How to Program a 2019 GMC Acadia Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your 2019 GMC Acadia can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, programming a new key fob yourself is possible and can save you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to program a new keyless entry remote for your 2019 GMC Acadia. Whether you have existing, recognized key fobs or need to start from scratch, we’ve got you covered.

Programming a 2019 GMC Acadia Key Fob with Recognized Transmitters

This method is applicable if you currently have two working key fobs for your 2019 GMC Acadia. Having recognized transmitters simplifies the programming process significantly. Ensure you have all key fobs – both the recognized ones and the new one you wish to program – with you inside the vehicle.

Steps for Programming Your Key Fob with Recognized Transmitters

1. Prepare the Recognized Transmitters: Begin by placing your two currently working and recognized key fobs into the cupholder of your 2019 GMC Acadia. This keeps them in a central location and readily accessible.

2. Initiate Programming Mode: 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, which is part of your new key fob, into this lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise (towards the unlock position) five times in rapid succession, within a 10-second timeframe.

   Alt text: Inserting the physical key from a 2019 GMC Acadia key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder to initiate the key fob programming sequence.

   Upon successful completion of this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) located in your instrument cluster will display a message. This message will read “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, ETC.”, indicating that the system has entered programming mode and is ready to learn a new key fob.

3. Place the New Transmitter in the Pocket: Identify the transmitter pocket inside your 2019 GMC Acadia. This pocket is located within the center console storage area, situated between the driver and front passenger seats. Open the center console and place the new, unprogrammed key fob into this designated transmitter pocket.

   Alt text: A new 2019 GMC Acadia key fob being placed into the transmitter pocket located inside the center console for programming.

4. Start the Vehicle to Learn the New Fob: With the new key fob placed securely in the transmitter pocket, press the ENGINE START/STOP button in your vehicle. This action initiates the learning process for the new transmitter. Once the system successfully learns the new key fob, the DIC display will update to indicate readiness for programming subsequent remotes, if needed.

5. Verify and Finalize Programming: Remove the newly programmed key fob from the transmitter pocket. Press either the UNLOCK or LOCK button on the key fob to verify that it has been successfully programmed and is now communicating with your 2019 GMC Acadia. To program additional key fobs, repeat Steps 3 through 5. If you have programmed all the necessary key fobs, exit the programming mode by pressing and holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds.

6. Reassemble the Key Fob: After successfully programming your new 2019 Gmc Acadia Key Fob, remember to re-insert the physical key back into the key fob housing if you removed it earlier.

Programming a 2019 GMC Acadia Key Fob Without Recognized Transmitters

If you do not have two recognized key fobs available, perhaps due to loss or theft, you can still program new key fobs for your 2019 GMC Acadia. This procedure, however, is longer and more time-consuming, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. It’s important to note that this method might not be available in Canada. Ensure you have all the new key fobs you wish to program with you before beginning this process.

Steps for Programming Your Key Fob Without Recognized Transmitters

1. Initiate Learn Mode: 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 new transmitter into the key lock cylinder on the driver’s door handle. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”

   Alt text: Starting the remote key fob learning process on a 2019 GMC Acadia by using the physical key in the driver’s side door lock cylinder.

2. Wait and Repeat (Cycle 1): Once the “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT” message appears, you must wait for 10 minutes. After this 10-minute period, the DIC display will change to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.” At this point, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will then revert back to displaying “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”

3. Repeat Waiting Process (Cycles 2 & 3): You must repeat Step 2 two additional times. This means you will have a total of three 10-minute waiting periods. After the third cycle is complete, all previously programmed key fobs will be erased from the vehicle’s memory. The DIC display should now show “READY FOR REMOTE # 1”, indicating the system is ready to learn new key fobs.

4. Place the New Transmitter in the Pocket: Similar to the method with recognized transmitters, locate the transmitter pocket inside the center console of your 2019 GMC Acadia. Place the new key fob you wish to program into this pocket.

5. Start the Vehicle to Learn the New Fob: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The system will now learn the key fob placed in the transmitter pocket. The DIC display will update to indicate that it is ready to program the next remote once the current one is learned successfully.

6. Verify and Finalize Programming: Remove the key fob from the transmitter pocket and press the UNLOCK or LOCK button to confirm successful programming. To program additional key fobs, repeat Steps 4 through 6. When you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

7. Reassemble the Key Fob: Finally, ensure you re-insert the physical key into the newly programmed key fob assembly.

By following these instructions, you can successfully program a 2019 GMC Acadia key fob, saving time and money. Whether you have recognized transmitters or not, the process is straightforward when you follow each step carefully.