How to Program a 2018 Chevy Malibu Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or needing to replace your 2018 Chevy Malibu Key Fob can be a hassle, but programming a new one doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, for 2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners, there are straightforward methods to program a new key fob, depending on whether you have existing, recognized key fobs or not. This guide provides you with clear, step-by-step instructions to get your new key fob working with your vehicle quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re adding a spare or replacing a lost fob, follow these instructions to program your 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob yourself.

Programming Your 2018 Chevy Malibu Key Fob with Recognized Transmitters

This method is applicable if you already have two working key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Malibu. This is the quicker and simpler method for programming an additional 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob.

1. Begin by placing your two currently recognized key fobs into the front cup holder of your Chevy Malibu. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and that all key fobs you intend to program, both old and new, are with you inside the car.

2. Locate and remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s side door handle. Insert the vehicle key that is part of your new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob into the exposed key lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe. You should see a message on the Driver Information Center (DIC) display indicating “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5”.

3. Now, take the new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob and place it into the transmitter pocket. This pocket is located inside the center console storage area, and you should place the fob with the buttons facing towards the rear of the vehicle.

4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button in your Chevy Malibu. Once the new transmitter is successfully programmed, the DIC will update to show it is ready to program the next transmitter, if applicable.

5. Remove the newly programmed 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob from the transmitter pocket. Press either the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the fob to confirm programming. If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 3 through 5. Once you have programmed all desired fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

6. Finally, ensure you return the vehicle key back into the new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob.

Programming Your 2018 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Without Recognized Transmitters

If you do not have two recognized key fobs available, or you have lost all your previous fobs, you will need to use this alternative, slightly longer method to program your new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob. Note that this procedure might take around 30 minutes to complete.

1. Similar to the previous method, start by removing the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle of your 2018 Chevy Malibu. Insert the vehicle key from your new transmitter into the key lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT”.

2. You will now need to wait for 10 minutes. After this duration, the DIC display will change to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN”. Once you see this message, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will again show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT”.

3. Repeat step 2 two more times. This means you will undergo three 10-minute waiting periods in total. After the third wait, any previously programmed key fobs will no longer function with your vehicle. This is a security measure to ensure only the key fobs programmed in this session will work. The DIC display should now indicate “READY FOR REMOTE # 1”.

4. Place the new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob into the transmitter pocket, located in the center console storage area, with the buttons facing the rear of the vehicle.

5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Once the key fob is successfully learned, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next transmitter.

6. Remove the programmed 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob from the transmitter pocket and press the UNLOCK or LOCK button to confirm. To program additional key fobs, repeat steps 4 through 6. After all key fobs are programmed, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

7. Remember to return the vehicle key back into the transmitter assembly of your 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your new 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob and regain full keyless entry functionality for your vehicle. Ensure each step is followed precisely for successful programming.