2020 Chevy Equinox Key Fob Programming Instructions: A DIY Guide

Lost or need an extra key fob for your 2020 Chevy Equinox? Dealing with key fob issues can be a real hassle, but thankfully, programming a new key fob for your Chevy Equinox can often be done right at home, saving you time and money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of programming your 2020 Chevy Equinox key fob, whether you have two working fobs or just one (or none). Follow these instructions to get back on the road quickly and securely.

Programming with Two Working Smart Keys

This method is straightforward and efficient if you already have two functioning smart keys for your 2020 Chevy Equinox. Make sure you have all your key fobs – both working ones and the new one you wish to program – with you before beginning. It’s also a good idea to read through these instructions completely before you start the process. Remember, up to 8 smart keys can be programmed to a single vehicle.

1. Begin by removing the emergency key blade from one of your currently working smart keys.

2. Place both of your working smart keys into the cupholder of your Chevy Equinox. Ensure they are placed securely in the cupholder to maintain a stable connection during the programming process.

3. Locate the driver’s side door lock cylinder. On some 2020 Chevy Equinox models, you might need to remove a cap on the door handle to access the lock cylinder. Insert the emergency key blade into the lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times in quick succession, within a 10-second timeframe. This step is crucial for initiating the programming sequence.

4. After correctly performing the previous step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) on your 2020 Chevy Equinox dashboard should display “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.” This message confirms that your vehicle has entered programming mode and is ready to learn new key fobs.

5. Take the new smart key that you are programming and place it into the transmitter pocket. For Chevrolet and Buick vehicles, this transmitter pocket is typically located in the front cupholder. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location if you are unsure.

6. Once the new smart key is in the transmitter pocket, firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the vehicle successfully recognizes the new smart key, the DIC display will update to indicate it is “READY FOR REMOTE,” signifying that it’s prepared to program another key fob if needed.

7. Remove the newly programmed smart key from the transmitter pocket. Press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key remote to finalize the programming. This step confirms the synchronization between the key fob and your Chevy Equinox.

8. If you need to program additional smart keys, repeat Steps 4 through 7. The system allows you to program up to a total of 8 smart keys.

9. When you have programmed all the necessary key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds. This action saves the programmed keys and concludes the programming sequence.

Programming Without Two Working Smart Keys

If you only have one working smart key, or if you’ve lost all your key fobs for your 2020 Chevy Equinox, this method will guide you through the programming process. Be aware that this procedure is more time-consuming, taking around 30 minutes to complete. Please note that DIY programming is not available in Canada.

Before you begin, ensure your vehicle is turned off and gather all smart keys you intend to program, including any existing working keys and new ones. It’s crucial to read and understand these entire instructions before starting. You may also find vehicle-specific instructions in your 2020 Chevy Equinox owner’s manual. Remember, up to 8 smart keys can be programmed to your vehicle in total.

Important Note: If you currently do not have any working smart keys for your 2020 Chevy Equinox, you will need to have the emergency key blade in your new smart key cut by a locksmith before proceeding with the steps below. This step is essential for gaining access to the vehicle and initiating the programming sequence.

1. Begin by removing the emergency key blade from your existing working smart key or the new smart key if you don’t have a working one.

2. Locate the driver’s side door lock cylinder on your 2020 Chevy Equinox. As mentioned before, you might need to remove the lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle to access it on some models. Insert the emergency key blade into the door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. Executing this step correctly will initiate the remote learning process. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”

3. Now, you will need to wait for 10 minutes. During this waiting period, the DIC display will continue to show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.” Patience is key here; do not interrupt the process. After the 10-minute wait, the DIC display will change to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.” Once you see this message, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC display will revert back to “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”

4. Repeat Step 3 two more times. This means you will undergo two additional 10-minute waiting intervals, each followed by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button when prompted. After the third repetition of this step, it’s important to note that all previously programmed smart keys will no longer work with your vehicle. This is a normal part of the process. The DIC display should now finally show “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.” This indicates that the system is ready to program the first new key fob.

5. Take the new smart key you are programming and place it into the transmitter pocket. Remember, for Chevrolet and Buick vehicles, the transmitter pocket is usually located in the front cupholder. Consult your owner’s manual if needed to confirm the exact location in your 2020 Chevy Equinox.

6. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When your Chevy Equinox recognizes the smart key, the DIC display will indicate that it is ready to program the next remote, showing “READY FOR REMOTE.”

7. Remove the programmed smart key from the transmitter pocket. Press the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key to finalize the programming of this key.

8. If you intend to program additional smart keys, repeat Steps 5 through 7. You can program up to 8 smart keys in total using this procedure.

9. Once you have programmed all desired smart keys, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming mode. This action will save all the newly programmed keys, and the process will be complete.

By following these instructions carefully, you can successfully program your 2020 Chevy Equinox key fob and regain full functionality. Always ensure you are in a secure location when programming your key fobs and have all necessary materials and keys at hand before you begin.