Are you a 2011 Chevy Silverado owner frustrated with the high costs of getting a replacement or additional key fob programmed? You’re not alone. Many Silverado owners have discovered that the convenient in-vehicle programming procedure, available on older models through the Driver Information Center (DIC), was unfortunately removed starting in 2011. This change often leaves owners believing that a trip to the dealership, and the associated hefty bill, is the only option for key fob programming. Online forums are filled with discussions highlighting this very issue, with many feeling stuck and facing potentially hundreds of dollars in expenses just to program a simple key fob.
But what if there was a way to bypass the dealership and program your 2011 Chevy Silverado key fob yourself, without needing expensive professional tools? Fortunately, there is a solution that many Silverado owners are now discovering: Dorman Products offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative that eliminates the need for dealership programming.
Dorman provides replacement key fobs that come bundled with their own OBD II key fob programmer module. This ingenious system allows you to program your key fobs right in your driveway for a fraction of the cost of dealership services. In fact, you can typically find these Dorman kits, like the Dorman 99162, for around $50 to $75. This price point is significantly lower than what you would typically pay at a dealer, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious Silverado owners. Imagine the satisfaction of having new, working key fobs without the sticker shock of a dealer visit!
Simple Steps to Program Your 2011 Chevy Silverado Key Fob with Dorman
The beauty of the Dorman system lies in its simplicity. Even if you’re not a seasoned car mechanic, you can easily follow the straightforward steps to program your key fob. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Ignition ON: Begin by turning your Chevy Silverado’s ignition to the “ON” position. This is the position right before you start the engine, where the dashboard lights are illuminated.
- Close Doors: Ensure all doors of your Silverado are completely closed. This is crucial for the programming module to function correctly.
- Plug in Dorman Module: Locate your Silverado’s OBD II port. This is typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plug the Dorman OBD II module firmly into this port. Once connected, you should see a message on your DIC indicating that a relearning process is active. This is similar to the DIC prompts seen in older Silverado models during key fob programming.
- Wait for Chime: Give the module a moment to initialize. It will signal its readiness with a chime sound. Listen carefully for this chime as it indicates the next step.
- Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you wish to program (this could be the new Dorman fob, an additional aftermarket fob, or even your existing fob). Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the fob. Keep holding them until you hear another chime from the Dorman module. This second chime confirms that the key fob has been successfully programmed. Release the buttons after the chime.
- Program Additional Fobs: If you have more key fobs to program, including your original fobs, repeat step 5 for each one. This is a great opportunity to program spares or ensure all your fobs are recognized by your Silverado.
- Relearning Deactivation: The Dorman module will automatically deactivate the relearning mode when it has completed its process or reached its programming limit. You’ll know this has happened when the module starts chiming constantly.
- Module Usage Limit: Keep in mind that each Dorman programmer module has a security feature that limits its use to approximately 3 programming cycles. This is generally more than enough for most users to program a few key fobs.
By following these simple steps, you can program multiple key fobs for your 2011 Chevy Silverado quickly and efficiently, all thanks to the Dorman OBD II programmer.
Cost Savings and DIY Convenience
The Dorman key fob programming solution offers significant advantages. The most obvious benefit is the substantial cost savings compared to dealership programming. Instead of potentially spending hundreds of dollars at a dealer, you can achieve the same result for under $75, including the cost of a new key fob.
Beyond the financial savings, the DIY aspect provides incredible convenience. You can program your key fobs at your own pace, in your own time, without the need to schedule an appointment or wait at a service center. This DIY approach empowers Silverado owners to take control of their vehicle maintenance and save both time and money. The ease of use and affordability of the Dorman system makes it a game-changer for anyone needing to program key fobs for their 2011 or newer Chevy Silverado. So, before you book that expensive dealership appointment, consider the Dorman DIY solution and experience the satisfaction of programming your key fobs yourself.
