How to Program Your GMC Acadia Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your GMC Acadia? Don’t worry, programming a key fob for your GMC Acadia can be done in a few simple steps, right in your driveway. This guide provides you with comprehensive instructions for programming your key fob, whether you have existing recognized transmitters or not. Follow these detailed steps to get your new key fob working seamlessly with your vehicle’s remote keyless entry system.

Programming Your GMC Acadia Key Fob with Recognized Transmitters

This method is applicable when you have at least two working key fobs already recognized by your vehicle. It’s a quicker process and allows you to easily add a new key fob to your system. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and you have all key fobs (both recognized and new ones) with you before starting.

1. Prepare the Recognized Transmitters: Place your two recognized key fobs into the cup holder of your GMC Acadia. This keeps them in a central location and readily accessible.

2. Initiate Programming Mode: Locate the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s side door handle. Remove this cap to expose the key lock cylinder. Insert the vehicle key that is part of your new key fob into this lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise (towards the unlock position) five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe.

3. Wait for DIC Indication: After correctly performing step 2, observe the Driver Information Center (DIC) display in your Acadia’s instrument cluster. It should display a message indicating READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, ETC. This confirms that your vehicle has entered the key fob programming mode and is ready to learn a new transmitter.

4. Place New Transmitter in Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket. This pocket is situated inside the center console storage compartment, between the driver and front passenger seats. Open the center console and place the new key fob into this designated pocket.

5. Learn the New Transmitter: Once the new key fob is placed in the transmitter pocket, press the ENGINE START/STOP button on your GMC Acadia. The DIC display will update to confirm that the transmitter has been successfully learned. It will show a message indicating it’s ready to program the next remote, if applicable.

6. Verify and Program Additional Transmitters: Remove the newly programmed key fob from the transmitter pocket. Press either the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the key fob to verify it is working. If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 4 and 5 with each additional key fob.

7. Exit Programming Mode: After you have programmed all desired key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds.

8. Reassemble Key Fob: Finally, remember to insert the vehicle key back into the new key fob assembly if it was separate.

Programming Your GMC Acadia Key Fob Without Recognized Transmitters

If you don’t have two recognized key fobs, or if you’ve lost all your working fobs, you’ll need to use this longer programming procedure. This method takes around 30 minutes to complete and is essential when you are starting from scratch. This procedure is not available in Canada. Ensure your vehicle is off and you have all the key fobs you wish to program with you.

1. Initiate Learn Mode: Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle, just as in the previous method. Insert the vehicle key of the key fob into the key lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC will display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

2. First 10-Minute Wait: Wait patiently for 10 minutes. The DIC display will change after this period to PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. Once you see this message, proceed to the next step. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will revert back to displaying REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

3. Second and Third 10-Minute Waits: Repeat step 2 two more times. Each time, you will wait for 10 minutes until the DIC prompts you to press the ENGINE START button. After the third 10-minute wait and button press, the system will have cleared any previously known key fobs. The DIC should now display READY FOR REMOTE # 1.

4. Place New Transmitter in Pocket: Place the new key fob you wish to program into the transmitter pocket located in the center console storage area.

5. Learn the New Transmitter: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will indicate when the transmitter is learned and will be ready for the next remote programming if needed.

6. Verify and Program Additional Transmitters: Remove the programmed key fob from the pocket and press the UNLOCK or LOCK button to confirm it’s working. To program additional key fobs, repeat steps 4 and 5.

7. Exit Programming Mode: Once all key fobs are programmed, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

8. Reassemble Key Fob: Put the key back into the transmitter assembly.

By following these instructions, you should be able to successfully program your GMC Acadia key fob and regain full access to your vehicle’s keyless entry features. If you encounter any issues or the programming is unsuccessful, it is recommended to consult your GMC Acadia owner’s manual or contact a certified GMC dealer for assistance.