Are you a 2011 Silverado owner frustrated with the high costs of replacing a lost or damaged key fob? You’re not alone. Many Silverado owners discover that the convenient in-vehicle programming procedure available in older models was removed starting in 2011. This often leads to expensive trips to the dealership or auto locksmith, requiring specialized equipment like a Tech II scanner just to program a simple key fob.
For years, the common understanding was that for 2011 and newer NNBS (New New Body Style) Silverado trucks, key fob programming was exclusively a dealer service. Online forums are filled with discussions lamenting the necessity of professional intervention and the associated hefty price tags. The thought of paying hundreds of dollars for a new key fob and programming is certainly discouraging.
However, there’s a game-changing, cost-effective solution that many Silverado owners are unaware of: Dorman replacement key fobs. Dorman, a trusted name in automotive aftermarket parts, offers key fob replacement kits specifically designed for vehicles like the 2011 Silverado, and the best part? They come with their own OBD II programmer module. This ingenious inclusion allows you to bypass the dealer completely and program new key fobs yourself, right in your driveway, without needing any specialized tools or expertise.
The Dorman solution, like part number 99162, typically costs between $50 and $75 – a fraction of what you’d pay at a dealership. This kit not only saves you money but also provides the convenience of DIY programming. Imagine getting a brand new key fob, programming it yourself, and having a spare, all for under $75! This is a significant saving and puts control back in the hands of the vehicle owner.
Programming your 2011 Silverado key fob with the Dorman kit is surprisingly straightforward. The kit includes a simple OBD II module and clear, step-by-step instructions. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Ignition ON: Turn your Silverado’s ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
- Close Doors: Ensure all vehicle doors are fully closed.
- Plug in Programmer: Locate your Silverado’s OBD II port (usually under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and plug in the Dorman OBD II programmer module. Once plugged in, the Driver Information Center (DIC) should display a message indicating that key fob relearning is active. This is similar to the manual DIC procedure found in older Silverado models (2008-2010).
- Wait for Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This indicates it’s ready to learn a new key fob.
- Program Key Fob: Take the new Dorman key fob (or any compatible aftermarket fob) and simultaneously press and hold the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons. Hold them down until the programmer module chimes again. This chime confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed. Release the buttons.
- Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional new key fobs or want to reprogram your existing fobs, repeat step 5 for each fob.
- Relearning Deactivated: When the module starts chiming continuously, it signifies that the relearning mode has been deactivated. You are now finished with the programming process.
- Module Limit: Note that the Dorman programmer module can typically be used to program fobs a limited number of times (around 3 times) before it becomes inactive. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized reprogramming.
By choosing the Dorman key fob replacement kit, 2011 Silverado owners can confidently and affordably address their key fob needs. This DIY solution eliminates the need for expensive dealer visits and specialized programming tools, putting you back in control of your vehicle’s security and saving you a significant amount of money. Whether you need to replace a lost fob, want a spare, or simply want to avoid dealership costs, the Dorman key fob programmer is a smart and effective solution for your 2011 Silverado.
