B3060 on 2023-2025 Chevrolet Equinox: No-Start Causes and Security System Fixes

What's Unique About the 2023-2025 Chevrolet EQUINOX

The third-generation Equinox (2018-present) features a sensitive immobilizer system integrated into its modern electrical architecture. A key characteristic, highlighted in multiple revisions of GM Technical Service Bulletin PIC5650 (up to at least revision M), is an intermittent no-start or stall with the security light on, which can be difficult to replicate. For these newer models, the issue is frequently not a broken part, but rather radio frequency interference (RFI) from aftermarket accessories like poorly-shielded USB chargers, dash cams, LED lights, or even other key fobs and building access cards on the same keychain jamming the signal between the key and the vehicle.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or turn over
• Engine starts and immediately stalls
• Security indicator light (car symbol with a lock) is illuminated or flashing on the dashboard
• "No Remote Detected" or "Service Theft Deterrent System" message on the driver information center

Most Likely Causes

1. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) 🔴 High Probability As noted in GM TSB PIC5650M, the immobilizer system is highly sensitive to interference. Common sources include aftermarket USB chargers, dash cams, wireless phone chargers, other vehicle key fobs, and even building RFID access cards on the same keychain. These devices can emit electrical noise that overpowers or corrupts the signal from the key fob.
   How to confirm: Remove all other keys, fobs, and electronic devices from the keychain and from inside the vehicle (especially unplugging any devices from the 12V/USB ports). Attempt to start the car with the isolated key. If it starts, RFI was the cause.
   Typical fix: Isolate the vehicle key from other electronic devices. Use high-quality, well-shielded chargers and accessories. No parts are typically required.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Faulty or Unprogrammed Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter The transponder chip inside the key can fail, or the key's CR2032 battery may be too weak to transmit a strong signal. A newly cut key that has not been electronically programmed will also cause this code.
   How to confirm: Try starting the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If the spare key works, the original key is the problem. For push-to-start models with a "No Remote Detected" message, place the non-working fob flat inside the designated transmitter pocket, which is located in the front-most cup holder in the center console, and attempt to start the car. If the car starts, this confirms a weak fob battery.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery in the key fob. If that fails, the key fob itself must be replaced and professionally programmed to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $5-$450
3. Software Glitch in the Anti-Theft System ⚪ Low Probability Intermittent communication errors, sometimes occurring after the vehicle's main 12V battery has been disconnected or replaced, can cause the system to temporarily lose recognition of a valid key.
   How to confirm: Attempt a '30-minute security relearn' procedure. This is a free procedure that can often resolve software conflicts without a scan tool.
   Typical fix: Perform the security relearn procedure. Turn the ignition to 'ON' (do not start) and wait for the security light to turn off (approx. 10-11 minutes). Turn the ignition 'OFF' for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this cycle two more times for a total of three cycles. After the third cycle, turn the key off, then attempt to start the engine. A fully charged vehicle battery is required for this to succeed.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Immobilizer Antenna/Reader Coil: → Shop Antenna The antenna that reads the key's transponder signal, located around the ignition switch or push-start button, can fail. If multiple known-good keys won't work (even after a battery change) and RFI is ruled out, this part becomes a suspect. This was a more common failure on previous generation Equinox models.
• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM): → Shop Body Control Module In rare cases, the BCM, which manages the theft deterrent system, can fail internally. This is usually the last item to suspect after all other causes have been eliminated and is confirmed with advanced diagnostics that show the BCM is not communicating or is sending erroneous data.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the Body Control Module (BCM) for codes. Confirm B3060 is present, and note any other codes like B3055 or B3935.
2. Eliminate Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). Unplug all aftermarket devices (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.) from power outlets. Remove all other keys, fobs, and access cards from the keychain and the vehicle's interior.
3. Attempt to start the vehicle with the isolated key. If it starts, RFI was the cause.
4. If the vehicle still doesn't start, try using a known-good spare key. If the spare key works, the primary key is faulty.
5. If a "No Remote Detected" message appears, place the key fob flat in the transmitter pocket located in the front cup holder and attempt to start. If it starts, the key fob battery is dead.
6. If no key works, attempt the 30-minute security relearn procedure. Turn ignition to ON (engine off) and wait ~10 minutes for the security light to go out. Turn OFF for 10 seconds. Repeat this for a total of three cycles. After the third cycle, attempt to start the engine.
7. If the relearn procedure fails, the issue likely lies with vehicle hardware. Professional diagnosis is needed to test the immobilizer antenna/reader coil and the Body Control Module (BCM).

