Experiencing issues programming your 2001 Chevy Key Fob? Many Chevy Silverado owners with the stock keyless entry system encounter difficulties, particularly after battery replacement. This post details a common problem and seeks community expertise to find a solution beyond the standard programming manual.
Recently, I replaced the batteries in my 15732803 key fob for my 2001 Silverado 1500 LT Z71. The old batteries were weakening, requiring closer proximity to the truck and prolonged button presses to function. Hoping a fresh battery would resolve this, I proceeded with the replacement. However, after leaving the fob without a battery for about 12 hours, reprogramming became an unexpected hurdle.
Upon installing the new battery, the key fob appeared functional according to a tester at an auto parts store. Following the instructions inside the fob casing – “Press and hold LOCK & UNLOCK for 7 seconds” – yielded no response from my Silverado. Repeated attempts proved unsuccessful. Suspecting a potential desynchronization due to the battery removal, I attempted to re-enter programming mode as outlined in the truck’s service manual and numerous online guides.
The standard programming procedure involves a sequence of steps using the ignition and door locks. Despite meticulously following these instructions, the crucial step of the door locks cycling upon releasing the driver’s side UNLOCK button never occurs. Various attempts with different timings and door/key combinations have all failed to initiate programming mode.
The keyless entry system functioned perfectly for years prior to this battery replacement, suggesting the fob itself isn’t fundamentally faulty. Therefore, the issue seems to stem from the battery change and the subsequent programming difficulties.
While familiar with the service manual’s programming instructions, I am reaching out to the community for insights beyond the standard procedure. Could leaving the battery out for an extended period cause such programming failure? Are there undocumented quirks or nuances in the 2001 Chevy Silverado key fob programming process? Any advice or alternative troubleshooting steps beyond the service manual would be greatly appreciated.
