2018 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your 2018 Chevy Malibu can be a hassle, but programming a new one doesn’t have to be. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to program a new key fob for your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, empowering you to handle this task yourself and potentially save on dealership costs. Whether you have your original key fobs or need to start from scratch, we’ve got you covered with clear, easy-to-follow directions.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

This method applies if you currently have two working key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Malibu. Having two recognized transmitters simplifies the programming process considerably. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and that all key fobs you intend to use, both new and existing, are with you before beginning.

1. Begin by placing your two currently recognized key fobs into the front cup holder of your Malibu. This ensures they are within the vehicle’s detection range.

2. Next, locate and remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s side door handle. This will expose the physical key lock cylinder. Insert the vehicle key that comes with your new transmitter into this lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe. This action signals to your Malibu that you are initiating the key fob programming sequence. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) in your dashboard should display the message “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5 etc.”, confirming the vehicle is in programming mode.

3. Take your new key fob transmitter and place it into the designated transmitter pocket. This pocket is located inside the center console storage area of your 2018 Chevy Malibu. Position the key fob with the buttons facing towards the rear of the vehicle when placing it in the pocket.

4. Once the new transmitter is securely placed in the pocket, press the ENGINE START/STOP button in your vehicle. When the system successfully learns the new transmitter’s signal, the DIC will update to indicate it is ready to program the next transmitter, should you have more to program.

5. Remove the newly programmed transmitter from the transmitter pocket. To finalize the programming for this key fob, press either the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the transmitter. If you need to program additional key fobs, repeat Steps 3 through 5 with each new transmitter. After you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the key fob programming mode.

6. Finally, for safekeeping and convenience, return the physical vehicle key back into the newly programmed transmitter.

Programming Without Recognized Transmitters

If you do not have two currently recognized key fobs available, or if you’ve lost all your previous key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Malibu, you can still program new ones. However, this process is slightly longer and does not work in Canada. This procedure allows you to program up to eight transmitters. Ensure your vehicle is off, and all the key fobs you wish to program are with you before starting. Be prepared, this process will take around 30 minutes to complete.

1. Begin by removing the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle, just as in the previous method. Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter into the exposed key lock cylinder on the outside of the driver’s door. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT”. This indicates the system is initiating the learning process but needs time to authenticate.

2. Now, you must wait patiently for 10 minutes. During this time, the system is undergoing a security delay. After the 10-minute wait, 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 then revert to displaying “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT”, indicating another 10-minute wait period.

3. You need to repeat Step 2 two additional times. This means you will have three 10-minute waiting periods in total. After the third wait and button press, all previously programmed key fobs will be cleared from the vehicle’s memory. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access. Following this, the DIC display should finally show “READY FOR REMOTE # 1”. This confirms the system is ready to learn new key fobs.

4. Take your new transmitter and place it into the transmitter pocket located inside the center console storage area, with the buttons facing towards the rear of the vehicle.

5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the new transmitter is successfully learned, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next transmitter, if applicable.

6. Remove the programmed transmitter from the pocket. Press the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the transmitter to complete the programming for that key fob. To program any additional transmitters, repeat Steps 4 through 6. Once you have programmed all the necessary key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

7. Finally, return the vehicle key back into the transmitter for secure storage.

By following these steps, you can successfully program a new key fob for your 2018 Chevy Malibu. Whether you had existing fobs or needed to start fresh, this guide provides the information you need to get back on the road with a working key fob.