It’s a common scenario: you’ve purchased a pre-owned 1999 Chevy Tahoe, and it didn’t come with a key fob. Or perhaps you’ve simply lost your original remote, leaving you manually locking and unlocking your doors. You’re wondering if your Tahoe even has keyless entry, and if so, how to get a new key fob working. You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through determining if your 1999 Chevy Tahoe is equipped with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), how to program a new key fob, and where to find a replacement.
Determining if Your 1999 Chevy Tahoe Has Keyless Entry
Before you rush out to buy a 1999 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob, it’s essential to confirm if your vehicle actually has the factory-installed keyless entry system. Luckily, there are a couple of straightforward methods to check:
Method 1: VIN Check at Your Local Chevy Dealer
The most reliable way to ascertain your Tahoe’s original factory options is by contacting your local Chevrolet dealership’s service department. They can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to access the original build sheet for your specific vehicle. This build sheet will list all the options that were installed at the factory, including Remote Keyless Entry, if applicable.
To use this method:
- Locate your VIN: The VIN is typically found on the driver’s side dashboard where it meets the windshield. It’s also usually on your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
- Call your local Chevy dealership: Ask to speak to the service department.
- Provide your VIN: Explain that you want to know if your 1999 Chevy Tahoe was originally equipped with remote keyless entry.
- Wait for confirmation: The service advisor can look up your VIN in their system and tell you definitively whether or not RKE was a factory option on your Tahoe.
This method is foolproof and provides the most accurate information.
Method 2: The OBD-II Port Test – A Quick DIY Check
If you prefer a quicker, do-it-yourself approach, you can perform a simple test using the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) port in your 1999 Chevy Tahoe. This method, while not as definitive as a VIN check, is a strong indicator if your vehicle has the RKE system installed and functional.
Here’s how to perform the OBD-II port test:
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Locate the OBD-II port: This port is typically located underneath the steering wheel, near the bottom edge of the dashboard. You might need to look under the dash panel to find it.
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Identify pins 4 and 8: The OBD-II connector has two rows of pins. You’ll be focusing on the top row. Pins are numbered from left to right, 1 through 8, in the top row. Locate pins 4 and 8. Pin 4 is typically ground, and pin 8 is often related to vehicle systems.
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Prepare a jumper wire: Take a small paperclip or a short piece of wire and bend it into a U-shape. This will be your jumper wire to temporarily connect pins 4 and 8.
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Short pins 4 and 8: Carefully insert the ends of your jumper wire into pins 4 and 8 of the OBD-II port, creating a connection between them.
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Observe the door locks: If your 1999 Chevy Tahoe is equipped with a working Remote Keyless Entry system, and the system is functioning correctly, the doors should automatically cycle – meaning they will lock and then immediately unlock. This door lock cycling is your confirmation that the RKE system is present and responding.
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Remove the jumper wire: After observing the door lock cycle (or lack thereof), remove the jumper wire from the OBD-II port.
An illustrative diagram showing the OBD-II port and highlighting pins 4 and 8 for checking the 1999 Chevy Tahoe keyless entry system.
Important Note: Ensure you are connecting the correct pins (4 and 8) to avoid any potential issues. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this test, it’s always best to consult with a qualified mechanic or your Chevy dealer. If the doors do not cycle, it might mean your Tahoe doesn’t have RKE, or there could be an issue with the system itself. The VIN check is still the most reliable confirmation.
Programming a New Key Fob for Your 1999 Chevy Tahoe
Once you’ve confirmed that your 1999 Chevy Tahoe has keyless entry, the next step is programming a new key fob. Programming a 1999 Chevy Tahoe key fob is a relatively simple procedure that you can do yourself without special tools. You will again be using the OBD-II port and the same pins as before.
Here’s how to program your 1999 Chevy Tahoe key fob:
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Locate the OBD-II port and identify pins 4 and 8 just as you did for the system check.
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Prepare to short pins 4 and 8: Have your jumper wire ready.
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Turn the ignition to the “ON” position: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Short pins 4 and 8: Use your jumper wire to short pins 4 and 8 of the OBD-II port. As before, the doors should cycle (lock then unlock) to indicate you’ve entered programming mode.
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Press buttons on the key fob: Immediately after the doors cycle, take your new key fob and press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously until you hear the door locks cycle again. This confirms that the key fob’s signal has been recognized and programmed.
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Remove the jumper wire: Take out the jumper wire from the OBD-II port.
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Test the key fob: Press the buttons on your new key fob to ensure it is working correctly, locking and unlocking the doors of your 1999 Chevy Tahoe.
If you have multiple key fobs to program, repeat step 5 for each additional fob immediately after the doors cycle in response to the previous fob. You typically have a short window of time to program multiple fobs before the system exits programming mode.
Finding a Replacement 1999 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob
If you need to purchase a new key fob for your 1999 Chevy Tahoe, you have several options:
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Chevrolet Dealership: Your local Chevy dealer can sell you a brand new, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob. While this is often the most expensive option, you are guaranteed to get the correct, high-quality fob for your vehicle.
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Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide variety of aftermarket and sometimes used key fobs for the 1999 Chevy Tahoe at competitive prices. Be sure to check seller ratings and read reviews before purchasing from online marketplaces. Look for reputable sellers and ensure the fob is compatible with your 1999 Tahoe.
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Specialized Key Fob Websites: Several websites specialize in selling replacement key fobs and remotes. These sites often offer programming instructions and may be a good source for both new and refurbished fobs.
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Used Car Dealers: As mentioned in the original forum, used car dealerships sometimes accumulate boxes of old key fobs. If you have a good relationship with a local used car dealer, it might be worth asking if they have any compatible fobs they would sell at a discount.
When purchasing a replacement key fob, make sure it is the correct type for your 1999 Chevy Tahoe. The key fobs for this era of GM vehicles often look similar, but compatibility can vary. Look for fobs that specifically state they are compatible with 1999 Chevy Tahoe models. The part number you might be looking for is often associated with GM part number 2131, but always verify compatibility with the seller.
Having a working key fob for your 1999 Chevy Tahoe adds convenience and security. By following these steps, you can determine if your vehicle has keyless entry, program a new fob, and get back to enjoying the ease of remote locking and unlocking.
