Is your 2008 Chevy Equinox key fob not working? Or perhaps you’ve purchased a new key fob and need to get it programmed? This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions on how to program a 2008 Equinox Key Fob yourself, saving you time and money. The process varies slightly depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with Driver Information Center (DIC) buttons. Follow the instructions below that match your vehicle’s configuration.
Programming Your 2008 Equinox Key Fob with DIC Buttons
If your 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has Driver Information Center buttons, use this procedure:
- Turn Ignition to ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. This allows you to access the Driver Information Center.
- Access Vehicle Information Menu: Press the vehicle information button repeatedly until the display reads “PRESS TO RELEARN REMOTE KEY”.
- Initiate Relearn Mode: Press and hold the set/reset button until “REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE” is displayed on the DIC. The vehicle is now in key fob programming mode.
- Program First Key Fob: Take your first 2008 Equinox key fob. Simultaneously press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons for about 15 seconds. You should hear a chime sound, indicating that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
- Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat step 4 immediately. You can program up to eight key fobs for your 2008 Chevy Equinox.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.
- Test Key Fobs: Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly by locking and unlocking your doors and activating other remote functions.
Programming Your 2008 Equinox Key Fob without DIC Buttons
If your 2008 Chevy Equinox does not have Driver Information Center buttons, use this procedure instead:
- Turn Ignition to ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (without starting the engine). Ensure your vehicle is in Park (P).
- Access Relearn Remote Key Display: Press and release the trip odometer reset stem repeatedly until “RELEARN REMOTE KEY” is displayed.
- Activate Learning Mode: Press and hold the trip odometer reset stem for about three seconds. The message “REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE” will appear, indicating the system is ready to program a key fob.
- Program First Key Fob: Take your first 2008 Equinox key fob. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons at the same time for approximately 15 seconds. A chime sound will confirm that the remote has been programmed.
- Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): To program more key fobs, repeat step 4 right away. The system can store up to eight remote key fobs.
- Exit Programming Mode & Test: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove it. Test each programmed 2008 Equinox key fob to verify proper operation.
By following these instructions, you can easily program your 2008 Equinox key fob and regain full keyless entry functionality.
