2017 Chevy Trax Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

Losing or needing a replacement key fob for your 2017 Chevy Trax can be a hassle, but programming a new one doesn’t have to be. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to program your 2017 Chevy Trax key fob, whether you have working keys or not. We’ll cover both regular ignition keys and smart keys for push-button start systems, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.

Understanding Your 2017 Chevy Trax Key Fob System

The 2017 Chevy Trax may come with different types of key fobs depending on the trim level and options. Generally, you’ll encounter two main types:

• Regular Ignition Keys: These are traditional keys that you insert into the ignition cylinder to start the vehicle. They might come with a separate key fob for remote locking and unlocking, or the remote functions may be integrated into the key itself (flip key).
• Smart Keys (Push-Button Ignition): For Trax models equipped with push-button start, you’ll have a smart key fob. This type allows for keyless entry and ignition, as long as the fob is inside the vehicle.

Regardless of the type, programming a new key fob is possible, and we’ll walk you through the procedures for both scenarios.

Programming a Regular Ignition Key Fob for Your 2017 Chevy Trax

If your 2017 Chevy Trax uses a standard ignition key, follow these instructions to program a new key fob. There are two methods depending on whether you have two working keys or not.

Programming with Two Working Keys

This is the simpler method, assuming you have two already programmed keys that function with your vehicle.

1. Insert your first, already programmed key into the ignition.
2. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position (without starting the engine).
3. Turn the key back to the LOCK/OFF position and remove the key from the ignition.
4. Within five seconds, insert your second, already programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position.
5. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
6. Now, insert the new key fob that you want to program into the ignition. Turn it to the ON/RUN position within five seconds.
   The security light on your dashboard should turn off, indicating successful programming.
7. If you have more keys to program, repeat steps 1–5.

Chevy key fob for regular ignition system, commonly used in models like the 2017 Trax.

Programming Without Two Working Keys (30-Minute Procedure)

If you don’t have two working keys, you’ll need to use a more time-consuming, 30-minute procedure. Please note that DIY programming may not be available in Canada for this method.

1. Insert the new, unprogrammed vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. The security light will illuminate.
3. Wait for 10 minutes. The security light will turn off after approximately 10 minutes.
4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 two more times. This means you will cycle through the 10-minute wait period a total of three times.
6. After the third 10-minute cycle, turn the ignition to ON/RUN. At this point, the new key should be programmed. Be aware that all previously programmed keys will no longer work after this procedure.
7. To program a second new key immediately after the first, turn the ignition to OFF, insert the second key to be programmed, and turn to ON/RUN.

If you have more keys to program after this initial procedure, you should be able to use the “Programming with Two Working Keys” method described above, now that you have at least one working key programmed.

Programming a Smart Key Fob for Your 2017 Chevy Trax (Push-Button Ignition)

For 2017 Chevy Trax models equipped with push-button ignition and smart keys, here’s how to program a new key fob. Again, there are methods for when you have two working smart keys and when you don’t.

Programming with Two Working Smart Keys

Ensure your vehicle engine is off and all smart keys (both working and new) are with you before starting.

1. Remove the emergency key blade from one of your working smart keys.
2. Place both working smart keys into the front cupholder of your center console, with the buttons facing down.
3. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver’s door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. (Some models might require removing a cap on the door handle to access the lock cylinder).
   The Driver Information Center (DIC) on your dashboard should display a message like READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.
4. Place the new smart key into the transmitter pocket. For Chevrolet and Buick vehicles, this pocket is typically located in the front cupholder.
5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Once the vehicle recognizes the new smart key, the DIC will indicate it’s ready for the next key.
6. Remove the smart key from the transmitter pocket and press the UNLOCK button on the remote.
7. To program additional smart keys, repeat steps 4-6.
8. When you have programmed all desired keys, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

Programming Without Two Working Smart Keys (30-Minute Procedure)

If you have only one working smart key or no working smart keys at all, use this 30-minute procedure. DIY programming may not be available in Canada for this method.

1. Remove the key blade from either your existing working smart key or the new smart key.
2. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
   The DIC will display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. Then, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat step 3 two more times. After the third cycle, all previously programmed smart keys will be erased. The DIC should now display READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new smart key into the transmitter pocket (front cupholder).
6. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the vehicle recognizes the smart key, the DIC will show it’s ready for the next key.
7. Remove the smart key from the transmitter pocket and press the UNLOCK button on the smart key.
8. To program additional smart keys, repeat steps 5-7.
9. Once all keys are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for about 12 seconds to exit programming mode.

Important Note: If you have no existing smart keys, you’ll need to get the emergency key blade in your new smart key cut by a locksmith before starting this procedure so you can access the door lock cylinder.

By following these instructions, you should be able to program a new key fob for your 2017 Chevy Trax. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most specific instructions and details related to your particular model and trim. If you encounter any difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a qualified locksmith or dealership for professional key fob programming services.