2016 Chevy Cruze Key Fob Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2016 Chevy Cruze? Don’t worry, programming your key fob can often be done yourself, saving you time and money. This guide provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions for programming your 2016 Chevy Cruze key fob, whether you have a regular ignition or a push-button start system. We’ll cover different scenarios, including programming with and without existing working fobs.

Understanding Your 2016 Chevy Cruze Key System

Before we begin, it’s important to identify the type of ignition system your 2016 Chevy Cruze has. This will determine the correct programming procedure. There are two main types:

Regular Ignition: This is the traditional system where you insert a key into the ignition switch on the steering column and turn it to start the engine.
Push Button Ignition: This system uses a “smart key” or proximity key fob. You start the vehicle by pressing a button on the dashboard while the key fob is inside the car.

Once you’ve identified your ignition type, find the corresponding instructions below.

Programming a 2016 Chevy Cruze Key Fob for Regular Ignition

If your 2016 Chevy Cruze uses a standard, key-operated ignition, and you already have a working programmed key, you can easily program an additional key fob yourself. This method adds new keys without erasing any previously programmed ones. Ensure the new key is properly cut before starting this procedure.

Start with a Working Key: Insert your existing, programmed key into the ignition and start the engine.
Turn Off and Remove: After the engine starts, turn the ignition off and remove the key.
Insert New Key and Turn On: Within 10 seconds of removing the working key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “on” position – do not start the engine.
Wait for Security Light: The security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key is successfully programmed. If your vehicle has no security light, wait for approximately 10 minutes and 45 seconds to ensure programming is complete.
Repeat for More Keys: If you need to program additional keys, simply repeat steps 1 through 4.

Image alt text: Close-up of a standard ignition key, illustrating the type used in the Chevy Cruze regular ignition programming procedure.

Programming a 2016 Chevy Cruze Key Fob for Push Button Ignition

For 2016 Chevy Cruze models equipped with push-button ignition, the programming process varies depending on whether you have an existing working key fob.

Programming with at Least One Working Key Fob

If you have at least one programmed and functioning key fob (proximity key), you can program additional fobs. Make sure all key fobs – both working and new ones – are with you during this procedure and the vehicle is turned off. The key blade within the new fob must be cut before you begin.

Place Working Fob in Cupholder: Put your recognized, working key fob into the vehicle’s cupholder.
Use New Key in Door Lock: Insert the new, unprogrammed key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) should display “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5”.
Place New Fob in Transmitter Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket. For the 2016 Chevy Cruze, this is usually inside the center console storage area, underneath the cupholder. You might need to pull out the cupholder to access it. Place the new key fob into this pocket.
Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition button. Once the new key fob is programmed, the DIC will indicate it’s ready for the next fob to be programmed.
Remove and Press Unlock: Take the new key fob out of the transmitter pocket and press the unlock button on the fob.
Program Additional Fobs (If Needed): To program more key fobs, repeat steps 3 through 5.
Exit Programming Mode: When you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.

Programming Without Any Working Key Fobs

If you’ve lost all your key fobs for your 2016 Chevy Cruze push-button start system, you can still program new ones, but the process is longer and requires about 30 minutes. Ensure all new key fobs you want to program are with you, and the vehicle is off. The key blade for each new fob needs to be cut prior to programming. It’s advisable to connect your vehicle to a power source using jumper cables during this procedure, as the car’s battery voltage may drop during the process.

Use New Key in Door Lock: Insert the new key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait”.
Wait and Press Ignition (First Time): Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays “Press Engine Start Button To Learn”. Then, press the ignition button. The DIC will again show “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait”.
Repeat Wait and Press (Two More Times): Repeat step 2 two additional times. After the third time, any previously programmed key fobs will no longer work. The DIC should now display “Ready For Remote #1”.
Place New Fob in Transmitter Pocket: Put the new key fob into the transmitter pocket located in the center console, under the cupholder.
Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition button. When the key fob is learned, the DIC will show it’s ready for the next fob.
Remove and Press Unlock: Remove the key fob from the transmitter pocket and press the unlock button.
Program Additional Fobs (If Needed): To program more key fobs, repeat steps 4 through 6.
Exit Programming Mode: Once all key fobs are programmed, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.

Image alt text: A Chevy Cruze smart key fob, highlighting the type of key used for push-button start models and the programming procedures.

Important Notes for 2016 Chevy Cruze Key Fob Programming

Maximum Keys: Your 2016 Chevy Cruze can have a maximum of five (for older push button systems) or eight (for newer smart key systems as mentioned below) key fobs programmed to it.
Battery Consideration: Especially when programming without working fobs, maintaining battery voltage is crucial. Using jumper cables to connect to a power source is recommended.
Canada DIY Restrictions: DIY programming for push-button ignition systems without two working smart keys is not available in Canada. If you are in Canada and have lost all your smart keys, you will need to visit a dealership or certified locksmith.
Smart Key Systems: Some 2016 Chevy Cruze models might use a more advanced “smart key” system, particularly in higher trims. The procedures for “DIY PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GM VEHICLES WITH PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION THAT USE SMART KEYS FEATURED BELOW” in the original article may apply to these systems. Refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions for your specific vehicle.

Conclusion

Programming a 2016 Chevy Cruze key fob can be a straightforward process, especially when you have a working key. By following these steps, you can save yourself a trip to the dealership and get back on the road quickly. Always double-check your vehicle’s owner manual for any specific instructions or variations for your model year and trim. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any step, consulting a professional locksmith or dealership is always a safe option.