As your trusted automotive expert at keyfobprog.com, I understand the frustration of a malfunctioning or new key fob. Programming your Chevrolet push start key fob might seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s a task you can confidently handle. This guide provides clear, expert-backed instructions on how to program your Chevy key fob, ensuring you’re back on the road quickly. Whether you’re adding a spare or replacing a lost key, understanding the process is key.
Adding a Key Fob to Your Chevy (Without SPS)
If you’re looking to add an extra key fob to your Chevy and you already have two working fobs, this method is for you. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require specialized tools, just a little patience and attention to detail. Ensure your Chevy’s battery is in good condition before starting to avoid interruptions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Chevy Key Fob:
- Prepare Existing Keys: Begin by placing your two recognized, working key fobs inside your vehicle’s cupholder. This ensures the system recognizes them during the programming sequence.
- Mechanical Key Action: Take the new, unprogrammed key and insert its mechanical blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second window.
- Observe DIC Message: After correctly performing the mechanical key action, your Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a message. This message will read “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5,” indicating the system is in learning mode and ready to add a new key fob.
- Locate Key Pocket: Inside your Chevy, find the designated key pocket. This is typically located in the front section of your center console storage area.
- Position the New Key Fob: Carefully place the new key fob into the key pocket. Ensure it’s positioned vertically, with the button side facing the rear of the vehicle and the keyring end pointing upwards. Correct placement is crucial for successful programming.
- Initiate Programming: Once the key fob is correctly placed, press the ignition mode switch (push start button).
- Confirmation of Programming: When the new key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will display a message confirming it’s ready to program the next key.
- Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 3 through 5 with each additional key.
- Exit Programming Mode: After you’ve programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition mode switch for about 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
- Test the New Key Fob: Remove the newly programmed key fob from the key pocket and press the unlock button to test if the programming was successful.
Replacing or Programming a Chevy Key Fob When All Keys are Lost (Without SPS)
Losing all your key fobs can be stressful, but programming a replacement is still manageable without needing a Service Programming System (SPS). This process will erase all previously programmed keys, so any old, lost fobs will no longer work with your vehicle, enhancing your Chevy’s security.
Steps to Replace and Program Chevy Key Fobs:
- Mechanical Key in Door Lock: Insert the mechanical key of your new key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds, just as in the “Adding Keys” procedure.
- DIC “Remote Learn Pending” Message: The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” This indicates the system is initiating the key replacement process. Wait for ten minutes.
- “Press Engine Start Button” Message (First Wait): After the first ten-minute wait, the DIC will change to “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Press the ignition mode switch (push start button) once.
- Second “Remote Learn Pending” Wait: The DIC will again display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” Wait for another ten minutes.
- “Press Engine Start Button” Message (Second Wait): After the second ten-minute wait, the DIC will again prompt “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Press the ignition mode switch again.
- Third “Remote Learn Pending” Wait: One last time, the DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” Wait for a final ten minutes.
- “Ready For Remote # 1” Message: After a total of thirty minutes (three ten-minute cycles), all previously learned keys will be erased. The DIC will then display “Ready For Remote # 1,” signaling that the system is ready to learn new key fobs.
- Place New Key Fob in Pocket: Place your new key fob into the key pocket, ensuring correct vertical orientation with buttons facing the rear and keyring up.
- Initiate Programming: Press the ignition mode switch to start the programming of the new key fob.
- Confirmation and Next Key: The DIC will confirm when the key is learned and indicate readiness for programming the next key.
- Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more new key fobs to program, repeat steps 4 through 6 for each.
- Exit Programming Mode: Once all new key fobs are programmed, press and hold the ignition mode switch for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.
- Test the New Key Fobs: Remove the programmed key fobs and test their unlock and push start functions to ensure successful programming.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Battery Voltage: Ensure your vehicle’s battery is fully charged. Low voltage can interrupt the programming process.
- Key Fob Placement: Double-check that the key fob is correctly placed in the key pocket, vertically oriented, and buttons facing the rear.
- Timing: Adhere to the time limits specified for each step, especially during the replacement procedure.
- Avoid Interruptions: Do not open doors or operate other vehicle functions during the programming process unless instructed.
Conclusion
Programming your Chevy push start key fob yourself is entirely achievable by following these detailed steps. Whether you are adding a key or replacing all keys, understanding these procedures can save you time and money. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions and if you encounter persistent issues, consider consulting a professional automotive technician or your Chevy dealership. Stay tuned to keyfobprog.com for more expert guides and tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
