Step-by-step guide for AKL on Chevrolet Traverse (2010-2020) using LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite. Includes PIN retrieval, 10-min delay, and troubleshooting tips.

How to Use LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite to Program All Keys Lost on a Chevrolet Traverse

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Quick Answer: Can You Program a Chevrolet Traverse with Zero Keys Using the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite?

Yes, the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite can successfully perform an All Keys Lost (AKL) procedure on most Chevrolet Traverse models (typically 2010–2020) provided you have a valid software subscription, correct virgin transponder chip, and a stable internet connection. The tool handles GM’s CAN-bus security handshake and PIN retrieval via server communication. The core steps are: connect the J2534 pass-through cable, read the BCM to obtain the security PIN, erase all lost keys from the immobilizer memory, then program new key(s) including a mandatory 10-minute security delay. You must keep the ignition on and the tool connected throughout the waiting period.

Prerequisites and Preparation

Before you dive into the actual programming, get the hardware and software squared away. Nothing kills a job faster than discovering you’re missing a cable or using the wrong transponder.

Hardware You’ll Need

LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite tablet and main unit – fully charged or plugged in.
VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) with J2534 pass-through capability. This is critical – the IMMO Elite uses pass-through mode to talk to GM’s servers.
DB15 to OBD-II diagnostic cable – the standard heavy-duty cable that comes with the kit.
Battery charger/maintainer – I cannot stress this enough. Connecting a 12V booster pack or battery charger is mandatory. A voltage drop during the 10-minute wait will kill the session and waste a credit.

Key Blank and Transponder Requirements

The Chevrolet Traverse typically uses a high-security blade (often HU100-style) and a 4D70 (ID70) Texas Crypto transponder. You need a virgin chip – never programmed to any vehicle. Cloned or used chips won’t work for an AKL scenario.

Component	Requirement
Key blank	OEM or high-quality aftermarket (HU100 or equivalent)
Transponder	4D70 ID70 virgin chip (pre-coded universal blanks are fine)
Remote fob	Separate programming step for RKE functions

Software and Licensing

Ensure your X431 tablet has an active internet connection – Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot. You’ll communicate with GM’s server for the PIN retrieval.
Update the IMMO software before starting. Go to My Apps or System Update and check for any patches, especially for GM modules.
Purchase the required credits or tokens for the Chevrolet AKL function. Typically this costs 2–4 credits depending on your region. No free trials for AKL – don’t attempt it without a valid subscription.

Step-by-Step All Keys Lost (AKL) Procedure

This section covers the standard process for a 2010–2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Newer models (2021+) may require a GM TIS2Web subscription or remote service, but the core steps are similar.

1. Establish Connection and Identify the Vehicle

Plug the VCI into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, which is located under the driver’s side dashboard. Connect the J2534 cable from the VCI to your tablet. Attach the battery maintainer to the battery terminals – clamp it directly if possible.

Launch the X431 software and navigate:

Diagnostics > IMMO (Immobilizer) > Chevrolet > Traverse

The tool will automatically perform an AutoVIN scan. Confirm that the displayed VIN matches the vehicle’s windshield VIN. If the VIN doesn’t auto-populate, you may need to enter it manually – but that’s rare for GM vehicles after 2010.

2. Navigate to the “All Keys Lost” Function

From the IMMO main menu, select “All Keys Lost (AKL)” or “Erase & Program Keys” (the wording varies slightly by software version).

A warning prompt will appear: all existing keys will be erased, and you must have at least one new virgin transponder available. Read the prompt, acknowledge it, and proceed.

3. Perform Security Access (Retrieve the PIN)

This is where the IMMO Elite earns its keep. The tool will attempt to read the Security Code (PIN) from the BCM (Body Control Module) or ECU. This process takes 3–5 minutes as the tablet sends a request to LAUNCH/GM’s server and waits for a response.

Critical instructions during this step:

Leave the ignition in the ON position (engine off).
Do not touch the diagnostic cables.
Do not turn off the tablet or VCI.
If you see a “Server Request” loop, be patient – it’s normal.

Once successful, the screen will display a 4-digit or 5-digit Security PIN. Write this down immediately on a piece of paper. You may not see it again, and if the session times out, you’ll lose the PIN and need to start over.

4. Erase All Lost Keys

After the PIN is retrieved, the tool automatically initiates an “Erase All Keys” sequence. The BCM deletes all previously learned transponder IDs from its memory. You will see a confirmation message stating that all keys have been removed.

5. Program the New Key(s)

Now the real work happens. Insert your virgin key blank into the ignition cylinder. Do not turn the key just yet.

On the tablet, select “Program Key.” The tool will then display a timer – typically 10 minutes. This is a mandatory security delay imposed by GM’s BCM to prevent hot-wiring or rapid key cloning. You cannot bypass it.

What you must do during the wait:

Leave the ignition ON (engine off).
Keep the tool connected and running.
Keep the battery charger attached.
Do not touch the key or turn it off.

After the timer expires, the tablet will display “Programming Successful.” Remove the key and wait 30 seconds. Insert it again and turn the ignition – the dash lights should come on normally. Attempt to start the engine; it should crank and run.

6. Verify and Program a Second Key (Strongly Recommended)

If you have a second virgin key blank, repeat step 5 immediately after the first key is learned. GM vehicles often require two programmed keys for the self‑learning sequence to allow future key additions. Without a second key, you may not be able to add new keys later without another AKL procedure.

7. Program the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Separately

The AKL function does not automatically program the door lock/unlock and remote start buttons. You must perform a separate step:

From the IMMO main menu, select “Remote Programming” > “Add Remote.” Follow the on-screen prompts – typically you’ll be asked to turn the ignition on/off, press lock/unlock buttons on the fob, etc. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.

