Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience. For 2010 vehicle owners, especially when dealing with models like the Pontiac Vibe mentioned in online forums, the prospect of getting a replacement key fob programmed can seem daunting and expensive. However, programming a 2010 Key Fob yourself is often possible and can save you a significant amount of money compared to dealership services. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure to program your 2010 key fob, drawing from manufacturer instructions and real-world experiences shared by automotive enthusiasts.
Understanding the different programming modes is crucial before you begin. Your vehicle’s Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) likely offers several modes, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Add Mode: This is the mode you’ll use most often when adding a new key fob to your existing system. If you program more than four key fobs, the system will automatically erase the oldest programmed fobs to make space for the new ones.
- Rewrite Mode: Use this mode to erase all previously programmed key fobs. This is particularly useful when installing a new receiver or if you want to start fresh with your key fob programming.
- Confirmation Mode: This mode allows you to check how many key fobs are currently programmed into your vehicle’s system before adding any new ones.
- Prohibition Mode: This mode is designed to erase all programmed key fobs and disable the wireless door lock function entirely. This is a security measure to use if a key fob is lost or stolen and you want to prevent unauthorized access.
Now, let’s get into the programming procedure for your 2010 key fob. It’s important to follow these steps precisely for successful programming.
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Preparation is Key: Before starting, ensure the following conditions are met:
- No key is in the ignition.
- Only the driver’s side door is open.
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Mode Selection Sequence: This sequence of actions will put your vehicle into programming mode. Perform these steps within the specified timeframes:
- Insert your key into the ignition and remove it twice within 5 seconds. Make sure to end with the key removed from the ignition.
- Within 40 seconds of step 2.1, close and then open the driver’s door twice. End with the driver’s door open. Then, insert the key into the ignition and remove it.
- Within 40 seconds of step 2.2, close and then open the driver’s door twice. End with the driver’s door open. Then, insert the key into the ignition and close the driver’s door.
- Select your desired programming mode by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position to the ON position and back to LOCK, repeating this cycle at approximately 1-second intervals. The number of cycles corresponds to the mode you want to enter:
- Add Mode: Perform the ON-LOCK cycle one time.
- Rewrite Mode: Perform the ON-LOCK cycle two times.
- Confirmation Mode: Perform the ON-LOCK cycle three times.
- Prohibition Mode: Perform the ON-LOCK cycle five times.
- After completing the ON-LOCK cycles for your desired mode, remove the key from the ignition.
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Mode Confirmation: The Body Control Module (BCM) will confirm the selected mode by automatically cycling the power door locks (LOCK-UNLOCK) within 5 seconds. The number of cycles indicates the selected mode:
- Add Mode: One LOCK-UNLOCK cycle.
- Rewrite Mode: Two LOCK-UNLOCK cycles.
- Confirmation Mode: One to Six LOCK-UNLOCK cycles (equal to the number of programmed transmitters).
- Prohibition Mode: Five LOCK-UNLOCK cycles.
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Programming the New Key Fob (Add or Rewrite Mode Only): If you are in Add or Rewrite mode, follow these steps to program your new 2010 key fob:
- Within 45 seconds of mode confirmation (step 3), press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the new key fob simultaneously for 1 to 1.5 seconds. Then, immediately press and hold either the LOCK or UNLOCK button alone for more than 1 second.
- If the key fob programming is successful, a single LOCK-UNLOCK cycle will occur within 5 seconds after releasing the button. If you see two LOCK-UNLOCK cycles, the programming has failed. In this case, repeat step 4.1.
- To program additional key fobs, repeat steps 4.1 and 4.2 within 45 seconds of successfully programming the previous key fob.
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Exiting Programming Mode: The programming mode will automatically exit under any of the following conditions:
- Four key fobs have been successfully programmed.
- 40 seconds have passed since the last key fob was programmed.
- Any door is opened.
- The key is inserted into the ignition.
By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to program your 2010 key fob efficiently. Always double-check each step and ensure you are within the time limits to avoid programming failures. DIY key fob programming can save you money and provide a convenient solution for replacing or adding key fobs to your 2010 vehicle.
