B3055 on 2023-2025 GMC Yukon: Key Not Detected, Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2023-2025 Gmc YUKON

For the fifth-generation Yukon (2021-present), the B3055 code is often linked to intermittent no-start conditions as documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins. Unlike older vehicles where a mechanical key was the primary factor, these modern Yukons rely entirely on radio frequency communication for both entry and starting. This makes them more susceptible to RF interference from other devices like aftermarket LED lights, cell phone chargers, and even toll passes, a common cause of this code that can be difficult to diagnose as it is often intermittent and leaves no physical trace. The system uses multiple frequencies (125 kHz for passive entry, 315/433 MHz for RKE) which can all be potential points of interference.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Intermittent no-crank or no-start condition.
• Engine stalls immediately after starting.
• Security indicator light is illuminated on the dashboard.
• "No Key Detected" or "Place Key in Transmitter Pocket To Start" message appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• Passive entry (keyless door unlocking) may not work.
• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) has poor range or is inoperative.

Most Likely Causes

1. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🔴 High Probability Modern vehicles use sensitive RF receivers that can be disrupted by other electronic devices. TSB PIC5650M specifically calls out aftermarket LED lights, cell phone chargers, USB power banks, and even toll passes as potential sources of RFI that can 'jam' the key's signal.
   How to confirm: Remove other keys, fobs, access cards, and especially aftermarket plug-in devices (phone chargers, dash cams) from the vehicle. If the vehicle starts, RF interference was the cause. A technician can use an RFI meter to detect stray signals if the source is not obvious.
   Typical fix: Keep the key fob isolated from other electronic devices. Remove any low-quality aftermarket electronics plugged into the vehicle's power outlets. No parts are required.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery Key fob batteries have a finite lifespan, typically 1-3 years. The 2021-2025+ Yukon key fob uses a CR2450 battery.
   How to confirm: Try using the vehicle's spare key fob. If the spare key works reliably, the battery in the primary key is the issue. Alternatively, try starting the vehicle by placing the problematic fob in the designated transmitter pocket, which for the 2021-2025 Yukon is the front cupholder closest to the driver's side. This uses a backup transponder that requires less battery power.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2450 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15
3. Faulty Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter Key fobs can be damaged by being dropped or exposed to moisture, causing internal electronic failure. A user on a Reddit forum described a case where a physically broken key fob caused a B3055 code.
   How to confirm: If a new battery and the spare key fob do not resolve the issue, and the problem follows one specific key, that key is likely faulty. A scan tool may show the key as 'Not Present' even with a new battery.
   Typical fix: The key fob must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle by a dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400
4. Body Control Module (BCM) or Software Issue ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Body Control Module As noted in TSB PIC5650M, intermittent security system issues can be related to the BCM or its software on these vehicles. In some cases, a software anomaly can cause this issue, which may be temporarily resolved by disconnecting the vehicle's main 12V battery for several minutes to reset the modules.
   How to confirm: This requires a professional diagnosis with a GM-specific scan tool to check for communication errors with the BCM and to see if any software updates are available. This should only be considered after ruling out the key fob and RF interference.
   Typical fix: A dealership may need to reprogram or update the BCM software. In rare cases, the BCM itself may need to be replaced. BCM replacement can cost between $500 and $1200 at a dealership.
   Est. part cost: $500-$1200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Keyless Entry Antenna/Receiver: → Shop Antenna The vehicle has multiple antennas to detect the key's location. If one of these or its wiring is damaged, it can cause a 'No Key Detected' issue, even if the key and BCM are good. TSB 16-NA-396 mentions this possibility for similar GM vehicles. These antennas can be located in the rear bumper, center console, and behind the AC control panel.
• Low Vehicle 12V Battery: → Shop Vehicle Battery While not the direct cause of B3055, a weak main vehicle battery can cause a host of electronic issues, including failure of modules to communicate properly. One owner on TahoeYukonForum.com reported a 'No Key Detected' message that was ultimately traced back to a failing main battery on a 2023 Tahoe.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the complaint. Confirm the 'No Key Detected' message, security light, and no-start condition.
2. Test the spare key fob. This is the quickest way to rule out a problem with the primary key.
3. Replace the battery in the suspect key fob. For the 2023-2025 Yukon, this is a CR2450 battery.
🎬 See this quick DIY guide to replace your key fob battery.
4. Attempt to start the vehicle by placing the key fob in the vehicle's transmitter pocket, which is the front cupholder on the driver's side. If it starts, this confirms the issue is with the fob's primary transmitter (likely battery) but the backup transponder is working.
5. Remove all other electronic devices, fobs, and access cards from the keychain and from inside the vehicle to eliminate potential RF interference. Pay special attention to aftermarket phone chargers and LED lights, as per TSB PIC5650M.
6. Scan the vehicle for other DTCs, particularly in the Body Control Module (BCM). Note any other codes like B3060 or B3935.
7. Using a professional scan tool, monitor the data from the immobilizer system. Check parameters like 'Transponder Key' status to see if the BCM recognizes the key as 'Present'.
8. Inspect the wiring and connectors for the BCM and keyless entry antennas for any visible damage or corrosion.
9. Consult GM TSB #PIC5650M for manufacturer-specific diagnostic advice related to intermittent security system faults, which strongly advises investigating RFI before replacing any parts.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2450) — This is the most frequent and simplest solution when the key fob's signal is too weak for the car to detect.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, Rome Tech
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$10
• Keyless Entry Transmitter (Key Fob) (OEM #e.g., 22856929 (Varies by options)) — If the internal electronics of the key fob fail, it will need to be replaced and programmed.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $150-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$200