Once done, test all remote functions: lock, unlock, panic, and remote start if equipped.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (Chevrolet Traverse)

Even with a reliable tool like the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite, things can go sideways. Here are the most frequent problems I’ve encountered (and how to fix them).

“Security Access Failed” or “Cannot Read PIN”

Cause: Weak battery voltage or unstable internet connection during server communication.

Solution: Check your battery voltage with a multimeter – it should be at least 12.5V with the charger connected. Turn off all accessories (lights, radio, HVAC). Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi signal, preferably 5 GHz if available. Then retry the security access step.

Programming Timer Stuck at 00:00

Cause: Outdated firmware or IMMO software module.

Solution: Exit the IMMO application completely. Connect to Wi-Fi and go to My Apps > Software Update. Look for a specific update for “Chevrolet / GM AKL” or “IMMO Elite Base.” Apply the update, then restart the tablet and retry the process. This is a known issue with older firmware versions.

Key Programmed but Dash Shows “No Remote Detected”

Cause: The RKE function hasn’t been programmed separately.

Solution: Follow the remote programming procedure described in step 7 above. If the remote still doesn’t work, verify the fob battery is fresh and that you’re using the correct OEM remote (Chevy Traverse typically uses a specific FCC ID – check the old fob if you still have it).

“Vehicle Not Supported” Error

Cause: The Traverse model year is too new (2021+), or the vehicle has a different BCM platform.

Solution: For 2021 and newer models, you may need the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Plus (which supports more advanced protocols) or use the Remote Assistance feature on the Elite to have a technician flash the BCM online. Alternatively, you can use a GM TIS2Web subscription on a passthrough laptop, but that’s outside the scope of this guide.

Session Crashes or Tablet Freezes During 10-Minute Wait

Cause: Overheating, low battery, or outdated VCI firmware.

Solution: Keep the tablet out of direct sunlight. Ensure the VCI has its own power (some models draw from the OBD port – if your charger keeps the battery above 12V, that’s fine). Update the VCI firmware through the X431 Update Center before starting the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite on a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?

Yes, but the procedure is more complex. For 2021+ models, the immobilizer system often requires online authorization through GM’s TIS2Web server. The IMMO Elite can sometimes handle it via the “Remote Service” option, but I recommend the IMMO Plus for newer vehicles. You may also need a separate GM security subscription.

Do I need a subscription for the Chevrolet AKL function?

Absolutely. The LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite requires credits for the IMMO function. A single Chevrolet AKL job costs between 2 and 4 credits, depending on your region and current promotions. No free trials – you must purchase credits through the LAUNCH online store.

Why does it take 10 minutes to program the key?

This is a mandatory anti-theft delay built into GM’s BCM. It’s not something the tool can bypass. Think of it as a timed security checkpoint – the module verifies that the programming session is legitimate by waiting a set period before accepting the new key. The X431 simply manages the timer for you.

Can I use a cloned transponder instead of a new OEM one?

No. For an All Keys Lost scenario, you need a virgin transponder chip – one that has never been programmed to any vehicle. Cloned keys are copies of an existing ID and cannot be learned because the BCM expects a unique ID. You must source a fresh 4D70 ID70 chip.

What happens if I unplug the tool during the 10-minute waiting period?

The programming will fail, and you’ll likely have to restart the entire procedure from step 3 (Security Access). That costs another credit. Always keep the tool connected, the battery charger attached, and avoid any interruptions.

Will this procedure program the remote fobs (lock/unlock buttons)?

Not automatically. The AKL function only programs the transponder chip for engine starting. You must perform a separate remote programming step (see step 7 above) to sync the door lock/unlock and remote start functions. The IMMO Elite includes this function in the same IMMO menu.

Final Tips from the Shop

After years of working with the LAUNCH X431 IMMO Elite, I’ve learned a few things that the manual doesn’t always tell you:

Keep a log of PIN codes. If you ever need to do another AKL on the same vehicle, having the old PIN can save you a server query (and a credit). Write it in the vehicle’s service history or a password manager.
Use a pre-coded universal blank. For AKL on GM vehicles, a pre-coded 4D70 chip in a universal shell simplifies the process – no need to cut a separate blade or worry about chip compatibility.
Check for software updates weekly. LAUNCH frequently releases patches for GM modules. An outdated IMMO module is the #1 cause of failed AKL attempts.
Have a backup plan. If the Elite fails, you can fall back to a GM TIS2Web subscription with a passthrough laptop and a compatible J2534 device. Keep that in your toolkit for stubborn newer models.

About the Author: Erwin Salarda is an Automotive Service Equipment Technician based in the Philippines, specializing in computerized automotive diagnostic equipment such as OBD scanners and wheel alignment systems. Since 2012, he has been actively providing technical support, equipment installation, troubleshooting, after-sales service, and hands-on training for automotive service equipment used by workshops and automotive professionals.

He has received specialized training from international suppliers and manufacturers, including Launch X431 in Shenzhen, China, Lawrence Engineering Company in Guangzhou, China, and 3Excel Wheel Alignment Company in Shenzhen, China. Through these trainings, he developed advanced expertise in automotive diagnostics, calibration, wheel alignment systems, and computerized automotive service technologies.

Erwin Salarda provides professional after-sales support and technical training for automotive diagnostic and wheel alignment equipment, helping clients maximize the performance and proper use of their tools and systems. His experience covers equipment setup, software updates, calibration procedures, troubleshooting, and operational guidance for automotive workshops and service centers.

With more than a decade of experience in the automotive equipment industry, Erwin Salarda continues to support automotive businesses by delivering reliable technical expertise and practical training solutions.

For inquiries and equipment purchases, please visit https://carlifterph.com/