2017 GMC Acadia Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

Understanding how to program your 2017 GMC Acadia key fob can save you time and money. Whether you’ve lost a key fob, or simply want to have a spare, knowing the programming process is essential. This guide will walk you through the different types of key fobs for the 2017 GMC Acadia and provide clear instructions on how to program them, where possible.

Understanding Your 2017 GMC Acadia Key Fob

For the 2017 GMC Acadia, there are typically two types of key fobs, depending on whether your vehicle has a regular ignition or a push-button start system. It’s crucial to identify the correct type of key fob your vehicle uses before attempting any programming procedure.

1. Vehicles with Regular Ignition: These models use a standard key ignition system where you insert and turn a key to start the engine. The key fobs for these models are programmed differently compared to push-button start systems.

2. Vehicles with Push-Button Ignition (Smart Proximity Remotes): These Acadia models feature a push-button start. They utilize smart proximity key fobs, allowing for keyless entry and ignition when the fob is near the vehicle.

Programming Key Fobs for Regular Ignition

Unfortunately, if your 2017 GMC Acadia has a regular ignition system, do-it-yourself key fob programming is not an option. Programming these types of remotes requires specialized diagnostic equipment that is typically only available to automotive locksmiths or dealership service centers.

To program a new key fob for a regular ignition 2017 GMC Acadia, you will need to visit a local automotive locksmith or your GMC dealer. They have the necessary tools to connect to your vehicle’s computer system and program the new remote to work with your car.

DIY Programming for Push-Button Ignition (Smart Proximity Remotes)

If your 2017 GMC Acadia is equipped with a push-button ignition system, you may be able to program a new smart proximity key fob yourself, provided you follow the correct procedure. There are two methods for DIY programming, depending on whether you have two working smart keys or not.

Programming with Two Working Smart Keys

This is the simpler method, assuming you already have two functioning key fobs for your 2017 GMC Acadia.

Before you begin:

• Ensure your vehicle is turned off.
• Have all key fobs you intend to program (both working and new) with you inside the vehicle.
• Familiarize yourself with these instructions completely before starting.
• Note that up to 8 smart keys can be programmed to your 2017 GMC Acadia.

Steps:

1. Remove the Emergency Key Blade: Take out the emergency key blade from one of your working smart keys.
2. Position Working Keys: Place both of your working smart keys in the cupholder of your Acadia.
3. Use Emergency Key in Driver Door: Insert the emergency key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise (to the unlock position) five times in quick succession within 10 seconds. You may need to remove a cap on the door handle to access the lock cylinder on some models.
4. Check Driver Information Center (DIC): The Driver Information Center (DIC) display in your dashboard should now show READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.
5. Place New Smart Key in Transmitter Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket in your 2017 GMC Acadia. For GMC vehicles like the Acadia, this is typically in the front cupholder. Place the new smart key into this pocket.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button on your dashboard.
7. Confirmation on DIC: When the vehicle recognizes the new smart key, the DIC display will update to indicate it is ready to program the next remote.
8. Remove and Activate New Key: Take the new smart key out of the transmitter pocket and press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the key fob.
9. Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 5-8.
10. 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 the programming mode.

Programming without Two Working Smart Keys

If you have only one working smart key or have lost all your key fobs for your 2017 GMC Acadia, you can still program a new key fob yourself, but the process is longer, taking approximately 30 minutes. Please note that DIY programming without two working keys may not be available in Canada.

Before you begin:

• Ensure your vehicle is turned off.
• Have all key fobs you intend to program (both working and new) with you.
• Read and understand these entire instructions before you start.
• Up to 8 smart keys can be programmed.
• Important: If you have no existing smart keys, you’ll need to have the emergency key blade in your new smart key cut by a locksmith before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Remove Emergency Key Blade: Take out the emergency key blade from your existing or new smart key.
2. Use Emergency Key in Driver Door: Insert the emergency key blade into the driver door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds.
3. Wait for 10 Minutes (First Cycle): The DIC will display READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC display changes to PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. Then, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Wait and Press (Second and Third Cycles): Repeat step 3 two more times. After the third cycle, any previously programmed smart keys will no longer work (this is normal). The DIC display should then show READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place New Smart Key in Transmitter Pocket: Put the new smart key into the transmitter pocket (front cupholder in a 2017 GMC Acadia).
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
7. Confirmation on DIC: When the vehicle recognizes the new key, the DIC will indicate readiness for the next remote.
8. Remove and Activate New Key: Take the new smart key out of the transmitter pocket and press the LOCK or UNLOCK button.
9. Program Additional Keys (Optional): To program more key fobs, repeat steps 6-8.
10. Exit Programming Mode: Once all keys are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for about 12 seconds to exit programming mode.

By following these steps, you should be able to program your 2017 GMC Acadia key fob yourself. However, if you encounter any difficulties, or if your vehicle has a regular ignition system, it’s best to consult a professional locksmith or your GMC dealership for assistance. They can ensure your key fobs are programmed correctly and securely for your vehicle.