Having trouble programming your 2004 Chevy Avalanche key fob? Many owners find themselves in a situation where they can program one key fob, but when they try to program a second, the first one stops working. It can be a frustrating issue, making you feel like you’re going in circles. You’re not alone! This guide will walk you through the programming process and help you get both your remotes working for your 2004 Chevy Avalanche.
The good news is that programming your key fobs for your 2004 Chevy Avalanche is usually a straightforward process you can do yourself, without needing to visit a dealership. Here’s how to do it:
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Start with the ignition. Turn your ignition switch to the “ON” position, and then immediately turn it back to “OFF”. Do this sequence twice in rapid succession.
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Hold and cycle. Quickly after the ignition cycles, press and HOLD the UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel. While still holding the UNLOCK button, cycle the ignition from “ON” to “OFF” twice again, quickly.
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Release and listen. Release the UNLOCK button. You should hear the door locks cycle (lock and then unlock). This sound indicates that your 2004 Chevy Avalanche has entered programming mode.
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Program the first remote. Take your first key fob remote. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously until you hear the door locks cycle again. This confirms that the first remote has been successfully programmed.
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Program the second remote. Immediately after programming the first remote, take your second key fob remote. Again, press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time until you hear the door locks cycle. This indicates that your second remote is now programmed.
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Exit programming mode. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position to exit the key fob programming mode.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Timing is key: The speed of the ignition cycles is important. Make sure you are performing the “ON-OFF” sequences quickly.
- Program both remotes at once: The key to getting both remotes to work is to program them both during the same programming sequence. If you program one remote and then try to program the other at a later time or in a separate procedure, it’s common for only the last programmed remote to function. Ensure you program both remotes back-to-back in the same programming cycle.
- Check your battery: While less likely to be the root cause if one remote works and then the other, ensure the batteries in your key fobs are in good condition. A low battery can sometimes cause intermittent issues.
If you follow these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully program both key fobs for your 2004 Chevy Avalanche. Enjoy the convenience of having both your remotes working! If you continue to experience issues, it might be worth consulting your owner’s manual or seeking assistance from a professional mechanic.
