Have you lost a key fob for your 2012 Chevy Cruze with push button start, or need to program a new replacement? It can be a frustrating situation, but fortunately, if you have at least one working key fob, you can program a new one yourself right at home. This guide will walk you through the steps to program a new key fob for your 2012 Chevy Cruze equipped with push button start, saving you time and potentially money compared to dealership programming.
This process is specifically for vehicles with keyless access, meaning your Cruze has a push button start. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has keyless access, check for the push button start on your dashboard. If you have this feature, and you have at least one existing, working key fob, you’re ready to begin the programming process. It’s important to have all your key fobs – both the working ones and the new ones you want to program – with you during this process. Chevy Cruze vehicles can accommodate up to five key fobs programmed to a single vehicle.
Here’s how to program your 2012 Chevy Cruze key fob with push button start:
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Access the Transmitter Slot: Locate the small storage area next to the accessory power outlet on your center console. You’ll need to remove the plastic trim piece to access the transmitter slot. This slot is where you will insert your key fob during the programming process.
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Prepare the Recognized Key Fob: Take your currently recognized, working key fob. Press the button to extend the key blade. Now, insert this extended key blade into the transmitter slot you just accessed.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Take the vehicle key blade from the new key fob that you are programming. Go to the driver’s side door of your Chevy Cruze and locate the key lock cylinder on the exterior door handle. Insert the key blade into the lock cylinder and turn the key to the unlock position five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe.
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Wait for DIC Indication: After turning the key, look at your Driver Information Center (DIC) display on the dashboard. You should see a message appear, indicating “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5”. This message confirms that your Cruze has entered key fob programming mode and is ready to learn a new remote.
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Program the New Transmitter: Remove the recognized key fob from the transmitter slot. Immediately take the new key fob you are programming and insert it into the same transmitter slot.
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Press Ignition: With the new key fob inserted in the slot, press the ignition button in your Chevy Cruze.
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Confirmation of Programming: Keep an eye on the DIC display. Once the new transmitter is successfully learned by the vehicle, the DIC will update to show a message indicating that it is “ready to program the next transmitter.” This confirms that the current key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Test the New Key Fob: Remove the newly programmed key fob from the transmitter pocket. Press the “unlock” button on the key fob to test if it is working correctly with your Chevy Cruze. It should now lock and unlock your doors.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (If Needed): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat Steps 5 through 8 for each additional key fob.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition button for approximately 10 seconds. This action will exit the key fob programming mode.
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Replace Trim Piece: Finally, replace the plastic trim piece that you removed from the center console storage area in Step 1.
Congratulations! You have successfully programmed a new key fob for your 2012 Chevy Cruze with push button start. You should now have a fully functional new key fob.
If you encounter any difficulties during this programming process, or if you prefer to have a professional handle the key fob programming for you, consider contacting a local automotive locksmith or your Chevy dealership. They have specialized tools and expertise to assist with key fob programming and any related issues. You can also use online services to find a qualified key fob installer in your area by searching with your city or zip code.
