Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13) – B99 Keyway GM Key Guide

By Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith, mobile automotive locksmith. Reviewed by Ray Obar, Master Locksmith. Updated June 1, 2026.

Used across a wide range of General Motors platforms from the late 1990s through the late 2000s, the Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13) serves as the primary ignition key for vehicles equipped with GM’s passive anti-theft system (PASSLOCK / PK3). Each Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13) carries an embedded ID13 transponder element beneath its plastic bow, which communicates with the vehicle’s body control module to authorize engine start. For locksmiths and dealership technicians, this key requires proper transponder registration before the immobilizer will allow fuel delivery and ignition. The Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13) uses the B99 keyway profile — a high-security sidebar blade design common to GM passenger cars and light trucks of this era — making it a staple SKU in any automotive locksmith’s GM key inventory.

ID13 Transponder Chip and Immobilizer Interaction

The ID13 chip is a fixed-code transponder, meaning it transmits a static identification number rather than a rolling cryptographic challenge. When the key is inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to the “ON” position, the antenna ring surrounding the lock cylinder energizes the transponder coil inside the key bow. The chip responds with its stored identification value, which the vehicle’s theft-deterrent module compares against its learned key table. If the transmitted ID matches a registered entry, the module permits engine cranking and fuel injector operation. If the ID is unrecognized, the security indicator lamp illuminates and the engine is locked out — typically for a timed relearn interval that can last several minutes per cycle.

Because the ID13 is a fixed-code element rather than a crypto-transponder, the programming procedure is generally more straightforward than newer rolling-code systems. However, technicians should not confuse simplicity with a lack of security — an unprogrammed key will not start the vehicle under any circumstances, and the relearn procedure must be executed precisely to avoid extended lockout periods.

B99 Keyway Profile and Blade Cutting

The B99 keyway is a sidebar-style mechanical profile used by General Motors. Unlike standard pin-tumbler cuts, the B99 blade features a machined sidebar track that engages with a corresponding bar inside the ignition lock cylinder. This sidebar must align correctly before the cylinder will rotate, adding a layer of mechanical pick resistance on top of the electronic immobilizer protection provided by the ID13 chip.

When cutting a replacement blade for the Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13), locksmiths typically use either code cutting from the vehicle’s key code (retrievable via VIN from GM’s database) or impressioning and decoding from the existing lock cylinder. Automated key machines such as the Keyline Ninja Laser or Silca Futura Pro handle the B99 profile well, though manual space-and-depth decoding remains an option for field work. The blade should be checked for proper sidebar engagement and smooth cylinder rotation before attempting transponder programming — a mechanically defective cut will prevent the key from reaching the electrical “ON” position needed to trigger the transponder read sequence.

Validated Vehicle Fitments

The following vehicles have been validated for compatibility with this key. All of these GM platforms share the B99 mechanical keyway and ID13 transponder protocol:

• Buick LeSabre (2000–2005)
• Buick Rendezvous
• Buick Terraza (2005–2007)
• Cadillac DeVille (1996–2005)
• Cadillac Seville (1998–2004)
• Chevrolet Uplander (2005–2009)
• Oldsmobile Aurora (2001–2003)
• Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
• Pontiac Bonneville (2000–2005)
• Pontiac Montana (2005–2009)

Locksmiths should always verify the specific year, make, and model against current cross-reference data before ordering or cutting a replacement key, as some mid-generation production changes can alter the transponder type or keyway within the same model line.

Programming Procedure Overview

The standard on-board programming method for GM vehicles using the ID13 transponder is the 10-minute relearn procedure. This does not require any external diagnostic tool, making it one of the more accessible transponder enrollment methods in the industry. The general sequence is as follows:

1. Insert the new key into the ignition and turn to the “ON” position (do not crank).
2. Wait for the security indicator lamp to turn off — this typically takes approximately 10 minutes.
3. Turn the key to “OFF” within 10 seconds of the lamp extinguishing.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 two additional times (three full 10-minute cycles total).
5. After the third cycle, start the engine to confirm the key has been learned.

This procedure registers the new transponder’s fixed ID into the body control module’s key table. If the vehicle already has two working keys, some GM platforms also support a shorter “quick learn” method where the existing key is used to authenticate the session before presenting the new key. The availability of this shortcut depends on the specific vehicle model and module generation.

For situations where all original keys have been lost, aftermarket diagnostic platforms such as Autel IM608 or Advanced Diagnostics Smart Pro can interface with the OBD-II port to reset the immobilizer module and enroll a fresh key. Performing this reset clears all previously learned key IDs, so any surviving original keys will need to be re-registered afterward.

Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13): OEM vs. Aftermarket Considerations

Strattec Security Corporation is the original equipment manufacturer for the majority of GM ignition lock and key products. Choosing an OEM-sourced Strattec blank ensures that the B99 blade dimensions, sidebar tolerances, and transponder placement match factory specifications precisely. Aftermarket alternatives exist from several suppliers and typically cost less, but the quality of the blade material and the reliability of the embedded ID13 element can vary. In practice, reputable aftermarket transponder blanks from established brands generally perform well in these vehicles. Technicians who encounter intermittent no-start conditions after installing a new key should inspect the transponder coil placement within the bow — if the chip is off-center or too far from the antenna ring, the read distance may fall outside the module’s sensitivity window.

When Vehicle Owners Should Contact a Locksmith

Owners of the vehicles listed above who need a spare or replacement key should be aware that the transponder component makes this more than a simple key-cutting job. Hardware stores and general key kiosks typically cannot program the ID13 chip to the vehicle. A qualified automotive locksmith or dealership service department can cut the B99 blade to code and execute the relearn procedure on-site, often at a lower total cost than dealership-only service. Mobile locksmith service is particularly useful for these older GM platforms, as many of them are well past their dealership warranty period and owners benefit from the convenience and competitive pricing of independent locksmith technicians.

Related help: Buick auto locksmith, Cadillac auto locksmith, Chevrolet auto locksmith, Oldsmobile auto locksmith, car key replacement, car key programming.

Compatible and related keys: Bosma 3-Button Remote Key Fob (FCC ID L2C0007T), related key: Strattec Transponder Key (chip ID13), GM Mechanical Key Blank (GM39), GM Transponder Key (chip ID13), compatible Strattec 3-Button Remote Key Fob (FCC ID MYT3X6898B), Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA) (compatible fob), Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4EA).