Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 1999 Chevy Tahoe? You’re in the right place. Programming your key fob yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership visits. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to program your 1999 Chevy Tahoe key fob, ensuring you regain convenient keyless entry.
Understanding 1999 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob Programming
The 1999 Chevy Tahoe, like many vehicles of its era, utilizes an on-board programming system for key fobs. This means you can program new remotes directly without specialized tools in most cases. This guide provides instructions based on the original manufacturer’s procedures, ensuring reliable results for your vehicle.
Identifying Your Tahoe Model: Base vs. Luxury
While the programming procedure is generally the same, it’s worth noting that the original documentation sometimes distinguishes between “base” and “luxury” models. In practice, the programming steps outlined below should work for all 1999 Chevy Tahoe models. The distinction mainly affects whether the horn chirps during programming, which is a minor detail and doesn’t impact the core process.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to program your 1999 Chevy Tahoe key fob. Ensure you have all key fobs you wish to program ready, as you must program all of them in a single session.
What You’ll Need:
- Your 1999 Chevy Tahoe
- Your new key fob(s) – ensure they are compatible with GM part number 12490830 or 12495653 (common for this model year)
- A paper clip or jumper wire
Programming Steps:
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Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC): The DLC is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It’s a 16-pin connector, and we’ll be focusing on specific pins.
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Prepare to Ground the DLC: Using your paper clip or jumper wire, you will need to connect pin 4 to pin 8 of the DLC. Pin 4 is the chassis ground, and pin 8 is the class 2 serial data. Note: Ensure you are connecting the correct pins to avoid any issues.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. Ground pin 4 to pin 8 of the DLC using your jumper wire or paper clip.
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Observe Vehicle Response: Within 2 seconds of grounding the pins, the vehicle should respond by locking and then unlocking the doors. You might also hear the liftgate window release activate if your Tahoe is equipped with it. This confirms you have successfully entered programming mode.
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Program the First Key Fob: Take your first key fob. Simultaneously press and hold the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons. Continue holding both buttons until the door locks cycle again (lock and unlock). This should take approximately 10 seconds. Release the buttons after the locks cycle.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (if applicable): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat step 5 immediately for each fob. You can program up to four key fobs in total during one programming session. The system will cycle the locks again after each successful key fob programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, remove the ground connection from the DLC (disconnect the paper clip or jumper wire).
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Verify Programming: Test each key fob to ensure it is working correctly. Press the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons to confirm the doors respond. Also, test the rear window release button if your key fob and Tahoe are equipped with this feature.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Response After Grounding DLC: Double-check that you have correctly identified and grounded pins 4 and 8 of the DLC. Ensure the ignition is in the “OFF” position.
- Key Fob Not Programming: Make sure you are holding the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously for long enough (approximately 10 seconds) until the door locks cycle. Ensure the key fob batteries are good.
- Horn Chirp (or No Chirp): The original documentation mentions that the horn chirp may be disabled if the key is in the “ON” position during programming (though the instructions specify “OFF”). If you don’t hear a chirp, focus on the door lock cycling as the primary confirmation of programming.
- Used Key Fobs from eBay: While used key fobs can be programmed, ensure they are the correct model for your 1999 Chevy Tahoe (GM P/N 12490830 or 12495653 are common). Sometimes used fobs may have internal issues.
Conclusion
Programming your 1999 Chevy Tahoe key fob is a straightforward process that can be done at home with a simple jumper wire. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly program new or replacement key fobs and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry once again. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting a professional automotive locksmith or a certified mechanic may be necessary.
