Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience, and the cost of replacement and programming at a dealership can be surprisingly high. If you own a 2013 Chevy Malibu and need to program a new key fob, you might be pleased to know that it’s a process you can handle yourself, potentially saving you both time and money. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for programming a key fob for your 2013 Chevy Malibu without push-button start, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and affordably.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start the programming process for your 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob, ensure you have the necessary items:
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A New Key Fob: Purchase a compatible key fob. A reliable source for these is online retailers like Amazon. Crucially, verify that the FCC ID on your new key fob matches your original or replacement key. For the 2013 Chevy Malibu, the FCC ID you’re looking for is OHT01060512. This ID is usually found on the side of your key fob; you might need a magnifying glass to read it clearly. Matching the FCC ID guarantees compatibility with your vehicle’s system.
FCC ID OHT01060512 on a Chevy Malibu key fob -
Your Original, Working Key: This programming method requires you to have at least one functional, programmed key to initiate the process for a new key fob.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Once you have the correct key fob and your original key, follow these simple steps to program your 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob:
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Insert and Turn the Original Key: Place your original, working key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “ON” position. This is the position right before you would start the engine. Do not start the car.
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Wait and Turn Off: Keep the key in the “ON” position for approximately 10 seconds. After waiting, turn the key back to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.
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Insert the New Key Fob: Immediately insert the new, unprogrammed key fob into the ignition. Turn the new key fob to the “ON” position, again, without starting the engine.
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Wait and Turn Off (New Key): Wait for another 10 seconds with the new key fob in the “ON” position. After 10 seconds, turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.
That’s it! Your new 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob should now be programmed to your vehicle. Test the key fob’s functions to ensure it’s working correctly, including remote locking, unlocking, and the panic button.
Important Considerations
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Key Cutting: Purchasing a key fob online usually means it will need to be laser-cut to match your vehicle’s ignition and door locks. While dealerships offer this service, it can be expensive. Consider local locksmiths; as mentioned in the original experience, locksmiths can often provide laser key cutting services at a more affordable price. Some dealerships might also offer competitive rates for key cutting, so it’s worth checking local options.
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Multiple Keys: This programming procedure is reported to allow you to program up to 10 key fobs for your Chevy Malibu. While unlikely you’ll need that many, it’s good to know you can program additional keys if needed in the future.
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No Key Erasure: This programming method is designed to add new keys without removing previously programmed keys from your car’s computer system. This means your old keys will still work unless they are physically broken or their batteries are depleted.
In Conclusion
Programming a new key fob for your 2013 Chevy Malibu can be a straightforward DIY task. By following these steps and ensuring you have the correct key fob with the matching FCC ID, you can save yourself the expense of dealership programming. This simple process empowers you to handle basic car maintenance tasks, keeping you in control and saving money. Always verify compatibility and consider professional key cutting services for the physical key component of your new fob.
