Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience. For 2016 Chevy Impala owners, the good news is that replacing your key fob doesn’t necessarily require an expensive trip to the dealership. Dorman offers aftermarket key fob programmer kits that provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for programming new key fobs right at home. This guide will walk you through using Dorman programmer kits to replace your 2016 Chevy Impala key fob, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and without breaking the bank.
Understanding Dorman Key Fob Programmer Kits for Your 2016 Impala
Dorman Products, a trusted name in automotive aftermarket parts, offers two different key fob programmer kits that are compatible with the 2016 Chevy Impala. These kits are designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to program new key fobs yourself using the OBDII port in your vehicle. The process is straightforward and eliminates the need for specialized tools or dealership assistance for key fob programming.
Exploring the Dorman 99155 Key Fob Programmer Kit
The Dorman 99155 kit is one option available for your 2016 Chevy Impala. This kit typically includes a programming module and a new, OEM-style key fob. Users have reported success using the programmer from this kit with aftermarket “OUC6000066 5b” fobs, indicating its compatibility with various fob types. While the fob included in the 99155 kit itself might not always pair seamlessly with the 2016 Impala, the programmer is often effective. It’s also worth noting that vehicles have a limit on the number of key fobs that can be programmed – potentially up to five. If your car’s memory is full, it might prevent pairing additional fobs.
The Dorman 99157 Kit: Specifically Recommended for the 2016 Impala Limited
For 2016 Chevy Impala owners, particularly those with the Impala Limited model, the Dorman 99157 programmer kit is often considered the more reliable choice. Dorman’s website specifically lists this kit as compatible with the 2016 Impala Limited, suggesting that the included fob is guaranteed to pair with your vehicle. While it may come at a slightly higher price point compared to the 99155 kit, the 99157 aims to provide a more assured solution, especially if you are looking for a hassle-free replacement experience and want to ensure the included fob works correctly with your car. It’s suspected that the programmer units in both the 99155 and 99157 kits are actually the same, with the primary difference being the included key fob itself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your 2016 Chevy Impala Key Fob
Regardless of whether you choose the Dorman 99155 or 99157 kit, the programming process is remarkably similar and easy to follow:
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Locate the OBDII Port: The OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) port in your 2016 Chevy Impala is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the parking brake pedal.
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Plug in the Programmer: Take the programming unit from your Dorman kit and plug it securely into the OBDII port.
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Turn the Ignition to ON Position: Insert your Chevy Impala key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. Turning the ignition to “ON” activates the vehicle’s electronics without starting the car.
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Enter Key Fob Learning Mode: Once the programmer is plugged in and the ignition is in the “ON” position, your 2016 Chevy Impala’s dash information display should indicate that the ECM (Engine Control Module) has entered remote fob learning mode. This message confirms that your car is ready to pair with a new key fob.
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Program the New Key Fob: Take the new key fob you wish to program. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously. Continue holding them down until you observe the door locks cycle (lock then unlock). This door lock cycling indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed to your vehicle.
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Test the New Fob: After the door locks cycle, test all the buttons on your new key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Lock, unlock, remote start (if applicable), and panic buttons should all function as expected.
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Repeat for Additional Fobs (If Needed): If you have additional key fobs to program, you can repeat step 5 for each fob, as long as you haven’t exceeded your vehicle’s maximum fob capacity.
Choosing the Right Dorman Kit for Your 2016 Chevy Impala Key Fob Replacement
Selecting between the Dorman 99155 and 99157 kits depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for the most economical option and are comfortable potentially using a different fob model (like the OUC6000066 5b), the 99155 kit could be suitable, especially if you primarily need the programmer unit. However, if you want a kit specifically recommended for the 2016 Impala Limited and prefer the assurance of the included fob working seamlessly, investing a bit more in the Dorman 99157 kit might be the better choice for a guaranteed and straightforward 2016 Chevy Impala Key Fob Replacement experience. Either way, using a Dorman programmer kit offers a DIY-friendly approach to getting a new key fob programmed for your Chevy Impala without the higher costs associated with dealership services.
