It’s a common scenario: you’ve just purchased a used 2007 Chevy truck and discovered it’s missing a key fob, or perhaps your existing fob has stopped working. You might be wondering if your truck even has keyless entry, and if so, how to go about programming a new key fob. The good news is, many 2007 Chevy trucks are equipped with remote keyless entry, and programming a new fob can often be done yourself, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the process, explore your options, and ensure you get your 2007 Chevy Key Fob working smoothly.
First things first, let’s determine if your 2007 Chevy is equipped with remote keyless entry. While it might seem surprising for a vehicle of this era to lack this feature, it’s important to verify. A quick way to check is by examining the Regular Production Option (RPO) codes sticker, usually located in your glovebox.
Look for the following RPO codes:
- AU0: This code indicates power door locks, a prerequisite for remote keyless entry.
- A31: This code signifies power windows. While not directly related to keyless entry, it’s often bundled with power locks in these models.
- AU3: This is the key code you’re looking for – it specifically denotes Remote Keyless Entry.
If your glovebox sticker lists all three of these codes (AU0, A31, and AU3), congratulations! Your 2007 Chevy truck is already equipped with remote keyless entry. This means programming a new 2007 Chevy key fob should be straightforward. You likely just need to purchase a compatible remote and follow the programming procedure outlined below. It’s possible the previous owner simply lost or misplaced the key fobs.
If, however, your RPO sticker is missing the AU3 code, don’t worry. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck without remote keyless entry forever. While your truck didn’t come from the factory with this feature, it might still be possible to add it.
Let’s assume your 2007 Chevy does have factory keyless entry (you’ve confirmed the AU3 RPO code). Programming a new 2007 Chevy key fob is a relatively simple process you can perform yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
2007 Chevy Key Fob Programming Procedure:
- Close all vehicle doors. Ensure all doors, including the tailgate or rear doors on extended cab models, are fully closed.
- Insert the ignition key. Place your ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder.
- Press and hold the door UNLOCK switch. Locate the door unlock switch on your driver’s side door panel and press and hold it down. Maintain pressure on the unlock switch throughout the next steps.
- Cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF. While continuing to hold the door unlock switch, quickly turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (just before starting the engine) and then back to the “OFF” position. Repeat this ON-OFF cycle one more time, for a total of two cycles ending in the “OFF” position.
- Release the door unlock switch. Let go of the door unlock switch. At this point, the doors should automatically lock and unlock. This lock-unlock cycle indicates that your 2007 Chevy truck has entered key fob programming mode.
- Program the first key fob: Press and hold both the LOCK button and the UNLOCK button simultaneously on the new 2007 Chevy key fob you are programming. Continue holding both buttons for approximately 15 seconds. After this delay, the doors should lock and unlock again. This confirms that the first key fob has been successfully programmed.
- Program additional key fobs (if needed): If you have additional 2007 Chevy key fobs to program, repeat step 6 for each additional fob. You can program up to a maximum of four key fobs using this procedure.
- Exit programming mode: Turn the ignition switch to the “RUN” or “ON” position (the position just before starting the engine) to exit the keyless entry transmitter programming mode.
- Verify operation: Test each programmed 2007 Chevy key fob to ensure it correctly locks and unlocks the doors and activates any other remote functions your fob may have, such as the panic button.
Troubleshooting and Further Steps:
If you followed the programming procedure carefully and your 2007 Chevy key fob still isn’t working, try repeating the steps. Sometimes, the timing or sequence needs to be precise, and a second attempt might be successful.
If repeated attempts fail, it’s possible that your truck’s Body Control Module (BCM) needs to be “reflashed” or reprogrammed by a dealership or a qualified automotive technician with a Tech 2 scan tool. This is more likely to be necessary if your truck did not originally come with keyless entry or if there’s been an issue with the BCM.
While the original forum post suggested that reflashing the BCM might be needed to add keyless entry, it’s less clear if it’s always required simply to program a new fob on a system that already has keyless entry (indicated by the AU3 RPO code). However, BCM issues or software glitches can sometimes prevent successful key fob programming.
Adding Keyless Entry to a 2007 Chevy Truck Without Factory RKE:
If your 2007 Chevy truck lacks the AU3 RPO code and you want to add remote keyless entry, you have a couple of options:
- Dealer Installation: Contact your local Chevy dealership. They can assess your truck and potentially install a factory or factory-compatible keyless entry system. This will likely involve installing a receiver module and programming it to work with your truck’s electrical system.
- Aftermarket Keyless Entry Systems: Numerous aftermarket keyless entry systems are available. These kits are generally more affordable than dealer installations and can often be installed by yourself or a local car audio/alarm shop. When choosing an aftermarket system, ensure it’s compatible with your 2007 Chevy truck and offers the features you desire.
Choosing the Right 2007 Chevy Key Fob:
When purchasing a replacement 2007 Chevy key fob, ensure you get the correct type. For 2003-2007 Chevy trucks, the key fobs generally look similar, but it’s crucial to get one that is compatible with your specific year and model. Purchasing from a reputable source, like a dealership parts department or a trusted online retailer specializing in automotive parts, can help ensure compatibility. Avoid generic, unbranded fobs that may not program correctly or function reliably.
In conclusion, programming a 2007 Chevy key fob is usually a straightforward DIY task if your truck is already equipped with remote keyless entry. By following the steps outlined above and verifying your RPO codes, you can likely get your new fob working quickly and easily. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified automotive professional to ensure your 2007 Chevy key fob is programmed correctly and your keyless entry system is functioning as it should.