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3060 — This code also relates to the transponder key system, often indicating an issue with the immobilizer antenna or exciter circuit. TSB PIC5650M lists it alongside B3055.
• B3935 — This code is for 'Transponder Authentication Failed', meaning the key was detected but its security code was incorrect. These codes often appear together when there's a communication issue, as noted in TSB PIC5650M.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Addresses intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall with security light on and DTC B3055, B3060, or B3935 set. It highlights RF interference from aftermarket electronics as a primary potential cause and advises against replacing parts until RFI is ruled out.
• PIT5030E: While for older models with a physical key blade, this TSB explains how an improperly extended flip-key can cause a B3055 code, illustrating the sensitivity of the transponder system.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM has issued Technical Service Bulletin #PIC5650M, which directly addresses intermittent no-crank, no-start, or start/stall conditions accompanied by code B3055 (and related codes) on a wide range of GM vehicles, including the 2023-2025 Yukon. The bulletin points towards investigating RF interference as a primary diagnostic step before replacing parts. It specifically lists aftermarket devices like phone chargers and LED lights as common culprits.
• A thread on TahoeYukonForum.com details a 2022 Denali with a 'No Key Detected

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3055 00: The '00' is a symptom byte indicating 'No Sub Type Information'. This means the main DTC description ('No Transponder Modulation or No Transponder') contains all the available failure information from the module's perspective. It's the most common variant of this code. (see via A professional scan tool like GM GDS2 or a high-end aftermarket tool (Topdon, Autel) that can read manufacturer-specific codes and symptom bytes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 / Professional Scan Tool: Immobilizer Data List — When diagnosing a B3055, this is the first step after checking for codes. A technician would view this data list to see parameters like 'Environment Identification' and 'Transponder Key Status' to determine if the BCM sees any key at all. A status of 'No Key Detected' points the diagnosis toward the key fob or antennas.
• GM SPS2 / Autel IM608 / AutoProPAD: Immobilizer Learn / Key Programming — This function is used after a key fob or BCM has been replaced. It involves a 10-minute security relearn procedure that allows the vehicle's modules to recognize the new component. This is not for initial diagnosis but is a required step for the fix.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Inside the passenger cabin, behind the lower dashboard panel on the driver's side, often near the interior fuse block.. The BCM is the central module that receives and interprets the key fob signal. All wiring for the immobilizer system, including the antennas, ultimately reports to the BCM. A loose connector or corrosion at the BCM is a potential cause for this code.
• BCM Ground — A critical BCM ground is located inside the cab, next to the front left (driver's side) speaker. Access requires removing the A-pillar trim and pulling up the front dash trim.. A poor ground connection for the BCM can cause a wide range of erratic electronic issues, including the inability to properly process the weak signal from the key fob, leading to an intermittent B3055 code.
• Keyless Entry Antennas — These vehicles have multiple antennas. Known locations include: in the rear bumper, behind the OEM AC control panel in the dash, and within the center console.. The BCM uses these antennas to detect the key's presence for passive entry and starting. A damaged antenna or a fault in its specific wiring can prevent the key from being detected in a certain area or at all, triggering code B3055.