As your trusted expert from keyfobprog.com, this guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to program a new key fob for your 2019 Chevrolet Corvette. Whether you’re adding a spare or replacing a lost fob, understanding the programming process is essential. This article will cover everything you need to know, ensuring a smooth and successful key fob programming experience for your C7 Corvette.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand that programming a key fob for your Corvette can be done through two methods: the Short Programming Method and the Long Programming Method. The method you’ll use depends on whether you already have working key fobs for your vehicle. Let’s dive into the details and get your 2019 Corvette Key Fob programmed efficiently.
Important Pre-Programming Information
Before attempting to program your 2019 Corvette key fob, there are several crucial considerations and potential warnings you should be aware of. Ignoring these points could lead to complications or prevent successful programming.
Aftermarket Radio Advisory: If your 2019 Corvette is equipped with an aftermarket radio, it might interfere with the key fob programming process. Aftermarket radios can sometimes disrupt the communication between the car’s security system and the ECM (Engine Control Module). Specifically, if your aftermarket radio installation didn’t include a door chime and OnStar harness, you might encounter issues entering the programming mode. This is due to the radio potentially sending incorrect security codes, preventing the system from recognizing the programming request.
Short Method vs. Long Method – Key Fob Requirements: For 2017 and newer Corvette C7 models, including the 2019, the Short Programming Method, intended for adding key fobs #3 through #8, requires the presence of the original key fobs #1 and #2. If you do not possess key fobs #1 and #2, and you wish to program additional fobs, you must first utilize the Long Programming Method. The Long Method will establish fobs #1 and #2 before you can add subsequent ones using the Short Method. This distinction is vital for a successful programming sequence.
Canadian Corvette Model Note: Owners of 2019 Canadian Corvette models benefit from being able to perform the Short Programming Procedure independently, without dealer intervention. However, it’s important to note that Canadian models still require a dealership to execute the Long Programming Method. This is a crucial difference depending on your vehicle’s origin.
European Corvette Model Restriction: If you own a 2019 Corvette that is a European model, neither the Short nor Long Programming procedures can be performed by the owner. Programming for European models must be exclusively handled by an authorized Chevrolet dealer. Attempting DIY programming on these models may not be successful and could potentially cause system errors.
Battery Voltage Consideration: The key fob programming process, especially the Long Programming Method, can be time-consuming. During this period, the car’s electrical system is active, which can put a strain on the battery. To prevent battery discharge, which could interrupt the programming process or leave your Corvette unable to start, it’s highly recommended to connect a battery charger to your vehicle throughout the programming procedure. Maintaining a stable power supply is a proactive step to ensure success.
Preparing for Key Fob Programming: Steering Column Slot Check
Before attempting either the Short or Long Programming method, it’s wise to test if your Corvette’s steering column key fob slot is functioning correctly. This simple test can save you time and frustration by identifying potential issues beforehand.
Step 1A: Begin by turning off your 2019 Corvette completely. For automatic transmission models, ensure the gear selector is in the “Park” (P) position. For manual transmission Corvettes, engage reverse gear.
Step 2A: Open the trunk or rear hatch of your Corvette.
Step 3A: Locate your existing, working key fob and remove the physical key blade from it. Insert this physical key blade into the trunk/rear hatch key cylinder. Within 5 seconds, turn the key five times in either direction.
Alt Text: Inserting the physical key into the trunk lock cylinder of a Corvette to initiate key fob programming.
At this point, the Driver Information Center (DIC) located in your instrument cluster should beep, illuminate, and display the message “Ready for Remote #”. The “#” symbol will indicate the next key fob number to be programmed. This confirms you’ve successfully entered programming mode.
Step 4A: Now, take the working key fob transmitter you used in the previous step and insert it into the steering column remote slot. Ensure the buttons on the key fob are facing upwards when inserting.
Alt Text: Inserting a Corvette key fob into the steering column slot for programming recognition.
If the steering column slot is functioning correctly, the DIC should display “Known Remote”. This message confirms that the slot is operational and capable of recognizing the key fob for programming.
Step 5A: Remove the key fob from the steering column slot. To exit the programming mode at this stage, press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds. This will cancel the programming sequence if you only intended to test the slot.
Important Note: After successfully programming a new key fob using either method, it is absolutely crucial to press the UNLOCK button on the newly programmed key fob. Failing to press the UNLOCK button will render the fob inoperable. This action finalizes the programming sequence and is essential for the transmitter to function correctly with your 2019 Corvette. Remember to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob to ensure proper operation.
Short Programming Method: Adding a 2019 Corvette Key Fob with Existing Fobs
Use the Short Programming Method when you already have at least one working key fob for your 2019 Corvette and wish to program additional key fobs (up to a maximum of eight).
Step 1B: Begin by turning off your 2019 Corvette. Place the transmission in “Park” for automatics, or reverse for manuals.
Step 2B: Open the trunk or rear hatch of your Corvette.
Step 3B: Take the physical key blade from a known, working key fob. Move the working key fob transmitter away from the immediate vicinity of the vehicle (at least a few feet away is recommended). Insert the physical key blade into the keyhole in the trunk/rear hatch. Turn the key five times within 5 seconds.
The DIC will beep, light up, and display “Ready for Remote #”. The # will indicate the next key fob number to be added in the sequence.
