How to Program a Chevy Cruze Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or needing an extra key fob for your Chevy Cruze can be a hassle. Luckily, programming a new key fob can sometimes be done yourself, depending on your situation and the type of key you have. This guide will walk you through the different methods to program your Chevy Cruze key fob, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.

Programming a Chevy Cruze Key Fob When You Have Lost All Keys

If you’ve lost all your Chevy Cruze keys, including your key fobs, you’ll need professional help. For security reasons, programming a new key when no existing key is available requires specialized equipment.

1. Find a Qualified Automotive Locksmith: Your first step is to locate a reputable automotive locksmith in your area. You can search online or ask for recommendations. Automotive locksmiths specialize in car key and remote programming.

2. Contact the Locksmith: Call the locksmith and explain that you need a new key fob programmed for your Chevy Cruze and that you have lost all existing keys.

3. Vehicle Access and Programming: The locksmith will typically come to your vehicle or you can drive your vehicle to their shop if it’s still mobile. They will use specialized computer diagnostic tools to connect to your Chevy Cruze’s onboard computer. This equipment allows them to bypass the security system and program a new key fob to work with your car.

Important Note: Programming when all keys are lost is more complex and usually more expensive than adding an extra key when you already have one.

Programming an Additional Chevy Cruze Flip Key or Standard Key When You Have an Existing Key

If you already have one working flip key or standard key for your Chevy Cruze and want to program an additional one, you can often do this yourself without special equipment.

1. Insert and Turn the Existing Programmed Key: Place your currently working, programmed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “ON/RUN” position. This is the position just before you would start the engine.

2. Turn Off and Remove the Key: Turn the ignition key back to the “LOCK/OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.

3. Insert the New Key and Turn to ON/RUN: Within five seconds of removing the programmed key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn this new key to the “ON/RUN” position.

4. Wait for Security Light: Keep the new key in the “ON/RUN” position. The security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key has been successfully programmed. This indicates that the vehicle now recognizes the new key.

5. Repeat for More Keys (If Needed): If you want to program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 3.

Programming a Chevy Cruze Smart Key Fob (Keyless Access Vehicles) When You Have Lost All Smart Keys

For Chevy Cruze models with keyless access (smart key system), programming when all smart keys are lost is a more involved process and specifically for vehicles without key access in Canada. This procedure can take around 30 minutes. Make sure all the transmitters you want to program are with you before starting.

1. Manual Door Unlock Procedure: Insert the vehicle key blade from your new smart key into the key lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver’s side door. Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times within a 10-second period.

2. Wait for DIC Message (First 10 Minutes): After this, the Driver Information Center (DIC) display in your instrument cluster will show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.” You must wait for 10 minutes.

3. Wait for DIC Message (Second 10 Minutes): After the first 10-minute wait, the DIC will display “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.” Press the ignition “Start/Stop” button. The DIC will again show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.” Wait another 10 minutes.

4. Wait for DIC Message (Third 10 Minutes): Repeat step 3 one more time. After this third 10-minute period, all previously programmed smart key fobs will no longer work. The DIC display should now read “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.”

5. Access the Transmitter Slot: Locate the transmitter slot. This is usually found in the center console. You may need to remove a plastic trim piece from a small storage area near the accessory power outlet to access it.

6. Insert Key Blade and Program: Push the button on your new smart key fob to extend the key blade. Insert this key blade into the transmitter slot.

7. Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition “Start/Stop” button. When the smart key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next transmitter (e.g., “READY FOR REMOTE #2”).

8. Program Additional Smart Keys (If Needed): To program additional smart key fobs, repeat steps 6 and 7.

9. Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired smart key fobs, press and hold the ignition “Start/Stop” button for 10 seconds to exit the programming mode. Replace the plastic trim piece if you removed one in step 5.

Chevy Cruze key fob programming slot location in the center console.

Programming an Additional Chevy Cruze Smart Key Fob When You Have One Working Smart Key

If you have at least one already programmed and working smart key for your Chevy Cruze and wish to add another, you can follow these steps. Ensure all smart key fobs (both the recognized one and the new ones) are with you in the vehicle.

1. Access the Transmitter Slot: Remove the plastic trim piece to access the transmitter slot in the center console, as described earlier. Extend the key blade from your currently recognized smart key fob and insert it into the transmitter slot.

2. Door Lock/Unlock Procedure with New Key: Take the new smart key fob you want to program. Insert the key blade from this new transmitter into the key lock cylinder on the driver’s door. Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC should display “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5”.

3. Replace Recognized Key with New Key in Slot: Remove the currently recognized smart key fob from the transmitter slot and immediately place the new smart key fob into the transmitter slot.

4. Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition “Start/Stop” button. When the new smart key fob is learned, the DIC will show that it’s ready for the next transmitter.

5. Remove and Unlock: Remove the newly programmed smart key fob from the transmitter slot and press the “unlock” button on the fob to confirm it’s working.

6. Program More Keys (If Necessary): To program additional smart key fobs, repeat steps 3 through 5.

7. Exit Programming Mode: When you’ve programmed all the smart key fobs you need, press and hold the ignition button for 10 seconds to exit the programming mode. Replace the plastic trim piece in the center console.

By following the appropriate steps for your situation, you can program a Chevy Cruze key fob and regain full access and convenience for your vehicle. Remember that if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about the process, consulting a professional locksmith or dealership is always a good option.