Having trouble with your 2017 Chevy Malibu key fob? Perhaps you’ve lost a key, or the battery died and you need to reprogram after replacement. Luckily, programming a new key fob for your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu can often be done right at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the process, covering both scenarios: programming with and without previously recognized key fobs.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
This method is straightforward and quick, but it requires that you already have two working, recognized key fobs for your 2017 Malibu. If you have two functional fobs, follow these steps:
-
Begin by ensuring your Malibu is turned off. Have all key fobs you intend to program with you – both the currently working ones and the new fob.
-
Locate the front cup holders and place your two recognized key fobs inside them.
-
On the driver’s side door handle, you’ll find a key lock cylinder cap. Remove this cap to expose the key cylinder. Insert the vehicle key that is part of your new transmitter into this lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe.
-
After performing this step, check your Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It should now read READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5 etc. This indicates the system is ready to learn a new key fob.
-
Now, take the new transmitter and place it into the transmitter pocket. This pocket is located inside your center console storage area, ensure the buttons on the fob are facing towards the rear of the vehicle when placed in the pocket.
-
Once the new transmitter is in the pocket, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the system successfully learns the new transmitter, the DIC will update to indicate it’s ready for the next remote to be programmed.
-
Remove the newly programmed transmitter from the pocket. To finalize the programming for this fob, press either the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the transmitter.
-
If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat steps 5 through 7. After you have programmed all desired fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds. This action will exit the programming mode.
-
Finally, remember to return the vehicle key back into the new transmitter assembly.
Programming without Recognized Transmitters
If you don’t have two recognized key fobs, or you’ve lost all your working fobs, you can still program new ones. However, this method is longer and will take around 30 minutes. It’s important to note that this procedure may not be available in Canada. Ensure you have all the transmitters you wish to program with you before starting.
-
Just as in the previous method, begin by removing the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle. Insert the vehicle key from your transmitter into the key lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
-
This time, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. You need to wait patiently for 10 minutes.
-
After the 10-minute wait, the DIC display will change to PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. At this point, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will revert back to displaying REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
-
You must repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times. This means you will go through three 10-minute waiting periods. Be patient, as this is a necessary part of the process. After the third cycle, any previously programmed key fobs will no longer work with your vehicle. This is normal. The DIC display should now show READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
-
Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket, located in the center console storage area, with the buttons facing the rear of the vehicle.
-
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Once the transmitter is successfully learned, the DIC will indicate it’s ready for the next transmitter.
-
Remove the programmed transmitter from the pocket and press either UNLOCK or LOCK on the transmitter to complete the programming for that fob.
-
To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 5 through 7. When you have finished programming all your desired key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.
-
Finally, return the vehicle key back into the transmitter.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2017 Malibu key fob. If you encounter any difficulties, or prefer professional assistance, it’s always recommended to consult with a certified mechanic or your local Chevrolet dealership.
