2017 Chevy Tahoe Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

It’s frustrating when your key fob stops working. Luckily, programming a new key fob for your 2017 Chevy Tahoe can often be done yourself, saving you time and money at the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for 2017 Tahoe Key Fob Programming, covering different types of ignitions and situations.

There are two main types of key fobs for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, depending on whether you have a regular ignition or a push-button start. Identify your key type below to find the correct programming instructions.

1. 2017 Tahoe Key Fob Programming for Regular Ignition

If your 2017 Chevy Tahoe uses a traditional key ignition, follow these instructions. These vehicles use a transponder key that requires programming.

Important Notes Before You Begin:

• Two Working Keys Required for Simple Programming: The easiest method requires you to have two already programmed and working keys.
• Key Cutting is Necessary: If you are programming a new, un-cut key, ensure it is properly cut to match your ignition before starting the programming procedure.
• Maximum Keys: Your 2017 Tahoe can have up to eight programmed transponder keys.
• Owner’s Manual: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for potentially vehicle-specific instructions.

Programming with Two Existing Working Keys

This is the quickest and simplest method if you have two functioning keys.

1. Insert First Working Key: Place your first, already programmed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
2. Turn Off and Remove Key: Turn the ignition key to the LOCK/OFF position, and then remove the key from the ignition.
3. Insert Second Working Key Quickly: Within five seconds of removing the first key, insert your second, already programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position.
4. Turn Off and Remove Key Again: Turn the key to the LOCK/OFF position and remove the second key from the ignition.
5. Insert New Key to Program: Within five seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
   • Success Indication: The security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key is successfully programmed.
6. Program Additional Keys (If Needed): If you have more keys to program, repeat steps 1 through 5.

Programming Without Two Working Keys (30-Minute Method)

If you don’t have two working keys, or only have one, you’ll need to use this longer 30-minute programming procedure.

Important Note: DIY programming without two working keys is not available in Canada.

1. Insert New Key: Insert the new, unprogrammed vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn to ON/RUN: Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. The security light will illuminate.
3. Wait 10 Minutes (Security Light Off): Wait for 10 minutes until the security light on your dashboard turns off. Do not turn off the ignition during this time.
4. Turn Ignition OFF: After 10 minutes and the security light turns off, turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
5. Repeat Steps 2-4 Two More Times: Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 two more times. This means you will have a total of three 10-minute waiting periods.
6. Final ON/RUN Turn: After the third 10-minute cycle, turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position one last time.
   • Programming Complete: Your new key should now be programmed. All previously programmed keys will no longer work and will need to be reprogrammed using the “Programming with Two Working Keys” method if you want to continue using them.
7. Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more keys to program, you can now use the faster “Programming with Two Working Keys” procedure described above, using the key you just programmed and the new key(s).

2. 2017 Tahoe Key Fob Programming for Push-Button Ignition (Smart Key)

If your 2017 Chevy Tahoe has push-button ignition, it uses a smart proximity remote, often called a smart key or keyless fob. Here’s how to program it.

Before You Begin Programming Your Smart Key:

• Vehicle OFF: Ensure your 2017 Chevy Tahoe engine is completely off before starting.
• All Keys Present: Have all smart keys you intend to program (both existing working keys and new keys) with you inside the vehicle.
• Read Instructions First: Familiarize yourself with these entire programming steps before you begin the process.
• Owner’s Manual: Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific instructions related to your 2017 Tahoe model.
• Maximum Smart Keys: You can program up to 8 smart keys for your vehicle.
• Emergency Key Blade: Ensure the emergency key blade within your new smart key is cut to match your door lock, if applicable. This is crucial if you have no working smart keys.

A. Programming with Two Working Smart Keys

This is the fastest method if you already have two functioning smart keys for your 2017 Tahoe.

1. Remove Emergency Key Blade: Take out the emergency key blade from one of your working smart keys.

2. Place Working Smart Keys in Cupholder: Put both of your working smart keys into the vehicle’s cupholder.

3. Use Emergency Key in Driver Door Lock: Insert the emergency key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise (to the unlock position) five times in rapid succession, within 10 seconds.

   • Note: Some models might require removing a cap on the door handle to access the lock cylinder.
   • DIC Message: The Driver Information Center (DIC) display in your dashboard should show a message like “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.” indicating it’s in programming mode.

4. Place New Smart Key in Transmitter Pocket: Put the new smart key you want to program into the transmitter pocket.

   • Location: For Chevrolet and GMC vehicles like the Tahoe, this pocket is typically located in the front cupholder. For Cadillac vehicles, it’s usually inside the center console storage area between the front seats. Refer to your owner’s manual if unsure.

5. Press ENGINE START/STOP Button: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button on your dashboard.

   • Confirmation: When the vehicle recognizes the new smart key, the DIC display will update to show it’s ready for the next key to be programmed.

6. Remove and Press Button on New Smart Key: Take the smart key out of the transmitter pocket. Press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key remote.

7. Program Additional Smart Keys (Repeat): If you have more smart keys to program, repeat Steps 4-6 for each additional key.

8. Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired smart keys, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

B. Programming Without Two Working Smart Keys (30-Minute Method)

If you have only one working smart key, or no working smart keys at all for your 2017 Chevy Tahoe, use this longer 30-minute procedure.

Important Notes:

• 30-Minute Process: This method takes about 30 minutes to complete.
• Not Available in Canada: DIY programming without two working smart keys is not available in Canada.
• Emergency Key Blade Cutting (If No Existing Keys): If you currently have no working smart keys for your 2017 Tahoe, you’ll need to get the emergency key blade in your new smart key cut by a locksmith before you can perform these steps.

1. Remove Key Blade: Remove the emergency key blade from your existing or new smart key.
2. Use Emergency Key in Driver Door Lock: Insert the emergency key blade into the driver door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
   • DIC Message: The Driver Information Center (DIC) should display “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.”
3. Wait 10 Minutes (First Wait): Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC display changes to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN”. Then, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC display will then show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”
4. Repeat 10-Minute Wait Two More Times: Repeat Step 3 two more times. After the third 10-minute wait and button press, all previously programmed smart keys will be erased and will no longer work. The system is now ready to learn new keys. The DIC display should now show “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.”
5. Place New Smart Key in Transmitter Pocket: Place the new smart key into the transmitter pocket (cupholder for Chevy Tahoe).
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
   • Confirmation: When the vehicle recognizes the smart key, the DIC will show it’s ready for the next key.
7. Remove and Press Button on New Smart Key: Remove the smart key from the transmitter pocket and press the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key.
8. Program Additional Smart Keys (Repeat): To program another smart key, repeat Steps 6-8.
9. Exit Programming Mode: After programming all your keys, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about 12 seconds to exit programming mode.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2017 Chevy Tahoe key fob yourself. Always double-check your owner’s manual for any specific instructions and remember that if you encounter difficulties, a professional locksmith or dealership can assist you with key fob programming.