How do i know if i need a tdm - 1997 Oldsmobile Regency

B3935
Transponder Authentication Error
TDM
DTC B3935

When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the theft deterrent module (TDM). The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory, learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM perform a calculation on the challenge. If the calculations match, the TDM sends the fuel enable password via the serial data circuit to the powertrain control module (PCM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the PCM via the serial data circuit.

Did you change key also ? does it have transponder chip in the head of the key ? Needs to be programmed . You change what ? Ignition lock cylinder an key ?
Important: When replacing either the vehicle keys, PCM, or TDM and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, ensure that the appropriate calibration is selected for the replacement component on the calibration selection screen of the service programming system. The appropriate calibrations for specific vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system components are described below.
• When preparing a TDM for replacement, the Prepare Module For TDM Setup Procedure calibration is required. This allows the retrieval of required information from the TDM prior to its replacement.
• When learning vehicle keys and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn For Learning Replacement Keys calibration is required. This clears all previously learned keys from the TDM and enables the TDM to learn new vehicle keys. For learning additional vehicle keys, refer to Adding Keys .
• When replacing a TDM or ECM and the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure is used, the VTD Learn for Powertrain calibration is required. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the fuel continue password of the new TDM.
Important: When replacing a TDM with a GM SPO Replacement Part, insure the Setup a New TDM procedure is performed prior to the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure.
Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Ensure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
With a scan tool, select Request Info. under Service Programming System and follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal with the current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions. Ensure the correct programming procedure is selected based on the component being replaced or programmed. See Important above.
Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
With a master vehicle key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
With a scan tool, select Program ECU under Service Programming System.
At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-Minute Relearn Procedure.

I would suggest that you take it to an accredited transmission specialist shop before spending money to get a proper diagnosis and quote before outlaying money
From your statement you are already sceptical of the fix and I would think that you need a proper long term fix rather than a quick fix
your question is a bit jumbled so I am sorry if I missed exactly what it is but things like TDM, BCM starter disabled etc should be spelt out as too many things can be referred to by initials

The key is chiped , does it have a padlock an car symbol light on the instrument cluster when you turn the key on ? Do the headlamps work ? shine bright ? Do you have a volt meter ? Check battery voltage . Go to http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html free wiring diagrams . Enter vehicle info. year , make , model an engine size . Under system click on electrical distribution , under subsystem click on power distribution . Check power at the crank relay , plus you need to know what happens when you turn that key to start . Computers involved .Do you know about relays ?

Moving the ignition switch to the START position signals the body control module (BCM) through discrete inputs from the ignition transducer that engine crank has been requested. The BCM verifies that theft is not active and sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) requesting engine start. The ECM/PCM receives a 12-volt signal from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch or clutch pedal start switch notifying that it is safe to start the engine. There is a splice on this circuit in the fuse block-underhood that supplies power for the starter relay coil. The starter relay coil control circuit is then grounded by the ECM/PCM closing the switch in the starter relay suppling 12 volts to the S-trminal of the starter. Ground is supplied through the engine block.
A scan tool of professional type would be a good tool to have to diagnose this .

The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system functions are provided by the theft deterrent module (TDM). When an ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition is switched ON, the transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by the exciter coils surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the TDM. The TDM then compares this value to a value stored in memory. This is the learned key code. If the value is correct, the TDM sends a random generated number to the transponder. This is called a challenge. Both the transponder and the TDM module perform a calculation on the challenge. If the calculations match, the TDM sends the start enable message via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM). If either the transponders unique value or the calculation to the challenge is incorrect, the TDM will send the start disable message to the ECM via the serial data circuit. The components of the VTD system are as follows:
• TDM
• ECM
• Ignition key (Transponder)
• Ignition lock cylinder
• Security indicator

Is the light on . when trying to start the vehicle ?

I think you should hope for the best & that they resolve everything,
pay them & never go back to any dealer, ever again,unless you
enjoy being relieved of some extra money

It is 9 years old
Why are you at a dealer?
You have never been to any other repair place
with any vehicle?

TDM IS (Theft Deterrant Module) VATS system

Resetting is a temporary fix to a larger problem. A 96 grand am runs the Vats system. These systems do not relearn the key or ignition. They use that "chip" in the key shaft. So the fact that the "reset" temporarily fixes the problem leads to one thing. A failed theft deterrent module. (TDM) In order to fix this problem, you will need to replace the TDM or bypass the system entirely. I would lean toward bypassing the system. That way you never need to worry about it again, can be done yourself, and for cheaper than a TDM. Go to this link and look under PERMANENT FIX.

http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Most of the time they are tucked under the dash and above the glovebox. Ive never seen one on your year caddy. Ive seen several buicks and oldsmobiles. Most of the time you have to take off the glovebox and look above the back part of the box for them. For a picture of a TDM, go to this link.

Might help if you dont know what it looks like..... http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Heres the deal. When you put a remote starter on this year Cadillac (and about 100 other GM models) you have to bypass the security system. On these vehicles, that chip in your key has to communicate with the ignition/lock cylinder and then the TDM (computer) to allow your starter to start and/or allow the injectors to continue working. So what people will do is "bypass" the key and lock cylinder to fake the TDM into believing it has the correct key chip inserted. This allows you to remotely start a vehicle with an antitheft. My guess is that your TDM has now failed. Since the remote starter (which is hooked directly to starter) works and the key doesnt AND we already know that the system has been altered.... I'd put money on the TDM (theft deterrant module). Check out this link. You'll find an answer to your problem for sure. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

what exactly is a TDM i have been a mechanic for a long long time and have not heard this term.