Losing or needing an extra key fob for your 2018 Chevrolet Impala doesn’t always mean a trip to the dealership. You can actually program a new key fob yourself right at home, provided you follow the correct procedure. This guide will walk you through the steps for programming your 2018 Chevy Impala key fob, saving you time and money. There are two main scenarios: adding a key and replacing all keys. Let’s explore both.
Understanding Key Fob Programming for Your 2018 Chevy Impala
Before you begin, it’s important to understand a couple of things. First, these instructions are for programming without the use of an SPS (Service Programming System), which is dealer-level equipment. Second, there are two distinct procedures: Adding Keys and Replacing Keys. Adding keys is for when you have at least two working key fobs already. Replacing keys is necessary when you want to erase all previous keys and program new ones, for example, if you’ve lost all your key fobs or want to ensure old keys no longer work with your vehicle. Make sure you have the correct type of key blank that is mechanically cut to match your vehicle’s ignition.
How to Add a Key Fob to Your 2018 Chevy Impala (Without SPS)
This procedure is for adding an additional key fob when you already have two working key fobs. You can program up to eight key fobs for a single vehicle.
-
Gather Your Keys: Ensure you have two already programmed and working key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Impala, along with the new key fob you wish to program. Place the two recognized key fobs in the vehicle’s cupholder.
-
Prepare the Door Lock: Insert the mechanical key portion of your new key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
-
Cycle the Door Lock: Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds.
-
Check the DIC: Look at your Driver Information Center (DIC) screen in the instrument cluster. It should display “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5” (or a higher number depending on how many keys are already programmed). This indicates the vehicle is in programming mode to add a key.
-
Locate the Key Pocket: Inside your 2018 Chevy Impala, find the key pocket. It’s typically located in the front of the center console storage area.
-
Place the New Key Fob in the Pocket: Position the new key fob vertically inside the key pocket. The buttons should be facing towards the rear of the vehicle, and the keyring part should be at the top. Important: Correct placement is crucial for successful programming.
-
Initiate Programming: Press the ignition mode switch (the engine start/stop button).
-
Wait for Confirmation: The DIC should indicate when the key is successfully learned and will then display a message indicating it’s ready to program the next key if you have more to program.
-
Remove and Test: Remove the programmed key fob from the key pocket and press the unlock button to test if it works.
-
Program Additional Keys (If Needed): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 6 through 9.
-
Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition mode switch for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the programming process seems to freeze or not complete, ensure your car battery is fully charged and retry the procedure carefully.
How to Replace and Program a Key Fob for Your 2018 Chevy Impala (Without SPS)
This procedure is used to replace all previously programmed key fobs. This is helpful if you have lost all your keys or want to ensure any old keys are no longer functional with your vehicle. This method will erase all previously learned keys.
-
Prepare the Door Lock: Insert the mechanical key portion of your new key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
-
Cycle the Door Lock and Wait (First 10 Minutes): Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds. The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” Wait for ten minutes. The DIC message will change.
-
Wait and Cycle Again (Second 10 Minutes): After ten minutes, the DIC will display “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Press the ignition mode switch. The DIC will again display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” Wait for another ten minutes.
-
Wait and Cycle Again (Third 10 Minutes): Repeat step 3 one more time. Wait another ten minutes. This entire waiting process will take a total of thirty minutes. After the final ten minutes, all previously learned keys will be erased, and the DIC will display “Ready For Remote # 1.”
-
Locate the Key Pocket: Find the key pocket in the front of the center console storage area.
-
Place the New Key Fob in the Pocket: Place the new key fob vertically in the key pocket, with buttons facing the rear and keyring at the top.
-
Initiate Programming: Press the ignition mode switch.
-
Wait for Confirmation: The DIC will confirm when the key is learned and will indicate readiness for the next key.
-
Remove and Test: Remove the programmed key fob and test the unlock button.
-
Program Additional Keys (If Needed): Repeat steps 6 through 9 to program any additional key fobs.
-
Exit Programming Mode: When you have programmed all your key fobs, press and hold the ignition mode switch for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.
Important Notes for Replacing Keys:
- This procedure erases all previously learned keys. Ensure you have all the key fobs you want to program with you in the vehicle before starting.
- Keep any previously learned keys away from the vehicle during this process. Their presence might cause the system to revert to the “Adding Keys” procedure instead.
- This procedure only programs the vehicle key information and not immobilizer information between the Body Control Module (BCM) and Engine Control Module (ECM).
By following these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully program your 2018 Chevy Impala key fob. Always double-check each step and be patient, especially during the key replacement procedure’s waiting periods. Enjoy the convenience of your newly programmed key fob!
