Is your 2009 Chevy Equinox Key Fob malfunctioning, or did you recently purchase a replacement and need to get it working with your vehicle? Programming your key fob for a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox can often be done right at home, saving you time and money. This guide provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions for programming your 2009 Chevy Equinox key fob, ensuring you regain full access and control of your vehicle’s remote functions.
There are two main procedures for programming your 2009 Chevy Equinox key fob, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC is a feature that displays vehicle information and allows you to customize certain settings. Vehicles with a DIC will have buttons on the steering wheel, typically on the right side, including an “i” symbol for information. Let’s determine which procedure applies to your Equinox and get your key fob programmed.
Procedure #1: Vehicles Equipped with Driver Information Center (DIC)
If your 2009 Chevy Equinox has a Driver Information Center, follow these steps to program your key fob:
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Ignition On: Insert your key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the “On” position. Do not start the engine. The “On” position is typically two clicks forward from the “Off” position.
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Access Relearn Remote Key Menu: Press the “Information” button (often marked with “INFO” or an “i” symbol) on your steering wheel repeatedly. Cycle through the menu options until you see “Relearn Remote Key” displayed on the DIC screen.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Once “Relearn Remote Key” is displayed, press and hold the “Set/Reset” button. This button usually has a checkmark symbol. Continue holding the button until the DIC screen changes to display “Remote Key Learning Active.” This indicates that your vehicle is now in programming mode and ready to learn the new key fob.
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Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you wish to program. Simultaneously press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob. Continue holding both buttons until the vehicle’s horn chimes twice. This chime confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
This image shows a typical 2009 Chevy Equinox key fob. The key fob features buttons for lock, unlock, and potentially other functions like panic or trunk release. Understanding the layout of your key fob is helpful for the programming process.
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Program Additional Remotes (If Necessary): If you have additional key fobs (new or existing) that you want to program for your 2009 Chevy Equinox, repeat step 4 immediately for each additional remote. It’s crucial to program all desired key fobs in this step, as programming a new fob will erase previously programmed ones if they are not included in the current programming session.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position and remove it from the ignition cylinder. This action will exit the key fob programming mode.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they lock and unlock the doors and perform other remote functions correctly.
Procedure #2: Vehicles Without Driver Information Center (DIC)
If your 2009 Chevy Equinox does not have a Driver Information Center, you’ll use the trip odometer reset button to enter programming mode. Follow these steps:
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Ignition On: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position, without starting the engine.
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Access Relearn Remote Key: Press and release the trip odometer reset button, located on the instrument panel, repeatedly. Continue pressing the button until “Relearn Remote Key” is displayed in the instrument cluster display where the odometer is shown.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Press and hold the trip odometer reset button until “Remote Key Learning Active” is displayed. This may take several seconds. The vehicle is now ready to learn the key fob signal.
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Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you are programming and press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously. Keep holding them until the vehicle’s horn chimes twice. This confirms successful programming of the key fob.
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Program Additional Remotes (If Necessary): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat step 4 immediately for each one. Remember to program all existing and new remotes at the same time to ensure all of them function correctly.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position to exit the programming sequence.
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Test Your Key Fobs: Thoroughly test each programmed key fob to verify that it properly operates the door locks and other remote functions of your 2009 Chevy Equinox.
Important Note: If any of your previously working key fobs stop functioning after programming a new one, it indicates that you did not program all of them during the same session. In such cases, repeat the entire programming procedure and ensure you program all key fobs you want to use with your vehicle in step 4 of either procedure.
If you experience difficulties programming your 2009 Chevy Equinox key fob, or if you prefer professional assistance, you can search online for “key fob programming near me” to find local automotive locksmiths or dealerships that offer key fob programming services. However, for many 2009 Chevy Equinox owners, these DIY programming procedures will be sufficient to get your key fob working quickly and efficiently.
