The 2016 Corvette C7 is a marvel of automotive engineering, blending performance with sophisticated technology. A key aspect of interacting with your Corvette is the key fob, also known as a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Knowing how to program your 2016 Corvette Key Fob is essential for convenience and in situations where you need to replace or add a new fob. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of programming your 2016 Corvette key fob, ensuring you can maintain seamless access to your vehicle.
Pre-Programming Considerations for Your 2016 Corvette Key Fob
Before you begin programming your 2016 Corvette key fob, there are several important factors to consider. These pre-warnings and considerations can prevent potential issues and ensure a smooth programming process.
Aftermarket Radio Disclaimer
If your 2016 Corvette has an aftermarket radio installed, you might encounter difficulties entering the key fob programming mode. Aftermarket radios can sometimes interfere with the vehicle’s electronic systems, specifically the communication between the radio security feature and the ECM (Engine Control Module). This interference can manifest as a code indicating a radio security communication failure, potentially blocking access to the programming mode. If you have an aftermarket radio and it wasn’t installed with a specific door chime and OnStar harness designed to prevent these issues, programming your 2016 Corvette key fob might be problematic. Consider consulting with a professional installer or reverting to the original radio if you face persistent issues.
Short vs. Long Programming Method: Understanding the Difference
For 2017 and newer Corvette C7 models, using the Short Programming Method to add key fobs #3 through 8 requires the presence of the original key fobs #1 and #2. However, this distinction is crucial to understand even for 2016 Corvette key fob programming. While the 2016 model year instructions might not explicitly state this requirement in the same way, it’s generally advisable to have at least one working key fob available when attempting to add additional fobs using a shorter procedure. If you’re adding fobs #3 through #8 and don’t have fobs #1 and #2 readily available (or if you’re unsure of their status), the Long Programming Method is necessary to establish the initial set of key fobs for your 2016 Corvette. The Long Method essentially resets the system and allows you to program new fobs from scratch, making it essential when no existing, recognized fobs are available.
Important Notes for Canadian and European Corvette Owners
It’s important to note specific regional differences in key fob programming for Corvettes. Canadian 2016 Corvette models generally allow owners to perform the Short Programming Procedure without dealer intervention. However, the Long Programming Method typically requires a visit to an authorized dealership in Canada. For European 2016 Corvette models, the situation is more restrictive. Neither the short nor long programming procedures are typically accessible to European owners. In Europe, programming of all key fobs for your 2016 Corvette must be performed by an authorized dealer. Always consult your local dealer for the most accurate information regarding key fob programming in your specific region.
Battery Considerations During Programming
Programming a 2016 Corvette key fob can be a time-consuming process, especially the Long Programming Method. During this extended period, the vehicle’s electrical system is active, drawing power from the battery. To prevent battery drain that could lead to programming failure or prevent your Corvette from starting, it’s highly recommended to connect a battery charger or maintainer to your car throughout the programming procedure. Ensuring a stable power supply is a simple precaution that can save you from potential headaches during the 2016 Corvette key fob programming process.
Key Fob Programming Prep: Steering Column Slot Setup & Testing for Your 2016 Corvette
Before attempting either the Short or Long Programming Method, it’s crucial to prepare your 2016 Corvette and test the steering column key fob slot. This preparation step ensures that the programming process has the best chance of success.
Step 1A: Begin by turning your 2016 Corvette completely off. For models with an automatic transmission, ensure the gear selector is in the “Park” (P) position. If your Corvette has a manual transmission, shift it into “Reverse.”
Step 2A: Open the trunk or rear hatch of your 2016 Corvette. This action is part of the vehicle’s system protocol for initiating key fob programming.
Step 3A: Locate your existing, working key fob (if you have one). Remove the physical key insert from this fob. Insert the key fob transmitter itself into the designated cupholder in your Corvette’s interior. Next, take the physical key you just removed and insert it into the trunk/rear hatch keyhole. Within 5 seconds of inserting the physical key, turn it five times in the keyhole.
