Way to start 2002 Yukon XL without keys

[MassiveQuantums]

My truck was stolen a week ago, but subsequently recovered. Now the insurance company is telling me that the truck can't run without 1) steering column damage (which there's not) or 2) an ignition key--the obviously implication begin that there was collusion to have the truck stolen.

Chances are the truck was unlocked when they stole it--that's my fault. But, is there a way to start it without a set of keys. They were able to gain access under the hood--somehow they lost the radiator reservoir cap (replaced with beer can bottom and fastened by electrical tape), and cut two A/C lines. All I know is I didn't collude to have it stolen.

Thought I'd reach out to the experts....Thanks in advance!

 

[iamdub]

I think keys could be made at the dealer from the VIN. You're supposed to prove ownership, but the thieves could have some inside help at the dealer or maybe they forged a registration?

 

[MassiveQuantums]

Thanks very much for your response. I called the dealer where my (now) wife bought the truck around 2002. They basically said the same thing--with proof of ownership, etc. they could do it. I think I did the same thing with my Olds Cutlas back when I was in college (early 80's). The dealer had a record of the purchase and was able to create a set of keys.

That's my best guess so far. Of course, with nefarious activities such as this, there's no telling what's possible underground, via internet, etc. Thanks again!

 

[1_8TTony]

If you can find another vehicle in a salvage yard with the same ECU part number, you can use that ECU as long as you also use the key that mates with it.

Basically, you gotta find a truck with key and ECU........the ECU part number has to be the same as the one in your truck.

Good luck.

 

[01ssreda4]

If you can find another vehicle in a salvage yard with the same ECU part number, you can use that ECU as long as you also use the key that mates with it.

Basically, you gotta find a truck with key and ECU........the ECU part number has to be the same as the one in your truck.

Good luck.

Do what??? Whatever you're smoking pass it over please!!!

 

[ScottyBoy]

Believe it or not, people can steal your truck with other GM keys. There are only so many key cut patterns, and GM often duplicated them on many vehicles. Since there is no chip or transponder in the key, its VERY easy to start it with another key. Sometimes the key doesn't even have to be a perfect match, it can just be close to your key and they wiggle it as they turn the ignition on. I believe someone on here just posted a thread about his friend being able to start his Tahoe with the keys to a 96 or 97 Chevy truck. It freaked him out and he mentioned that he wants to now install a kill switch.
Another possibility is that the thieves used a "bump key" which are sold all over the internet now. You can buy a key ring with about a dozen different keys on it and its a VERY good chance that one of those keys will start the truck.

 

[01ssreda4]

Believe it or not, people can steal your truck with other GM keys. There are only so many key cut patterns, and GM often duplicated them on many vehicles. Since there is no chip or transponder in the key, its VERY easy to start it with another key. Sometimes the key doesn't even have to be a perfect match, it can just be close to your key and they wiggle it as they turn the ignition on. I believe someone on here just posted a thread about his friend being able to start his Tahoe with the keys to a 96 or 97 Chevy truck. It freaked him out and he mentioned that he wants to now install a kill switch.
Another possibility is that the thieves used a "bump key" which are sold all over the internet now. You can buy a key ring with about a dozen different keys on it and its a VERY good chance that one of those keys will start the truck.

This is very likely how it happened.

 

[bsamole]

When your insurance policy expires I would look for another insurer.

 

[02Burgundybeast]

I have friends that owned a 97 and a 99 centurion 1500. The keys were interchangeable.

 

[Colby_e32]

any GM that utilizes passkey, or passlock protection is easily gotten, not as easy as ford, or a dodge, but same concept.

In the atlanta area the guys carry a PCM and BCM that matches, and a series of keys, I believe there is less than 10 keys total. To gain access to the interior locked or not is very simple, by popping a screwdriver under the door handle, the lock rod is right there. They sell kits to prevent this also, called jimmi jammer. linked here:
https://www.amazon.com/Jimmi-Jammer-Protection-Silverado-Avalanche/dp/B008D7P9U8


Anyhow, they pop the door, install the pcm - simple 2 7mm screws, pop the lower dash column, install the bcm, turn the key and ride out. Usually its a 2 man operation and can be stolen within 50-60 seconds.