B3060 on 2007-2014 GMC Yukon: Security System Fault, Causes, and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2014 Gmc YUKON

The GMT900 platform, which includes the 2007-2014 Yukon, uses GM's Pass-Key III+ immobilizer system. This system is sensitive and can be triggered by a weak car battery, radio frequency interference from other items on your keychain, or simply by the key losing its synchronization with the vehicle over time. Unlike some systems that require a dealer visit for any key issue, many B3060 faults on these Yukons can be resolved at home using a specific, albeit time-consuming, 30-minute key relearn procedure. This procedure erases all previously learned keys and learns the new key.

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 briefly then immediately shuts off.
• The security indicator light (an icon of a car with a lock) is illuminated or flashing on the dashboard.
• A "Service Theft Deterrent System" message may appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
🎬 Watch: Troubleshooting the Service Theft Deterrent System message

Most Likely Causes

1. Key Has Lost Synchronization 🔴 High Probability This can happen after a battery replacement, if the battery dies, or sometimes for no apparent reason. The security module's memory can be volatile. It is critical to have a fully charged battery before attempting a relearn, and connecting a battery charger is recommended.
   How to confirm: The key previously worked fine, and the issue appeared suddenly, especially after a battery event. Performing the key relearn procedure will confirm this if it resolves the issue.
   Typical fix: Perform the 30-minute key relearn procedure. This involves cycling the key and waiting for the security light to turn off in 10-minute intervals, three times in a row. 🎬 See a demonstration of the 30-minute relearn procedure
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) 🟡 Medium Probability The low-power 125 kHz signal from the key's transponder can be disrupted by other RFID-enabled cards, aftermarket electronics (like LED lights or phone chargers), or even other keys on the same ring.
   How to confirm: Remove all other keys, fobs, and access cards from the keychain. Try starting the vehicle with only the single Yukon key present. If it starts, RFI was the cause. This is a primary diagnostic step recommended by GM.
   Typical fix: Keep the Yukon key isolated from other electronic devices. This is explicitly mentioned as a diagnostic step in GM technical service bulletins PIC5650 and PIE0232.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Defective or Worn-Out Key 🟡 Medium Probability The transponder chip embedded in the plastic head of the key can be damaged from being dropped or can fail electronically over time.
   How to confirm: Try starting the vehicle with a second, known-good key. If the second key works and the first does not, the first key is faulty. A scan tool can also read the 'TDM Valid Key' parameter to confirm if the key is being recognized.
   Typical fix: Replace the defective key. A new key will need to be cut and then programmed to the vehicle using a relearn procedure or a locksmith/dealer's programming tool.
   Est. part cost: $40-$150
4. Faulty Ignition Lock Cylinder / Passlock Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Ignition Switch The exciter coil (part of the lock cylinder assembly) that energizes and reads the key's transponder chip can fail. This is a known issue on many GM vehicles of this era. On the GMT900 platform, this component is often integrated into the ignition lock cylinder assembly.
   How to confirm: If multiple known-good keys fail to start the vehicle and the relearn procedure does not work, the lock cylinder's sensor is the next likely suspect. A mechanic can test the wiring and component.
   Typical fix: Replace the ignition lock cylinder and perform a key relearn procedure. The GM OEM part number is 25832354, which supersedes several older numbers. 🎬 Watch: How to remove and replace the ignition cylinder
   Est. part cost: $70-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Body Control Module (BCM) or Theft Deterrent Module (TDM): → Shop Anti-Theft Control Module This is the least likely cause. Before replacing the BCM/TDM, all other possibilities (keys, wiring, lock cylinder) should be exhaustively ruled out. This is an expensive repair that requires dealer-level programming with a tool like a Tech2. On these vehicles, the TDM function is integrated into the BCM, which is located behind the lower left side of the dash.
• Poor Ground Connections: Several owners on Tahoe Yukon Forum reported that intermittent no-start issues, sometimes accompanied by erratic gauge behavior, were ultimately traced to corroded or loose ground wires, particularly the main battery ground, frame ground, and firewall grounds. Key grounds for the BCM include G201 (upper left corner of the instrument panel) and G103 (left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the dashboard for an illuminated or flashing security light. This is the primary indicator of an anti-theft issue.
2. Try starting the vehicle with a different key if you have one. If another key works, the first key is faulty.
3. Remove all other keys, fobs, and RFID cards from the keychain to eliminate Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). This is a critical step recommended by GM TSBs.
4. Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged. The relearn procedure can fail if voltage is too low. Connecting a battery charger is highly recommended.
