Experiencing trouble programming your 1999 Chevy Silverado Key Fob? You’re not alone. Many owners of this classic truck face similar frustrations when trying to get their keyless entry system up and running. If you’ve just acquired a new key fob for your ’99 Silverado and are struggling to sync it with your vehicle, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the steps to program your 1999 Chevy Silverado key fob yourself, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership.
Before you assume a complicated issue, know that programming a key fob for your 1999 Chevy Silverado is often a straightforward process you can tackle at home. Let’s dive into the programming procedure that might just get your remote working in minutes.
Step-by-Step Key Fob Programming Instructions
Follow these instructions carefully to program your 1999 Chevy Silverado key fob:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Begin by closing all doors on your Chevy Silverado. This is crucial for the system to properly enter programming mode.
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Ignition and Unlock Sequence:
- Insert your ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder.
- Press and HOLD the door unlock switch on your driver’s side door panel. Do not release it until instructed.
- While still holding the unlock switch, cycle your ignition from ON to OFF, and then back to ON, and then OFF again. Essentially, turn the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF in quick succession while keeping the unlock button pressed.
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Release Unlock Switch and Confirm Program Mode: Release the door unlock switch. If the system has entered programming mode successfully, the doors will automatically lock and unlock. This lock/unlock cycle is your confirmation that the truck is ready to learn the new key fob.
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Synchronize Your Key Fob:
- Take your key fob transmitter.
- Simultaneously press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob.
- Continue holding both buttons for approximately 15 seconds. After this short delay, the doors should lock and unlock again. This confirms that the Silverado has successfully recognized and programmed your key fob.
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Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional key fobs to program (up to a total of four), repeat step 4 with each fob.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position (or simply start your truck) to exit the keyless entry transmitter programming mode.
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Test Your Key Fob: Operate the buttons on your newly programmed key fob to verify that it is working correctly. Test the lock, unlock, and any other functions your fob may have.
If you’ve followed these steps and heard the door lock/unlock confirmation at each stage, your 1999 Chevy Silverado key fob should now be programmed and functioning!
Troubleshooting and When to Seek Professional Help
What if the above programming method doesn’t work for your 1999 Chevy Silverado? Here are a few points to consider:
- Incorrect Procedure: Double-check each step and ensure you’re performing the ignition cycling and button presses correctly. It’s easy to miss a step or not hold a button long enough.
- Faulty Key Fob: Ensure the key fob itself is functional. Check the battery and make sure the buttons are not damaged. You can try a different new battery to rule out a low battery issue.
- Vehicle System Issues: In some cases, if the programming process fails entirely, there might be an underlying issue with your Silverado’s Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system or the Body Control Module (BCM).
If you’ve meticulously followed the programming steps multiple times and your 1999 Chevy Silverado still refuses to enter programming mode, it might be time to consult a professional. Dealerships typically have the diagnostic tools and expertise to address more complex issues or program key fobs if the standard DIY method fails. This might be necessary if there are concerns about the vehicle’s computer system or if a previous security issue is preventing programming.
While dealership programming is an option, try the DIY method first. It’s often all that’s needed to get your 1999 Chevy Silverado key fob working and restore the convenience of keyless entry to your classic truck.