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (CR2032) (OEM #CR2032) — A weak or dead battery in the key fob is a simple and common reason for the vehicle failing to detect the key's signal.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$10
• Transponder Key / Key Fob (OEM #13522889, 13547791, 13522875) — The internal transponder chip can fail, or the key can lose its programming. A replacement key must be programmed to the vehicle by a dealer or qualified locksmith.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Strattec
  OEM price range: $150-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$200
• Body Control Module (BCM) (OEM #13535993) — In rare cases, the BCM itself is the point of failure. This part manages the theft deterrent system. A replacement BCM must be programmed to the vehicle's VIN. The part number from pass 1 was incorrect for this generation.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine)
  OEM price range: $300-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$400

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3055 — This code means 'No Transponder Signal Detected' and often appears with B3060, indicating a complete failure to receive a signal from the key, which is part of the same fault sequence, often caused by heavy RFI or a dead key fob.
• B3935 — This code for 'Transponder Authentication Failed' indicates the system received a signal but could not validate it. It is frequently logged alongside B3060 as part of the security handshake failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Diagnostic Tip - Security Light On Intermittently / No Crank/No Start Or Start Stall And Keyless Access. This TSB is the primary document covering this issue and strongly points towards checking for Radio Frequency Interference from aftermarket electronics and other fobs on the keychain.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM has a long-standing Technical Service Bulletin series (PIC5650) that has been revised multiple times (e.g., PIC5650C, PIC5650K, PIC5650M), indicating this is a persistent issue. The bulletins consistently advise technicians to investigate RFI as a primary cause before replacing expensive components like the BCM.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3060 00: The '00' is a GM symptom byte for 'No Sub Type Information'. It signifies that the primary code, B3060, contains the complete fault description, and no more specific data is available from the code itself. Its presence confirms the fault is strictly an unrecognized transponder ID. (see via A professional scan tool that can read manufacturer-specific codes, such as the GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2).)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 / Techline Connect: Immobilizer Learn — This function is required after replacing a key, the BCM, or the ECM. It initiates the security handshake process that allows the vehicle to learn and store new component or key transponder values. The process often involves a 10-12 minute wait time as a security measure.
• GM GDS2 / Techline Connect: Add/Replace Key Fobs — Used specifically to program the remote functions (lock/unlock) of a new key fob. This is separate from the Immobilizer Learn function, which programs the transponder for starting the vehicle.
• GM GDS2 / Techline Connect: BCM Programming/Setup — When a BCM is replaced, the new module must be programmed with the vehicle's specific VIN and configuration using the Service Programming System (SPS2). After programming, the Immobilizer Learn function must be performed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G103 — Located at the left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl, often above the brake booster.. This is a major ground point for the Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and the Data Link Connector (DLC). A loose or corroded G103 can cause intermittent BCM power loss, leading to a variety of faults, including immobilizer communication errors that can trigger B3060.
• BCM Connector (e.g., Blue 27-pin) — The BCM is located in the center console, accessible from the front passenger side.. Specific pins on the BCM connectors are critical for immobilizer function. For example, on some models, the HS CAN bus wires used for module communication are on pins 24 (HS CAN High) and 25 (HS CAN Low) of the white 26-pin plug, while the Single Wire CAN is on pin 22 of the blue 27-pin plug. Technicians may need to test these pins for proper voltage and continuity when diagnosing communication failures.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• chevyequinoxforum.com (2018 Chevrolet Equinox LT) — The "Service Theft Deterrent System" light came on and stayed on.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The first attempt at programming an aftermarket key fob failed.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A second, successful attempt at programming the aftermarket key fob allowed the fob to function correctly, but the warning light remained. The underlying cause was the failed initial programming attempt that put the system into a fault state. Clearing the code with a scan tool or performing a full security relearn procedure would be the final step.
• Reddit r/AskAMechanic (2020 Chevrolet Equinox) — After performing a 30-minute key relearn procedure, an 'antitheft' error message appeared, and the car would only start after a complex sequence (unlocking the car while inside, holding start button for 12 seconds, then pressing brake and start).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) A standard 30-minute key relearn procedure.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A user, identified as a locksmith, suggested that the vehicle can stay in 'learn mode' until a second key is programmed. The issue was that only one key had been relearned, leaving the system in an incomplete state. The fix is to program a second key to complete the learning cycle.

OEM Part Supersession History

• N/A → 13535993 — Part number 13535993 is confirmed as a valid BCM for the 2024 Equinox. Older part numbers may have been superseded to this version, but a direct trail was not found in the search. Always verify the correct part number with a dealer using the vehicle's VIN.
  Heads up: BCMs are not interchangeable and must be programmed to the specific vehicle's VIN and options by a dealer or a qualified shop with access to GM's Service Programming System (SPS).