Had something to contribute on this, hope it is helpful.
I recently bought my niece a Saturn Astra that is a rebadged Opel and it has a very similar key to the Caprice PPV. What some companies offer is a button less transponder key that can be cut and programmed to the security system in your car so what you end up with is a basic key that will unlock your door and start your car.it was written in another thread:
You also have the scenario of having a key lost or damaged while the car is locked up (sewer drain anyone?). I don't even know if one of these fat keys with the transmitter would fit into a magnetic key holder you could stick somewhere under the car, you'd probably have to bag it securely & tape it to something while the car was on a lift. And hope like hell when you need it you're not wearing good clothes. I haven't seen a key option without a transmitter yet, but that would just get you basic access without start due to the security features.
So did some searching and came across a Locksmith Ledger article on the Caprice PPV:
http://www.locksmithledger.com/article/ ... -july-2013
Caprice Police Model
The 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice police model (PPV) appears to be a re-badged Holden Statesman using the 60,000 to 62,113 code series. These high security locks use a sidewinder style key. The locks are similar to the Pontiac G8. The transponder is a Philips 2nd Generation Crypto.
Aftermarket key blanks are available clonable or programmable.
According to Bianchi, the HC1UTK100 read/write key blank can be cloned. Comparable key blanks are the:
Ilco cloning compatible key blank is the EK3P- GM45
JMA USA clonable key blank is the TPX4-GM-49D.P
I have not tested either the Ilco or JMA cloners with this vehicle.
The Ilco programmable key blank is the GM45FPT
The JMA USA programmable key blank is the TP12-GM-49D.P
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So looking at the Bianchi product literature you can find info for the Caprice PPV as taking key HC1UTK100
Line from Sheet:
(Caprice PPV 2011-2013 HC1UTK100 (or TK60) A, G A [RED] 60,000-62,113 GM45 (HS) Optional transponder )
So what you would buy in the Bianchi line (could not find good pics of the others) is 2 items:
1. TK100 or TK60 (think either will work) PHILIPS CRYPTO CODE BIANCHI CLONING HEAD
2. HC1U Horseshoe Blade
Then they go together like this:
(That key blade is just an example it's not the GM45 sidewinder style blade that comes in the HC1U model)
Cost should be around $40.00 US before any cutting or programming fees.
Now what is unclear to me is if you need to have a special machine to program these to the car. I know on my Nieces 2008 Astra you did but I seem to recall around 2010 GM started making it possible for owner to program them right in the car with a special sequence. The key lists 2 onboard programming footnotes (A & G) that seems to confirm they can be owner programmed. Taken from this guide from the Bianchi literature on page 37 :
http://www.keyline-usa.com/_handlers/Re ... ashx?id=41
ON BOARD PROGRAM A: GM Pass-Key III (Easily identified by a PK3 stamped on the blade)
ORIGINATE A NEW KEY:
1. Insert new transponder key and turn ignition to ON position.
The dashboard security light will turn on and stay on for 10 minutes.
2. Once the security light goes out, you have one minute to to begin Step 3.
Turn ignition to OFF and then back to ON position.
3.Repeat Step 2.
4. Once the dashboard security light has turned off for the third time, the key has been successfully programmed.
This is now the only key that is programmed to the system and all previous electronic key codes have been erased.
ADD A DUPLICATE KEY:
1. Insert the newly programmed key and turn ignition to ON position and then back to OFF.
2.Remove existing key, insert new transponder key and turn to ON position. THIS MUST BE DONE WITHIN 15 SECONDS.
3. The dashboard security light will come on for two seconds indicating successful programming.
ON BOARD PROGRAM G: 2001+ GM Pass-Key III+ System
(Export vehicles are easily identified by a 2 or 3 in first position of VIN number)
ORIGINATE A NEW MASTER KEY (Master Keys must be used):
1. Properly cut a new GM Master Key.
2. Insert the new key into the ignition and turn it to ON position. The THEFT light will go on for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Once the light goes out, repeat step 2, two more times.
4. When the THEFT light goes out, this indicates successful programming.
PROGRAM A SECOND KEY:
1. After completing the last step for the first key, insert a second Master Key and turn to the ON position within 20 seconds. Once the light goes out the key is programmed.
2.Repeat the previous step for programming up to 12 additional keys.
ADD A DUPLICATE KEY (Requires one working key or two working keys for export vehicles):
1. Insert an original key into the ignition and turn ignition to ON.
2. Once the SECURITY light goes out, remove the key.
3 Insert the second original key and turn the ignition to ON.
4. When the SECURITY light goes out, remove the key.
5. Insert the new key and turn the ignition to ON.
6. Once the SECURITY light goes out the new key has been successfully programmed.
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Maybe the G8 guys already know about this as they use the same key setup.
Of course they have OnStar if they get locked out!
Or maybe someone knows a locksmith that can confirm?
Might be a good alternative to hiding one of the more expensive flip or buttoned keys.
Have Fun!