Crucial Point: Regardless of any numbering or markings on the key fob casing itself, the very first key fob transmitter you insert into the steering column slot after this step will be recognized as the next sequentially numbered key fob in your Corvette’s system.
Step 4B: Insert the new, unprogrammed key fob transmitter into the steering column remote slot, ensuring the buttons are facing upwards.
Once the key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will beep again and display the message “Ready for the next remote.” This indicates that the system is ready to program another key fob, if needed.
Important Note: To finalize the programming of the current key fob and ensure it operates correctly, remove it from the steering column slot and immediately press the UNLOCK button. As mentioned earlier, failing to press the UNLOCK button will result in an inoperable key fob. This step is mandatory for proper transmitter operation.
If you need to program more key fobs (up to the eight-fob limit), simply repeat Step 4B with each additional key fob you wish to program.
Step 5B: When you have finished programming all desired key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds. The system will then return to normal operating mode.
Post-Programming Test: After programming new key fobs, it’s essential to test each one individually to confirm they are working correctly with your 2019 Corvette. When testing a specific key fob, make sure all other key fobs are removed from the vehicle’s vicinity to avoid any potential interference or confusion during the test.
Long Programming Method: Programming a 2019 Corvette Key Fob Without Existing Fobs
Use the Long Programming Method when you do NOT have any working key fobs for your 2019 Corvette and need to program a new one. This method is more time-intensive due to security protocols.
Step 1C: Turn off your 2019 Corvette. Place the transmission in “Park” (automatic) or reverse (manual).
Step 2C: Open the trunk or rear hatch.
Step 3C: Ensure you have a physical key blade for your Corvette. Insert the physical key into the trunk/rear hatch key cylinder. Within 5 seconds, turn the key five times.
The DIC will beep, light up and display “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
Critical Precaution: It is absolutely essential to ensure that no old key fobs are located anywhere near the vehicle during the Long Programming Method. The system needs to learn a completely new set of fobs, and the presence of old ones can interfere with this process.
Steering Column Slot Functionality: Before proceeding further with the Long Programming Method, it is strongly recommended to test the functionality of your steering column key fob slot using the “Steering Column Key Fob Slot Testing Procedure” outlined earlier in this guide (Steps 1A-5A). If the slot is not working, you will not be able to program the key fob yourself and must take your 2019 Corvette to a Chevrolet dealer for programming services.
If you wish to exit the programming mode at this point, you can press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.
Note for the Following Steps: For the next several steps in the Long Programming Method, you will encounter a series of ten-minute countdowns. During these waiting periods, you are permitted to close the trunk/hatch and car doors for your convenience. However, if your Corvette has an autolock feature, it is advisable to keep a window open to maintain access to the vehicle in case of any unexpected locking.
Step 4C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button. The DIC will then display a message indicating that you must wait for 10 minutes and will begin a countdown timer.
Once the first ten-minute countdown is completed, the DIC will again display the message “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
Step 5C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button once more. The DIC will again inform you of another 10-minute waiting period and initiate a second countdown.
After the second ten-minute countdown concludes, the DIC will again display “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
Step 6C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button for the third time. The DIC will notify you of a final 10-minute wait and start the last countdown.
When the third ten-minute countdown is finished, the DIC will display the message “Remote learn pending, please wait.”
Important System Reset: At this stage in the Long Programming procedure, it’s important to understand that any key fobs previously programmed to your 2019 Corvette will no longer function with the vehicle. This is a security measure to ensure that only the newly programmed fobs will work.
After a brief waiting period, the DIC will beep and display “Ready for remote #1 – 8”.
Key Fob Numbering Note: Similar to the Short Programming Method, regardless of any markings on the key fob casing, the first key fob transmitter you insert into the steering column slot after this step will be designated as key fob #1, the next as #2, and so on.
Step 7C: Insert the new key fob transmitter into the steering column remote slot, with the buttons facing upwards. Then, press the Engine Start/Stop button while the fob is in the slot.
When the key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will beep and display “Ready for the next remote.” This confirms programming of the current fob and indicates readiness to program another, if needed.
Crucial Finalization Step: To complete the programming and ensure proper operation of the newly programmed key fob, it’s essential to press the UNLOCK button on each fob. Failure to press the UNLOCK button will result in the key fob being inoperable. This action completes the programming sequence and is required for the transmitter to function correctly.
If you need to program additional key fobs (up to the maximum of eight), repeat Step 7C for each additional fob.
Step 8C: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds. The system will then return to normal operation.
Troubleshooting After 2019 Corvette Key Fob Programming
Problem: In some instances, after programming a new key fob for your 2019 Corvette, you might find that the interior power functions are not working correctly. This can manifest as issues with power windows, door locks, interior lighting, or other electrical components.
Solution: This issue can often be resolved by resetting the intrusion sensor system. Locate the intrusion sensor bypass button. This button is typically found on the lower left side of the dashboard, positioned immediately to the right of the trunk/rear hatch release button. Press and hold this intrusion sensor bypass button for approximately 10 seconds. This action should reset the system and restore normal power function to the interior components of your Corvette.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program a new key fob for your 2019 Corvette. Remember to always double-check each step and consider the warnings and notes provided for a smooth and efficient process.
