Are you a 2011 GMC truck owner struggling with a lost or broken key fob? You might have heard that programming a new key fob for your 2011 or newer GMC requires an expensive trip to the dealership and their specialized Tech II equipment. Many online forums echo this sentiment, suggesting DIY programming is no longer an option for these models, leading to considerable costs for replacements.
However, there’s good news for budget-conscious GMC owners! You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune at the dealer to get a new key fob programmed. A cost-effective and user-friendly solution exists, allowing you to handle your 2011 Gmc Key Fob Programming right at home.
The Problem with 2011 and Newer GMC Key Fob Programming: Dealer Dependence
For older GMC trucks, programming a new key fob could often be done using a sequence of button presses and ignition turns, guided by the Driver Information Center (DIC). Unfortunately, for 2011 and newer models, this convenient DIC procedure was removed. This change effectively limited key fob programming options, seemingly forcing owners to rely solely on dealerships or professional garages equipped with specialized tools like the Tech II. This dependence translates to higher costs, encompassing both the price of the key fob itself and the labor charges for programming.
The Dorman Solution: DIY Programming at Home
Fortunately, Dorman Products offers a smart workaround that bypasses the need for dealership programming for your 2011 GMC. Dorman provides replacement key fobs that come bundled with a simple OBD II key fob programmer module. This innovative kit empowers you to program your new key fob yourself, right in your driveway, without any specialized tools or technical expertise. The best part? This DIY solution is significantly cheaper than going to the dealer, typically costing between $50 and $75.
A popular and highly effective option is the Dorman 99162 Keyless Remote Kit. This kit includes a new key fob and the OBD II programmer, offering a complete solution in one package. Owners of 2011 GMC Silverado and Sierra trucks have reported successful DIY programming using this very kit, saving themselves hundreds of dollars compared to dealership prices.
What You’ll Need
To program your 2011 GMC key fob using the Dorman kit, you will need:
- Dorman 99162 Keyless Remote Kit (or compatible Dorman kit for your specific GMC model).
- Your 2011 GMC vehicle.
- Any additional compatible key fobs you wish to program (optional).
Step-by-Step Programming Guide for 2011 GMC Key Fobs
The Dorman OBD II programmer simplifies the key fob programming process significantly. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the instructions included with the Dorman module:
- Ignition ON: Turn your GMC’s ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
- Close Doors: Ensure all vehicle doors are completely closed.
- Plug in Dorman Module: Locate your vehicle’s OBD II port (typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and plug in the Dorman OBD II programmer module. Once plugged in, the Driver Information Center (DIC) should display a message indicating that “relearn active” or a similar message, mimicking the older manual programming procedure.
- Wait for Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This indicates it’s ready for key fob programming.
- Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you want to program (new or existing). Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously. Continue holding until the programmer module chimes again. This chime confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed. Release the buttons.
- Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program (including your original fobs if you want to reprogram them), repeat step 5 for each fob.
- Relearning Deactivated: When the module starts chiming continuously, it indicates that the relearning mode has been deactivated, and no more key fobs can be programmed in this session.
- Repeat Programming (If Needed): The Dorman module can be used to repeat this programming procedure up to 3 times before it becomes inactive as a security measure.
Benefits of Using the Dorman Programmer
Choosing the Dorman DIY solution for your 2011 GMC key fob programming offers several key advantages:
- Significant Cost Savings: Avoid expensive dealership programming fees and potentially save hundreds of dollars.
- DIY Convenience: Program your key fobs at home, on your own schedule, without needing appointments or vehicle towing.
- Easy to Use: The Dorman programmer is designed for simplicity, with straightforward instructions and an intuitive process.
- No Special Tools Required: Forget about expensive Tech II tools or specialized equipment; the Dorman kit provides everything you need.
- Program Multiple Fobs: Program new fobs and reprogram existing ones, ensuring you have spares and all your fobs are correctly synced.
Conclusion
Don’t let dealership prices deter you from replacing or adding key fobs for your 2011 GMC truck. The Dorman OBD II key fob programmer provides a simple, effective, and budget-friendly DIY alternative. By using the Dorman 99162 kit, or a similar compatible option, you can easily handle your 2011 GMC key fob programming yourself, saving time and money while regaining full control of your vehicle’s remote access system. Take the DIY route and experience the satisfaction of solving your key fob programming needs independently and affordably.
