Key fobs, those convenient little devices also known as keyless entry remotes or transmitters, offer remote control over your vehicle’s locking system, trunk access, and alarm. For a key fob to function with your car, it must be properly programmed to establish a connection. Whether you have a replacement key fob or need to reprogram an existing one, the process for GM vehicles is surprisingly straightforward and can be accomplished at home with a few easy steps.
Before You Start: Essential Checks
The most frequent culprit when a keyless entry remote stops working is a depleted battery, either in the fob itself or the car. If you’re attempting to reprogram a key fob that previously worked, your first step should be to ensure that the battery in the key fob isn’t dead. Similarly, a brand-new or replacement key fob requires a functioning battery to operate, so confirm it’s properly installed.
You won’t need any specialized tools to reprogram your key fob, just your vehicle’s ignition key and the key fob you wish to program. Importantly, this procedure is designed for GM vehicles, including popular brands like Chevrolet (Chevy) and GMC trucks and cars. The process involves turning the ignition key to the ON or OFF positions as required, but you will not need to actually start the engine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogramming Your GM Key Fob
Follow these nine simple steps to program your GM key fob:
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Get Comfortable in the Driver’s Seat: Begin by settling into the driver’s seat and ensuring that all vehicle doors are completely closed. This is crucial for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
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Insert Your Key into the Ignition: Place your vehicle’s ignition key into the ignition cylinder. You will be using this to cycle the ignition between ON and OFF.
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Press and Hold the Unlock Button: Locate the vehicle’s power unlock button, typically found on the driver’s side door panel. Press and maintain pressure on this button throughout the next step.
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Ignition Cycling Sequence: While continuously holding the door unlock button, you need to cycle the ignition key twice. This means turning the key to the ON position, then immediately back to the OFF position, and repeating this sequence one more time (ON, OFF, ON, OFF). Do not start the engine; simply turn the key to the “ON” position where the dashboard lights illuminate, and then back to “OFF.”
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Release the Unlock Button and Wait for Confirmation: After completing the ignition cycling, release the door unlock button. As confirmation that you have successfully entered programming mode, the vehicle’s doors will automatically lock and then unlock. This indicates the system is ready to learn the new key fob signal.
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Program the Key Fob: Immediately after the doors cycle, take the key fob you wish to program. Press and hold down both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob simultaneously for approximately 15 seconds. If the programming is successful, you will observe the doors lock and unlock once more, confirming the key fob is now linked to your vehicle.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (If Necessary): If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat the previous step (step 6) for each additional fob. This must be done immediately following the successful programming of the first key fob and while the vehicle is still in programming mode.
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Exit Programming Mode: To finalize the programming process and exit programming mode, simply turn the ignition key to the RUN position. This is the position you would normally turn the key to just before starting the engine.
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Test Your Key Fob: Remove the key from the ignition and test all the buttons on each programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Verify that the lock, unlock, and trunk release functions are operating as expected. If everything works as it should, you have successfully programmed your GM key fob!
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily program your GM key fob at home, saving time and money. This DIY approach is a convenient solution for replacement key fobs or when reprogramming is needed.
