2018 Malibu Key Fob Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost your 2018 Chevy Malibu key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, programming your key fob can often be done right at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for programming a 2018 Malibu Key Fob, ensuring you regain access and control of your vehicle quickly and easily.

Programming Your 2018 Malibu Key Fob with Two Recognized Keys

If you currently have two working key fobs for your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, programming a new key fob is a straightforward process. This method, designed for keyless access vehicles, allows you to add a new transmitter to your vehicle’s system. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and gather all key fobs – both the recognized ones and the new one you intend to program – before starting.

1. Begin by placing your two existing, recognized key fobs into the front cup holder of your Malibu. This ensures they are readily available and recognized by the vehicle system during the programming sequence.

2. Locate the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s side door handle. Remove this cap to expose the key cylinder. Insert the vehicle key that is part of your new 2018 Malibu key fob into this lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times in quick succession, specifically within a 10-second timeframe. This action signals to the vehicle that you are initiating the key fob programming sequence. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) located in your instrument cluster should display the message “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5 etc.”, indicating the system is ready to learn a new key fob.

3. Now, take the new 2018 Malibu key fob you wish to program and place it into the transmitter pocket. This pocket is located inside the center console storage area. Ensure that the button side of the key fob is facing towards the rear of your vehicle when placing it in the pocket. The transmitter pocket is specifically designed to facilitate key fob programming by ensuring proper communication with the vehicle’s receiver.

4. Once the new key fob is securely placed in the transmitter pocket, press the ENGINE START/STOP button in your Malibu. This action initiates the learning process for the new transmitter. When the system successfully learns the new key fob, the DIC will display a message indicating it is ready to program the next transmitter, if you have more to program.

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

6. Finally, ensure you reassemble your new key fob by returning the vehicle key back into its designated slot within the transmitter. Test the functionality of your newly programmed 2018 Malibu key fob to confirm it is working correctly, including locking, unlocking, remote start (if equipped), and panic button features.

Programming Your 2018 Malibu Key Fob Without Recognized Keys

If you don’t have two currently recognized key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Malibu, you can still program new ones, but the process is a bit longer and requires approximately 30 minutes to complete. It’s important to note that this method might not be available in Canada. Make sure your vehicle is off and you have all the key fobs you want to program with you before beginning.

1. Just like in the previous method, start by removing the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle of your 2018 Malibu. Insert the vehicle key from your new key fob into the key lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. After performing this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the message “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.” This indicates the system is entering a learning mode that requires a waiting period for security reasons.

2. Now, you must wait for 10 minutes. During this period, 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 in your Malibu. The DIC will then revert back to showing “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT”, and you will need to proceed to the next step.

3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. This means you will go through two more 10-minute waiting periods, each followed by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button when prompted by the “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN” message on the DIC. After completing this step for the third time, all previously programmed key fobs will no longer function with your vehicle. This is a security measure to ensure only the key fobs you are currently programming will work. The DIC display should now show “READY FOR REMOTE # 1”, indicating the system is ready to learn the first new key fob.

4. Take the new 2018 Malibu key fob and place it 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. When the new key fob is successfully learned, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next transmitter.

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

7. Finally, reassemble your key fob by inserting the vehicle key back into the transmitter. Test each programmed 2018 Malibu key fob to ensure all functions are working as expected.

By following these instructions, you can successfully program a 2018 Malibu key fob, whether you have existing recognized fobs or not. This DIY approach can save you time and money, getting you back on the road with a fully functional key fob.