Lost or need to replace your 1997 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob? Don’t worry, programming a new key fob for your classic Chevy Tahoe can be a straightforward process you can handle yourself. This guide will walk you through each step to get your remote working again, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 1997 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have all the key fobs you intend to use with your vehicle. You’ll need to program all of them during this process, as programming a new fob will erase any previously programmed ones.
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Locate the Data Link Port (DLP): The Data Link Port, also known as the OBDII port in modern vehicles but referred to as DLP in your 1997 Tahoe’s manual, is crucial for initiating the programming sequence. It’s located beneath the driver’s side dashboard. You’ll likely need to get down on the floor and look upwards under the dash to find it.
1997 Chevy Tahoe Data Link Port Location under the dashboard for key fob programming -
Identify Ports 8 and 4: Carefully examine the Data Link Port. Notice that it has two rows of pins, with the top row being wider than the bottom. Orient yourself so the wider row is on top. Port 1 will be in the upper left corner, and Port 8 will be in the upper right corner. It’s essential to confirm that both Port 8 and Port 4 have metal pins inside them for the programming process to work.
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Connect Pin 8 to Pin 4: Using a jumper wire or a bent paper clip in a U-shape, connect Pin 8 to Pin 4. This action bridges the two ports and signals the vehicle to enter programming mode. Keep the jumper wire connected throughout the entire programming procedure.
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Enter Programming Mode: Once you connect the pins, your Chevy Tahoe should respond by automatically locking and then unlocking the doors. This lock-unlock cycle indicates that your vehicle has successfully entered the key fob programming mode and is ready to learn the new remote codes.
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Program the First Key Fob: Take your first key fob and press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons for approximately 15 seconds.
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Vehicle Confirmation: After about 15 seconds of holding the buttons, the vehicle will respond again by locking and unlocking the doors. This second lock-unlock cycle confirms that the vehicle has successfully recognized and programmed the first key fob. Release the buttons on the fob.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Within One Minute): If you have additional key fobs to program, you must program them within one minute of programming the first one. Repeat step 5 and 6 for each additional remote, including any previously working remotes you want to continue using. It’s crucial to program all fobs you want to use within this one-minute window.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, remove the jumper wire or paper clip from the Data Link Port. This action will exit the programming mode.
Troubleshooting and Professional Assistance
If you encounter difficulties programming your 1997 Chevy Tahoe key fob, double-check that you have correctly identified and connected Pins 8 and 4 in the Data Link Port. Ensure you are holding the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the fob for the full 15 seconds until you receive vehicle confirmation.
If you’re still having trouble or prefer professional assistance, you can search for a qualified key fob installer in your area. Many automotive locksmiths and car audio shops offer key fob programming services and can quickly get your remote working.
