Is your 1997 Chevy Silverado key fob not working? Or perhaps you’ve acquired a new key fob and need to get it programmed? You’re in the right place. Programming your key fob for a 1997 Chevy Silverado can often be done easily at home without the need for a dealership or professional service. This guide provides you with straightforward instructions to program your key fob, ensuring you regain remote access to your vehicle.
Method 1: Programming with Jumper Wire Connection
This method involves using a simple jumper wire to initiate the programming sequence.
Step 1: Locate the Data Link Port
The first step is to find the Data Link Port, also known as the OBD-II port. On a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, this port is typically located under the driver’s side dashboard. You might need to look up and under the dash to spot it.
Step 2: Prepare to Connect Pins 8 and 4
Once you’ve located the port, identify terminals 8 and 4. It’s important to correctly identify these pins. As shown in the image, the port is wider on the top row. If you’re looking at the port with the wider row on top, pin 8 is generally on the upper right, and pin 4 is on the lower row, towards the right side. Ensure that both terminal locations have metal contact pins inside them.
Step 3: Initiate Programming Mode
Take a jumper wire or a bent paper clip. Connect pin 8 to pin 4. Keep the jumper wire connected throughout the entire programming process. Upon making the connection, the vehicle should respond by automatically locking and then unlocking the doors. This indicates that your 1997 Chevy Silverado has entered the key fob programming mode.
Step 4: 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 fob simultaneously for about 15 seconds. After holding the buttons, the vehicle will again respond by locking and unlocking its doors. Once you see this response, release the buttons on the key fob. This confirms that the first key fob has been successfully programmed.
Step 5: Program Additional Key Fobs (If Necessary)
If you have additional key fobs to program, you can do so within one minute of programming the first one. Simply repeat Step 4 for each additional key fob.
Step 6: Complete Programming
After you have programmed all desired key fobs, remove the jumper wire from the OBDII port. Programming is now complete. Test each key fob to ensure they are working correctly with your 1997 Chevy Silverado.
Method 2: Alternative Programming Steps
If the above method does not work, you can try this slightly modified procedure.
Step 1: Locate the Data Link Port
As with the first method, start by locating the Data Link Port under the driver’s side dash of your 1997 Chevy Silverado. Refer to the image in Method 1 if needed to help locate and identify the port and pins.
Step 2: Connect Pins 8 and 4
Using a jumper wire or paper clip, connect pin 8 to pin 4 of the Data Link Port. Keep this connection in place for the duration of the programming. The vehicle should signal entry into programming mode by locking and unlocking the doors.
Step 3: Program Key Fob
Instead of pressing both LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, for this method, press only the UNLOCK button on the key fob. After pressing the UNLOCK button, the door locks should cycle again, locking then unlocking to confirm the programming signal.
Step 4: Program Additional Key Fob
To program a second key fob, repeat Step 3 within one minute.
Step 5: Finish Up
Once you have programmed all your key fobs, disconnect the jumper wire from the Data Link Port. Programming is now finished. Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are properly synced with your 1997 Chevy Silverado.
If you encounter any difficulties programming your 1997 Chevy Silverado key fob, or prefer professional assistance, consider searching for a local key fob programming service for expert help.