After completing this step, listen for an audible beep from your Corvette’s Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC screen should illuminate and display the message “Ready for Remote #“. The “#” symbol will be replaced by a number indicating the next key fob position to be programmed. This confirms that your Corvette has entered the key fob programming mode.
Step 4A: Take the working key fob transmitter from the cupholder and insert it into the steering column remote slot. Ensure the buttons on the fob are facing upwards as you insert it into the slot.
If the steering column slot is functioning correctly, the DIC should display the message “Known Remote“. This message verifies that the slot is operational and capable of recognizing a key fob for programming purposes. This is a critical step to confirm before proceeding with actual programming, especially if you suspect any issues with the slot itself.
Step 5A: Remove the key fob from the steering column slot. To exit the programming mode at this stage (if you are only testing and not yet programming), press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds. This action will cancel the programming sequence if you decide not to proceed immediately.
NOTE: A crucial point to remember throughout the programming process is the importance of the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob. Failure to press the UNLOCK button on each fob after it has been programmed in the slot will render that fob inoperable. Pressing the UNLOCK button is the final step that completes the programming sequence and is absolutely required for the transmitter to function correctly with your 2016 Corvette. Always remember to press the UNLOCK button on each fob to confirm successful programming and system operation.
Short Programming Method: Procedure to Add a New 2016 Corvette Key Fob to a Current Set
Use the Short Programming Method if you already possess one or more working key fobs for your 2016 Corvette and wish to add an additional fob to your set. This method is quicker than the Long Programming Method and is suitable when you have at least one recognized key fob available.
Step 1B: Begin by ensuring your 2016 Corvette is turned off completely. Place the transmission in “Park” if it’s an automatic, or in “Reverse” if it’s a manual.
Step 2B: Open the trunk or rear hatch of your 2016 Corvette.
Step 3B: Take the physical key from one of your known, working key fobs. Remove the working key fob transmitter itself from the immediate vicinity of your vehicle (move it at least a few feet away). Insert the physical key into the keyhole located on the trunk/rear hatch. Turn the key five times in the keyhole within a 5-second timeframe.
Upon successful entry into programming mode, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will beep, illuminate, and display “Ready for Remote #“. The “#” symbol will indicate the next available key fob number in the sequence.
It’s important to understand that regardless of any numbering or markings on the key fob casing itself, the very first key fob transmitter you insert into the steering column slot after this step will be designated as the next sequentially numbered key fob by the vehicle’s system.
Step 4B: Take your new, unprogrammed key fob transmitter and insert it into the steering column remote slot, ensuring the buttons are facing upwards.
When the new key fob has been successfully programmed, the DIC will emit a beep and display the message “Ready for the next remote.” This indicates that the system has recognized and programmed the new fob, and is ready for another if needed.
NOTE: To finalize the programming process and ensure proper operation, remove the newly programmed key fob from the steering column slot and immediately press the UNLOCK button on the fob. As mentioned earlier, failing to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob will result in it being inoperable. The UNLOCK button press is the action that completes the programming sequence and is essential for the transmitter to function correctly with your 2016 Corvette.
If you need to program additional key fobs (up to a maximum of eight key fobs can be programmed to a single 2016 Corvette), simply repeat Step 4B for each additional fob you wish to add.
Step 5B: Once you have finished programming all desired key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.
NOTE: After adding new key fobs using the Short Programming Method, it’s crucial to test each newly programmed key fob individually. When testing a specific fob, make sure all other key fobs are removed from the vicinity of the vehicle. This prevents any potential interference and ensures you are accurately testing the functionality of each newly programmed 2016 Corvette key fob.
Long Programming Method: Procedure to Add a New 2016 Corvette Key Fob Without Existing Fobs
The Long Programming Method is necessary when you do NOT have any working key fobs for your 2016 Corvette and need to program a new one. This method is more involved and time-consuming than the Short Programming Method, but it’s essential when you’ve lost all your original fobs or are starting from scratch.
Step 1C: As with the Short Method, begin by turning your 2016 Corvette off. Place the automatic transmission in “Park” or the manual transmission in “Reverse.”
