Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a real hassle, especially for sophisticated vehicles like the C6 Corvette. Fortunately, replacing and reprogramming your C6 Corvette key fob can often be done at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for C6 Corvette Key Fob Replacement, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly.
Programming Procedures for Your C6 Corvette Key Fob
There are two main procedures for programming your C6 Corvette key fobs. One method allows you to add new fobs while retaining the functionality of your existing ones. However, to ensure proper programming and memory allocation, especially when replacing fobs, the recommended procedure involves programming all fobs simultaneously. This method ensures that the fobs are programmed in the order you desire, coinciding with the memory function numbers in your Corvette.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program All C6 Corvette Key Fobs (Long Procedure)
This procedure will erase all previously programmed fobs, so ensure you have all the fobs you intend to use ready to be programmed.
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Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure the driver’s side window is down, the car is turned off, the trunk is open, and the glove box is open.
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Remove Existing Fobs: Crucially, make sure no key fobs are inside or near the vehicle during this process. This prevents interference during programming.
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Initiate Programming Mode: Insert your car key into the trunk keyhole. Turn the key five times in less than 5 seconds. This action signals the vehicle to enter programming mode.
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Observe DIC Message: The Driver Information Center (DIC) will beep and display “Off/Acc to learn”. This indicates that the car is ready to learn new key fobs. If you decide to cancel the programming at this point, press the top half of the Start button to return the car to its normal state. Proceeding with the next step will erase all previously programmed fobs.
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Start 30-Minute Programming Cycle: Press the bottom half of the Start button. The DIC will display a message to wait 10 minutes and begin counting down. You can close the trunk and car door while waiting for each 10-minute countdown to complete.
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Repeat 10-Minute Cycles: After the first 10-minute countdown, the DIC will again display “Off/Acc to learn”. Press the bottom half of the Start button again. The DIC will initiate a second 10-minute countdown. Repeat this process a third time after the second countdown completes.
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Programming Ready: After the third 10-minute period concludes, the DIC will display “Ready for Fob #1”. The system is now ready to learn your key fobs.
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Program Fob #1: Place the first key fob into the glove box slot. Ensure the fob is oriented with the buttons facing towards the passenger side and the keyring end pointing outwards.
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Wait for Recognition: After approximately 3 to 4 seconds, the DIC will beep and indicate “Ready for Fob #2”. This confirms that the first fob has been successfully programmed as Fob #1.
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Program Remaining Fobs: If you have additional fobs, place the second fob into the glove box slot. The system can learn up to four fobs. Repeat this step for any remaining fobs you wish to program.
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End Programming Session: Once you have programmed all desired fobs, press the bottom half of the Start button to exit the programming session.
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Test Key Fobs: Thoroughly test all buttons on each fob to ensure they are functioning correctly. Then, move all fobs away from the car and test each fob individually to start the vehicle.
Image: A C6 Corvette key fob positioned correctly in the glovebox slot for programming.
Important Notes and Considerations:
- Country Specifications: Be aware that these procedures may not be applicable in all countries. Canadian specification Corvettes can use the short programming procedure, but require a dealer for the long procedure. European specification Corvettes require all FOB programming to be performed by a dealer.
- Battery Maintenance: The long programming procedure can be battery intensive. It is advisable to connect a battery tender to your C6 Corvette during programming to prevent battery discharge and potential programming failures.
- Cell Phone Interference: Some reports suggest that having a cell phone on your person during the long programming method may cause interference, potentially disrupting step #9. It might be prudent to keep your cell phone away from you during the programming process.
By following these steps, you can successfully program your C6 Corvette key fobs. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual and consult with a qualified automotive technician if you encounter any issues or are unsure about any part of the procedure. For replacement key fobs and other Corvette parts and accessories, visit keyfobx.com.
