After years of relying on my original GM key fobs for my 2007 Pontiac GXP, they finally gave out. Like many, I explored cost-effective solutions and landed on a Dorman key fob with a programmer from a local auto parts store. Having used it, I wanted to share my experience to help others considering Dorman Key Fob Programming at home. The bottom line? They work, saving you money and a trip to the dealership – huge wins in my book. But here’s what you should really know.
The Dorman programmer is incredibly user-friendly. The process is quick, and there’s a definite sense of satisfaction in avoiding dealership service costs. However, shortly after programming, I encountered the “key fob battery low” warning on my driver information center (DIC). Interestingly, my original fob had a completely dead battery without ever triggering this warning. It seems Dorman fobs might be more sensitive in this regard.
Another thing to be aware of is the programmer’s limitation: you only get three programming attempts. Initially, this didn’t seem like an issue, assuming you’d only need one try. But life happens. I later read in an online forum that using a key fob from a different manufacturer could potentially resolve the low battery warning issue. Intrigued, I decided to test this when we acquired a 2006 Pontiac Solstice NA without key fobs.
Thinking I was a genius, I ordered the cheapest pair of fobs online, planning to use my remaining programmer attempts. My plan was to reprogram my GXP with a new fob to hopefully eliminate the battery warning, program the second new fob for my GXP, and then use the last programming attempt for the Solstice. Reprogramming my Dorman fob and one of the new fobs for my GXP went smoothly, and indeed, the new fob hasn’t triggered the low battery warning yet.
Then came programming for the 2006 Solstice. Despite my confidence, the fob wouldn’t program. That moment of parental doubt kicked in – had I messed up the initial programming of my GXP? After some research, I discovered a crucial detail: the 2006 Solstice uses a different keyless entry system than later models. The next day, I had to purchase another Dorman programmer specifically for the 2006 Solstice. It worked perfectly, and now my son’s Solstice also enjoys the “low key fob battery warning” feature.
So, for anyone considering dorman key fob programming, especially for older GM vehicles like the Pontiac Solstice, Dorman offers a viable DIY option. Just be prepared for the low battery warning, the three-attempt programming limit, and remember to verify compatibility, particularly for the 2006 Solstice model year.
