It’s a frustrating situation: you approach your 2017 Chevy Malibu, reach for the door handle, and… nothing. Your key fob isn’t working. Before you panic, you’re not alone, and there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get back on the road. This guide will walk you through the common reasons why your 2017 Chevy Malibu key fob might stop working and provide solutions to get it functioning again.
Common Reasons Why Your 2017 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Might Fail
Several factors can contribute to a malfunctioning key fob. Understanding these potential causes is the first step in diagnosing and fixing the issue.
- Dead Battery: This is the most frequent culprit. Key fobs rely on batteries to transmit signals, and like any battery, they eventually die.
- Fob Out of Range: While seemingly obvious, sometimes you might simply be too far from your vehicle for the fob to communicate effectively.
- Signal Interference: Strong radio frequencies or electronic devices can sometimes interfere with the key fob signal.
- Key Fob Damage: Dropping your key fob or exposing it to moisture can damage the internal components.
- Vehicle Battery Issues: In rare cases, a weak car battery can affect the key fob’s receiver in the vehicle.
- Programming Problems: The key fob might lose its programming link with your Chevy Malibu, especially if the battery has been depleted for an extended period.
Troubleshooting Your 2017 Chevy Malibu Key Fob
Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to pinpoint the problem and hopefully get your key fob working again without needing a mechanic right away.
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Check the Battery: This should always be your first step.
- Battery Replacement: Refer to your 2017 Chevy Malibu owner’s manual to identify the correct battery type (usually a CR2032). Carefully open the key fob casing (often requiring a small screwdriver or prying tool) and replace the old battery with a new one, ensuring correct polarity.
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Rule Out Range and Interference:
- Get Closer: Try using the key fob right next to the driver’s side door. If it works at close range, the issue might be range-related or a weak fob signal.
- Change Location: Move your car away from potential sources of interference like power lines, radio towers, or large electronic equipment and try the fob again.
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Inspect the Key Fob for Damage:
- Physical Damage: Look for cracks, dents, or signs of liquid damage on the key fob casing.
- Button Functionality: Press each button firmly to see if they feel sticky, jammed, or unresponsive.
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Try Your Spare Key Fob (If Available): If you have a spare key fob, test it. If the spare works, you’ve isolated the problem to the original fob. If neither fob works, the issue might be with your vehicle’s receiver or battery.
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Check Your Chevy Malibu’s Battery:
- Vehicle Starting: Does your car start normally? If your car battery is weak, it could potentially affect the key fob receiver.
- Battery Terminals: Inspect your car battery terminals for corrosion, which can hinder electrical flow.
Reprogramming Your 2017 Chevy Malibu Key Fob
If you’ve replaced the battery and ruled out other simple issues, your key fob might need to be reprogrammed to your vehicle. The following procedure, taken from a Chevy Malibu owner’s manual, outlines how to program your key fob without needing recognized transmitters. Note that this process can take around 30 minutes.
Programming without Recognized Transmitters
This procedure is for programming up to eight transmitters when two currently recognized transmitters are not available.
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Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure your 2017 Chevy Malibu is off, and all the key fobs you wish to program are with you.
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Initiate Programming Mode:
- Locate and remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle.
- Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver’s door.
- Turn the key counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds.
- The Driver Information Center (DIC) should display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
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Wait and Cycle:
- Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
- Repeat this 10-minute wait and button press sequence two additional times (for a total of three cycles). After the third cycle, previously programmed key fobs will no longer work. The DIC should then display READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
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Program New Transmitter(s):
- Locate the transmitter pocket. In the 2017 Chevy Malibu, this is typically inside the center console storage area.
- Place the new key fob into the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing towards the rear of the vehicle.
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will indicate it’s ready for the next fob.
- Remove the programmed fob from the pocket and press the lock or unlock button to confirm.
- To program additional key fobs, repeat Step 4.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
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Final Steps:
- Return the key back into the key fob if it was separated.
- Replace the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and reprogramming procedures and your 2017 Chevy Malibu key fob still isn’t working, it’s time to consult a professional.
- GM Dealer: Your local Chevrolet dealership service center has specialized equipment and expertise to diagnose and repair key fob and vehicle security system issues. They can also program new key fobs if necessary.
- Automotive Locksmith: A qualified automotive locksmith can also diagnose key fob problems, replace batteries, and often reprogram key fobs at a potentially lower cost than a dealership.
Don’t let a malfunctioning key fob leave you stranded. By following these steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. And if not, you’ll be well-informed when seeking professional assistance to get back into your 2017 Chevy Malibu and on with your day.
