Question 1

My key broke off in the ignition. Can you get it out?

Accepted Answer

Yes, broken key extraction is a standard mobile job. I carry the tools to pull a broken key fragment from an ignition cylinder without damaging the cylinder itself. Once it is out, I can cut a fresh key from lock data or from the extracted piece and program the transponder on the spot.

The 2020 Canyon ignition cylinder is not particularly fragile, but older GM trucks with higher mileage do see wear in the tumblers over time, which can make a key stick and eventually snap under pressure. If the cylinder feels rough or the key has been hard to turn for a while, I will tell you that on site. Sometimes extraction is all you need. Other times, if the cylinder itself is worn, a cylinder replacement is the smarter call. Either way, you get an honest read before any work is authorized.

Question 2

What exactly is a transponder key and how does it work on the 2020 Canyon?

Accepted Answer

A transponder key is a metal key blade with a small electronic chip embedded in the plastic head. When you insert the key and turn the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder sends a radio signal to that chip. The chip responds with its own signal, and the immobilizer verifies the response before allowing the engine to start.

On the 2020 Canyon, if the chip is missing, damaged, or not recognized, the engine will either not crank or will start briefly and immediately stall. That stall-on-start pattern is a classic immobilizer response.

This matters practically: if the blade snaps but the key head is intact, the chip is often still good. I can sometimes transplant the electronics into a new key shell rather than programming from scratch. Whether that is possible depends on the condition of the head. I check it on site before recommending a full replacement.

Question 3

My GMC Canyon is showing a key-not-detected warning. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

First, confirm this is actually a transponder key vehicle and not a push-button start -- the 2020 Canyon in base and mid configurations uses a key you physically turn in the ignition, so a "key not detected" type warning here points to the transponder not being read rather than a proximity issue.

Start with the ignition cylinder itself. Insert the key slowly and fully, then try to start. If it cranks but stalls immediately, that is the immobilizer cutting the fuel. If it does not crank at all, that is a different path.

A persistent security warning after a normal start attempt can indicate the antenna ring around the cylinder is not reading the chip cleanly. Canyon and Colorado owners on GM forums have reported this showing up intermittently before becoming a full no-start. Wiggling the key slightly while it is inserted sometimes changes the behavior, which tells you the read is inconsistent rather than completely failed.

If the warning is intermittent and a fresh key fixes it, the old chip was likely degrading. If the new key does the same thing, the antenna or the module behind it gets looked at next. Call me and I will diagnose it on site.

Question 4

I bought a replacement transponder key online. Can I program it myself or do I need a locksmith?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what you bought and what your current situation is.

The 2020 Canyon does support an onboard add-a-key relearn procedure, but only if you already have at least one working programmed key in hand. If you have a working key, you may be able to add a second transponder yourself using the ignition-turn sequence GM published for this generation. Look up the specific steps for your year before trying -- the sequence has to be done correctly or it will not take.

If you have no working key at all, that onboard sequence will not help you. All-keys-lost on this vehicle requires diagnostic equipment to get back in and get a key registered. That is where I come in.

Also worth knowing: the key still needs to be cut to your ignition. A chip that is programmed correctly but a blade that is cut wrong is useless. If you bought the key online, verify the blade was cut to your vehicle's code or bring it to me and I will decode and cut it on site.

Question 5

How long does a spare or replacement transponder key job take on a 2020 GMC Canyon?

Accepted Answer

About 30 minutes for a standard spare key job where you have one working key. Cutting the blade and programming the transponder on this generation is not a lengthy process with the right equipment.

All-keys-lost takes a bit longer, typically closer to 45 minutes, because the module needs to be accessed through the diagnostic port and there is sometimes a timed sequence involved before new keys can be enrolled.

Either way, it is one visit. I come to you in Scripps Ranch, do the work on site, and you drive away with a tested key.

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