5. Attempt the 30-Minute Key Relearn Procedure: 1. Turn the key to the 'ON' position (do not start). 2. Wait for the security light to turn off, which takes about 10 minutes. 3. Turn the key 'OFF' for 5-10 seconds. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles and ~30 minutes. 5. After the third cycle, turn the key off and then try to start the engine.
6. If the relearn fails (the security light never turns off during the 10-minute cycles), inspect the wiring harness at the base of the ignition lock cylinder for any visible damage or loose connections.
7. If all else fails, have the vehicle scanned with a tool capable of reading BCM/TDM data to confirm if the module is receiving the key signal. A scan tool can check the 'TDM Valid Key' parameter. This will likely require professional service.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Key with Transponder (OEM #GM P/N: B111-PT, Circle Plus) — The original key's internal transponder chip may have failed or the key may have lost its programming.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Strattec
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$60
• Ignition Lock Cylinder (OEM #25832354) — The sensor (exciter coil) that reads the key's transponder is integrated with the lock cylinder and is a common point of failure. This part number supersedes previous versions like 12458191 and 15822350.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Dorman (e.g., 924-719), Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3055 — Stands for 'No Transponder Modulation or No Transponder'. This code often appears with B3060 as it indicates a problem reading the key, which could be due to a bad key or a faulty sensor. TSBs PIE0232 and PIC5650 mention this code alongside B3060.
• B3935 — Stands for 'Transponder Authentication Failed'. This is another closely related security code that points to a failure in the key verification process, also cited in TSBs PIE0232 and PIC5650.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Mentions B3060 in relation to intermittent no-crank, no-start, or start/stall concerns with the security light on, and points heavily toward investigating RFI from aftermarket devices.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The GM Pass-Key III+ system is known to be sensitive to low battery voltage, often requiring a relearn procedure after the battery has been disconnected or has died. A battery charger is recommended during the 30-minute relearn.
• GM issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including PIC5650M and PIE0232, related to intermittent no-start conditions with security codes like B3060, often pointing to RFI from aftermarket devices or other keys on the keychain as the root cause.
• Owners on forums like Tahoe Yukon Forum have documented frustrating, intermittent no-start conditions that presented like a security issue but were ultimately caused by bad ground straps or failing starters.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3060 00: The '00' is a symptom byte indicating 'No Sub Type Information'. This means the primary code description ('Unprogrammed Transponder Identification Code Received') is the complete fault information available. (see via A professional scan tool like a GM Tech2 or equivalent that can read manufacturer-specific symptom bytes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM Tech2 / GDS2: View 'TDM Valid Key' parameter — When diagnosing a potential bad key. With the ignition on, this parameter should read 'Yes' for a known good key. If it reads 'No', it confirms the key is either faulty or not programmed.
• GM Tech2 / GDS2: Immobilizer/Key Learning Functions — To program new keys or relearn existing keys after a component replacement (like a BCM or ignition cylinder) when the 30-minute manual relearn procedure is not applicable or fails.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G201 — In the upper left corner of the instrument panel, near the A-pillar, behind the dash trim.. This is a primary instrument panel ground. A poor connection here can cause various electrical issues, including problems with the Body Control Module (BCM) which manages the theft deterrent system.
• G103 — Located at the left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl, above the brake booster.. This ground serves the Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and Data Link Connector (DLC). A fault at G103 can directly impact the BCM's ability to read the key and communicate properly.
• BCM Connectors (JST HIT Series) — The BCM is located behind the lower left side of the dash. It has multiple large, color-coded connectors (e.g., pink, gray, blue, black).. The wiring between the ignition lock cylinder's exciter coil and the BCM runs through these connectors. Advanced diagnosis may require checking for continuity or voltage at specific pins, which requires special terminal release tools (like Kent-Moore J-38125-553) to de-pin the connectors without damage.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12458191, 15822350, 19168637 → 25832354 — Standard part evolution and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: While this part number is correct for many GM vehicles, some vendor fitment guides incorrectly list it for the 2007-2014 Yukon. The Pass-Key III+ system on the Yukon uses a transponder-based system without the older Passlock resistor pellet, so the lock cylinder itself is different. Always verify the part number with a VIN at a GM dealer. The listed part numbers (e.g., 25832354) are more commonly associated with earlier W-body cars like the Impala and Grand Am.