Step 2C: Open the trunk or rear hatch of your 2016 Corvette.
Step 3C: To proceed with the Long Programming Method, you must have a physical key for your 2016 Corvette. Insert the physical key into the trunk/rear hatch keyhole. Within 5 seconds, turn the key five times.
Upon successful entry into the Long Programming sequence, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will beep and display the message “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
It is critically important to ensure that no old key fobs are located anywhere near the vehicle during the Long Programming process. The system is designed to erase all previously programmed fobs during this procedure, and their presence could potentially cause interference or confusion.
Before proceeding further with the Long Programming Method, it is strongly recommended that you test your steering column slot for proper functionality using the Steering Column Key Fob Slot Testing Procedure outlined earlier in this guide. If the slot is not working correctly, you will be unable to program the key fob yourself and must take your 2016 Corvette to a qualified dealer for key fob programming services.
If, at this point, you wish to exit the programming sequence, you can press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.
NOTE: For the next several steps of the Long Programming Method, you will need to wait through three ten-minute countdown periods. During these waiting periods, you may close the trunk/hatch and car door for convenience and security. However, if your 2016 Corvette is equipped with an autolock feature, it is advisable to keep a window open to maintain access to the vehicle in case of accidental lock-out.
Step 4C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button. After pressing the button, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will notify you that you must wait for 10 minutes and will begin a countdown timer. Allow the full ten-minute countdown to complete without interruption.
When the first ten-minute countdown is finished, the DIC will again display the message “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
Step 5C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button a second time. The DIC will once again notify you that another 10-minute waiting period is required and will start a second countdown. Allow this second ten-minute countdown to complete fully.
When the second ten-minute countdown is complete, the DIC will again prompt you with the message “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.
Step 6C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button for the third time. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will initiate a final 10-minute countdown.
Upon completion of this third ten-minute countdown, the DIC will display the message “Remote learn pending, please wait.”
It’s crucial to understand that at this stage in the Long Programming procedure, any previously programmed key fobs will no longer function with your 2016 Corvette. This is a normal part of the Long Programming process, as it effectively resets the key fob system.
After a brief additional waiting period, the DIC will beep and display the message “Ready for remote #1 – 8”. This indicates that the system is now ready to learn new key fobs.
Remember that regardless of any markings on the key fob casing, the first key fob transmitter you insert into the steering column slot after this step will be designated as key fob #1 by the 2016 Corvette‘s system.
Step 7C: Insert your new key fob transmitter into the steering column remote slot, ensuring the buttons are facing upwards. Then, press the Engine Start/Stop button one more time while the new fob is in the slot.
When the key fob has been successfully programmed, the DIC will beep and display the message “Ready for the next remote.”
NOTE: To finalize the programming and confirm system operation, press the UNLOCK button on the newly programmed key fob. As with the Short Programming Method, failing to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob will result in it being inoperable. Pressing the UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is essential for proper transmitter function.
If you need to program more key fobs (up to the maximum of eight), repeat Step 7C for each additional fob.
Step 8C: When you have finished programming all desired key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.
Reported 2016 Corvette Key Fob Programming Conditions and Solutions
PROBLEM: In some cases, owners of 2016 Corvettes have reported that after programming a new key fob, certain electrical components inside the car may not function correctly. This can manifest as issues with interior lighting, power windows, radio, or other electrical accessories.
SOLUTION: If you experience such power-related issues after programming a 2016 Corvette key fob, a simple reset procedure can often resolve the problem. Locate the intrusion sensor bypass button. This button is typically positioned on the lower left side of the dashboard, immediately to the right of the trunk/rear hatch release button. Press and hold down the intrusion sensor bypass button for approximately 10 seconds. This action often resets the vehicle’s electrical system and restores proper functionality to the affected components after key fob programming.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2016 Corvette key fob. Whether you are adding a fob to an existing set or programming a new fob without any working originals, understanding these procedures will ensure you maintain convenient and reliable access to your prized Corvette.
