Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2009 Chevy Tahoe? Don’t worry, programming your key fob can often be done right at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with clear, easy-to-follow instructions for programming your 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe key fob, ensuring you regain full control over your vehicle’s keyless entry system. Whether your Tahoe is equipped with a Driver Information Center (DIC) or not, we’ve got you covered with two straightforward procedures. Let’s get started and get you back on the road with a fully functional key fob.
Procedure #1: For Vehicles With a Driver Information Center (DIC)
This procedure is for 2009 Chevy Tahoe models that are equipped with a Driver Information Center. You can identify this by looking for buttons on your steering wheel that include an “i” symbol. The Driver Information Center allows you to navigate vehicle information and customize settings, including key fob programming.
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Ignition Ready: Begin by inserting your key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “ON” position. This means turning the key forward to the point right before you would start the engine. It’s crucial not to start the car, simply turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
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Access Relearn Remote Key Menu: Locate the “Information” button on your steering wheel. It is typically marked with an “i” symbol. Press this “Information” button repeatedly. Each press will cycle through different menus within the Driver Information Center. Continue pressing until you see the message “Relearn Remote Key” displayed on your DIC screen.
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Initiate Learning Mode: Once “Relearn Remote Key” is displayed, you need to activate the key fob learning mode. Press the “set/reset” button. This button is usually identified with a checkmark symbol and is often located near the “Information” button on the steering wheel. Press and hold the “set/reset” button until the Driver Information Center screen displays “Remote Key Learning Active.” This confirms that your Tahoe is now in programming mode and ready to learn new key fobs.
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Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you wish to program and simultaneously press and hold down both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons. Keep holding both buttons until the vehicle’s system chimes twice. These two chimes are your confirmation that the key fob has been successfully programmed to your 2009 Chevy Tahoe. If you have additional key fobs (new or existing) that you want to use with your vehicle, repeat this step 4 immediately for each additional key fob. It’s important to program all desired key fobs in this step because the system may clear previous programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: To finalize the programming process, turn the ignition key back to the “OFF” position. Removing the key from the ignition is also recommended. This action will exit the programming mode. Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly with your vehicle’s lock, unlock, and (if applicable) remote start functions.
Procedure #2: For Vehicles Without a Driver Information Center
If your 2009 Chevy Tahoe does not have a Driver Information Center with steering wheel controls, you will use the trip odometer reset button to initiate the key fob programming sequence. This procedure is slightly different but still achievable at home.
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Ignition Ready: Just like in Procedure #1, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. Ensure the ignition is just in the “ON” position.
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Access Relearn Remote Key Menu: Locate the trip odometer reset button on your instrument panel. This is typically a small button near your speedometer or odometer display, used to reset your trip mileage. Press and release this trip odometer reset button repeatedly. Each press will cycle through the display. Continue pressing until you see “Relearn Remote Key” appear in the instrument panel display.
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Initiate Learning Mode: Once “Relearn Remote Key” is displayed, press and hold the trip odometer reset button. Keep holding the button down until the instrument panel display changes to “Remote Key Learning Active.” This message indicates that your vehicle is now in the key fob programming mode.
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Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you intend to program and press and hold both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously. Continue holding these buttons until you hear the vehicle chime. The vehicle will chime once or twice to confirm successful programming of the key fob. If you have more key fobs to program, repeat this step 4 immediately for each one. Remember to program all existing and new remotes at the same time to ensure all of them work.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position to exit the key fob programming mode. You can also remove the key from the ignition. Test each programmed key fob to verify that it successfully operates your vehicle’s remote functions.
Important Note: It is crucial to program all of your key fobs (both new and existing) during a single programming session. If you only program a new key fob, any previously programmed key fobs may no longer work. This is because the system often clears the memory of previously programmed remotes when a new programming sequence is initiated. So, gather all the key fobs you want to use with your 2009 Chevy Tahoe and program them all in step 4 of either procedure.
If you encounter any difficulties programming your key fob, double-check each step and ensure you are following the correct procedure for your vehicle type (with or without DIC). If you are still having trouble, or prefer professional assistance, you can search online for “key fob programming services near me” to find a local locksmith or service center that can assist you. You can also explore resources at websites like Keylessentryremotefob.com for additional support and key fob replacements. You can order a replacement key fob for your 2009 Chevy Tahoe here with part number 20869054.
