Passkey III system...could the owners manual have a misprint? What does the Cadillac Escalade have? It seems to me even though nothing is 100% foolproof that maybe an aftermarket anti-theft device might be better...would you have any suggestions? Thanks
AnswerMy information tells me that 2005 has the PASSLOCK and that 2006 PKIII will be on these vehicles. Its easy enough to check, but you would need a key. Go to the local locksmith that has a cloner and have the key read for an electronic value. If no codes are present it is PASSLOCK.
I personally have not had the opportunity yet to test the 2005 and I am currently limited to the information from the manufacturer of the keys and lock.
After market systems if installed properly can deter a car thief, but no matter what you do, there is nothing that can keep the vehicle from being pushed or towed.
In 2001 GM elliminated the locking steering wheel. The transmission is easily forced out of park or the linkage is easily disconnected. Locking columns did not work all that great, but it was just an extra step that the thief had to do. Today's vehicles are even more easy to steal than they once were.
The manufacturer does not want to make the car theft proof. If that were true, they would not have the ability to sell replacement vehicles. There is also a cost factor. The ingition housings are made for light weight and offer little protection from removing the lock.
Production of the lock components as well as many other components are now made in Mexico or China where commonly there is a quality issue in the materials. If you are buying a vehicle based on the factory theft deterrent's capability, don't count on it.
