Experiencing issues with your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob after a battery replacement? You’re not alone. Many Chevy Malibu owners encounter problems where their key fob stops working, or works intermittently, even after installing a fresh battery. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and how to reprogram your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob, drawing directly from the official owner’s manual to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Common 2021 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Battery Problems
While a dead battery is often the culprit behind a malfunctioning key fob, sometimes simply replacing it isn’t enough to restore full functionality. Here are a few reasons why your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob might not be working correctly after a battery change:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Ensure the battery is installed with the correct polarity (+ and – sides aligned properly). A seemingly simple mistake can prevent the fob from working.
- Battery Compatibility: While less common, using an incorrect battery type or a low-quality battery can lead to issues. Always use the recommended CR2032 battery or equivalent for your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob.
- Key Fob Reprogramming Needed: In some cases, after a battery change, the key fob may lose synchronization with your vehicle and require reprogramming. This is especially true if the battery was left out for an extended period.
- Underlying Key Fob Issues: If reprogramming doesn’t work, there could be a more significant issue with the key fob itself, such as internal damage or wear and tear.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogramming Your 2021 Malibu Key Fob
According to the 2021 Chevy Malibu owner’s manual, you can reprogram your key fob yourself if you don’t have two currently working fobs. This procedure, designed for situations where transmitters are not recognized, takes approximately 30 minutes and requires all key fobs you wish to program to be present. Here’s how to do it:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your 2021 Chevy Malibu is turned off and all the key fobs you want to program are with you inside the vehicle.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Locate the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s side door handle and remove it. Insert the vehicle key from your key fob into the exposed key lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds.
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Wait for System Prompts: After completing step 2, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.” You must now wait for 10 minutes until the DIC message changes to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.”
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First Programming Cycle: Once the DIC displays “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN,” press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will revert to displaying “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”
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Repeat Waiting and Pressing: Repeat step 4 two additional times. Each time, you’ll wait 10 minutes and then press the ENGINE START/STOP button when prompted. After the third repetition, all previously programmed key fobs will be erased from the system’s memory. The DIC should then display “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.”
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Program the New Key Fob: Take the key fob you wish to program and place it into the transmitter pocket. The transmitter pocket is located inside the center console storage area. Ensure the buttons on the key fob are facing towards the rear of the vehicle when placed in the pocket.
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Complete Programming for the First Fob: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button again. When the key fob is successfully programmed, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next remote.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (If Needed): If you have more key fobs to program, remove the first programmed fob from the transmitter pocket and press either the lock (K) or unlock (Q) button on it. Then, repeat steps 6 and 7 for each additional key fob you want to program.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.
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Final Steps: Return the key back into the key fob if it was removed. Replace the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door handle.
Troubleshooting Key Fob Reprogramming Issues
If you follow the reprogramming steps and your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob still isn’t working, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Double-Check Battery: Even new batteries can be faulty. Try a different new CR2032 battery from a reputable brand. Ensure it’s correctly installed with the right polarity.
- Repeat the Programming Process: Sometimes, the programming process may not take on the first attempt. Carefully repeat all the steps outlined above, paying close attention to the timing and DIC prompts.
- Check for Vehicle Issues: In rare cases, the problem might not be the key fob itself but a vehicle-related issue, such as a faulty receiver. However, this is less likely if the issue arose immediately after a battery change.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried reprogramming your 2021 Chevy Malibu key fob multiple times and it still doesn’t work, it’s time to seek professional assistance. A certified GM dealer service center will have the diagnostic tools and expertise to:
- Diagnose Key Fob Malfunctions: They can determine if the key fob itself is faulty or if there’s a problem with your vehicle’s receiver or immobilizer system.
- Perform Professional Reprogramming: Dealers have advanced programming equipment that can sometimes resolve issues that the manual reprogramming process cannot.
- Replace Faulty Key Fobs: If your key fob is indeed broken, they can provide a replacement and program it to your vehicle.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially fix your 2021 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Battery issues. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific vehicle.
