Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2008 GMC Acadia? Don’t worry, you can easily program your key fob yourself right at home, saving you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your 2008 GMC Acadia key fob, whether your vehicle is equipped with a driver information center or not.
Before you begin, ensure you have all the key fobs you intend to use with your vehicle. During the programming process, you will need to program all remotes, both new and existing, in the same session. If you’re looking for a replacement key fob, you can find a compatible GMC Acadia key fob here.
Procedure #1: For 2008 GMC Acadia with Driver Information Center
This procedure applies to 2008 GMC Acadia models that are equipped with a driver information center (DIC). You can identify this by looking for buttons on your steering wheel with an “i” symbol, which control the DIC.
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Ignition Start: Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. This means turning the key forward as far as it will go without actually starting the engine. Ensure that you do not start the car.
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Access Relearn Remote Key Menu: Locate the “Information” button on your steering wheel. Press this button repeatedly until you see the message “Relearn Remote Key” displayed on your driver information center screen.
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Initiate Learning Mode: Once “Relearn Remote Key” is displayed, press the “Set/Reset” button. This button is usually marked with a checkmark symbol and is also located on your steering wheel controls. Press it until the DIC screen shows “Remote Key Learning Active”. This confirms that your Acadia is now in the key fob programming mode and ready to learn new key fobs.
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Program Key Fobs: Take the first key fob you want to program. Simultaneously press and hold down both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob. Continue holding both buttons until the vehicle’s chime sounds twice. This chime indicates that the key fob has been successfully programmed. If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat this step (step 4) immediately for each of them, including any previously working remotes. It’s crucial to program all desired remotes in this step because programming a new remote will erase the memory of previously programmed ones if they are not included in the current programming session.
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Exit Programming Mode: After programming all your key fobs, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. This will exit the key fob programming mode. Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly by locking and unlocking your doors and, if applicable, testing the remote start feature.
Procedure #2: For 2008 GMC Acadia without Driver Information Center
If your 2008 GMC Acadia does not have a driver information center with steering wheel controls, you will use this alternative procedure to program your key fobs.
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Ignition On (No Start): Insert the ignition key into the ignition cylinder. Turn the key to the “ON” position, just like in Procedure #1. Do not start the engine.
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Access Relearn Remote Key: Locate the trip odometer reset button. This button is typically found on the instrument panel, near the speedometer or fuel gauge. Press and release the trip odometer reset button repeatedly until the “Relearn Remote Key” message appears in the instrument cluster display.
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Activate Learning Mode: Once you see “Relearn Remote Key”, press and hold the trip odometer reset button down until the message changes to “Remote Key Learning Active”. This indicates that your GMC Acadia is now in programming mode and ready to learn the signals from your key fobs.
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Program Key Fobs: Take the key fob you wish to program. Press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob simultaneously. Keep holding them until you hear the vehicle chime twice. This chime confirms successful programming of that key fob. If you have more key fobs (new or existing) to program, repeat this step (step 4) for each of them immediately. Remember, all key fobs you want to work with your vehicle must be programmed in this single session.
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Finish Programming: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. This will take your Acadia out of the key fob programming mode. Test each of your programmed key fobs to verify they are working correctly with your vehicle’s lock/unlock and other remote functions.
Important Note: If you encounter any issues after programming, and some of your remotes stop functioning, it is crucial to repeat step 4 for all of your remotes in one programming session. Forgetting to reprogram an existing remote during a new programming sequence is a common reason for remotes to stop working.
If you are still experiencing difficulty programming your 2008 GMC Acadia key fobs, or prefer professional assistance, consider using our search tool to find a qualified key fob installer in your local area. Simply enter your city or zip code in the search box provided on our website for assistance from a professional.
