Losing or damaging your GMC key fob can be a major inconvenience. Luckily, reprogramming a new or existing key fob for your GMC vehicle can often be done yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to help you reprogram your GMC key fob quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin, gather all the key fobs you intend to use with your vehicle. It’s important to note that this reprogramming procedure will erase all previously programmed remotes. Therefore, you must program all existing and new remotes you want to use at this time.
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully reprogram your GMC key fob:
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Ensure All Doors Are Closed: Begin by making sure all doors of your GMC vehicle are completely closed. This is a crucial first step for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
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Insert the Key into the Ignition: Place your GMC vehicle’s key into the ignition cylinder.
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Press and Hold the UNLOCK Button: Locate the power UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel. Press and hold this button down. Maintain pressure on the UNLOCK button and do not release it until instructed in a later step.
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Cycle the Ignition: While holding the UNLOCK button, you need to quickly turn the ignition key from the OFF position to the ON position and back to OFF, twice. “ON” is the position just before you would start the engine, and “OFF” is the position where you can remove the key. The sequence is: ON, OFF, ON, OFF. Perform these key turns rapidly.
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Release the UNLOCK Button: After completing the ignition cycling, release the power UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel.
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Wait for the Lock Cycle: Upon releasing the UNLOCK button, pay close attention to your vehicle’s door locks. The vehicle should automatically respond by cycling the door locks – locking and then unlocking. This lock cycle indicates that your GMC has successfully entered programming mode.
- Successful Entry: If the door locks cycle (lock then unlock) after releasing the UNLOCK button, proceed to the next step.
- Programming Mode Not Entered: If the door locks cycle (lock and unlock) before you release the UNLOCK button, the vehicle has not entered programming mode. In this case, you must start the process over from Step 1. Remove the key, open and close the driver’s door, and begin again.
- Potential System Issue: If the vehicle continues to lock and unlock before releasing the UNLOCK button even after repeated attempts, it may indicate a problem with your GMC’s keyless entry system. In this situation, it is recommended to seek assistance from a certified automotive professional or your GMC dealership for remote programming.
- No Lock Cycle: If you are unable to get the door locks to cycle at all, you might be turning the ignition key too quickly or too slowly. Try adjusting your speed and repeat from Step 1.
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Program the First Key Fob: Take the first key fob you wish to program. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the remote simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons until the door locks cycle again. This may take up to 30 seconds, so be patient and keep holding the buttons. The door lock cycle confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs: If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat Step 7 for each one. It’s important to program all desired key fobs in one programming session as the system memory is cleared at the beginning of this procedure.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all your key fobs, turn the ignition key to the ON position. This action will exit the programming mode.
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Turn Off Ignition and Remove Key: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key from the ignition cylinder.
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Test All Key Fobs: Thoroughly test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. Check the lock, unlock, and any other functions your key fob may have, such as remote start or panic button. Successful operation of all key fobs confirms that the reprogramming process is now complete.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully reprogram your GMC key fob. This DIY approach can save you the expense of a dealership visit and get you back on the road quickly. If you encounter difficulties or your GMC vehicle responds differently than described, consulting your owner’s manual or seeking professional assistance is always advisable.
