Lost your 2018 Chevy Impala Key Fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, you can do it yourself! This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to program your 2018 Chevy Impala key fob, saving you time and money. Whether you are adding a spare key or replacing a lost one, understanding the programming process is essential. Make sure your Chevy Impala’s battery is fully charged before you begin to avoid any interruptions during the process.
Adding Keys to Your 2018 Chevy Impala
If you have two currently working key fobs and want to add an additional one for your 2018 Chevy Impala, follow these steps. This method will not erase any previously programmed keys. Remember, you can program up to eight keys for a single vehicle. The new key must have the correct mechanical cut to match your existing keys.
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Prepare Your Existing Keys: Ensure you have two recognized, working key fobs available. Place these inside your Chevy Impala, in the cupholder for easy access.
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Mechanical Key Operation: Insert the mechanical key portion of your new key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within a ten-second period.
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Ready for Programming Message: After performing the mechanical key operation, check your Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It should show “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5”. This indicates your 2018 Chevy Impala is now in key programming mode.
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Locate the Key Pocket: Inside your Chevy Impala, find the key pocket. This is typically located in the front of the center console storage area.
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Place New Key in Pocket: Take the new key fob you are programming and place it vertically into the key pocket. Ensure the buttons are facing towards the rear of the vehicle and the keyring is at the top for proper placement. Incorrect placement may prevent successful programming.
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Initiate Programming: Once the new key is correctly placed in the pocket, press the ignition mode switch (start button).
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Confirmation of Programming: Wait for the DIC to indicate that the key has been learned. It will usually display a message confirming it is ready to program the next key if you have more to program.
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Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 5 through 7 with each new key.
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Exit Programming Mode: After you have programmed all desired keys, press and hold the ignition mode switch for approximately 5 seconds to exit the key programming mode.
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Test the New Key: Remove the newly programmed key from the key pocket and press the unlock button to verify it is working correctly with your 2018 Chevy Impala.
Replacing Keys on Your 2018 Chevy Impala
If you need to replace lost or non-functioning key fobs for your 2018 Chevy Impala, this procedure will erase all previously programmed keys. Ensure all key fobs you intend to use with your vehicle are present during this programming sequence. This method is useful whether you have existing keys or not. If you do have working keys, keep them away from the vehicle to prevent accidentally initiating the “Adding Keys” procedure. Again, the replacement keys must have the correct mechanical cut.
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Mechanical Key Operation for Replacement: Insert the mechanical key of your new key fob into the driver door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds.
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Remote Learn Pending – Wait Period: The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.” You must now wait for ten minutes.
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Press Engine Start Button To Learn – First Cycle: After ten minutes, the DIC will change to display “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Press the ignition mode switch (start button) once. The DIC will revert to “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
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Repeat Wait Period – Second and Third Cycles: You must repeat step 2 and step 3 two more times. This means waiting another ten minutes and then pressing the start button, and then repeating again for a final ten minutes and start button press. This entire process involves three ten-minute waiting periods, totaling thirty minutes. This lengthy process is crucial for unlearning all old keys.
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Ready for Remote # 1 – Programming Begins: After the final thirty-minute cycle, the DIC will display “Ready For Remote # 1”. This indicates that all previous keys have been erased, and you are now ready to program your new key fobs.
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Locate Key Pocket: Find the key pocket in your 2018 Chevy Impala, located at the front of the center console storage area.
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Place New Key in Pocket: Place the new key fob vertically into the key pocket, with the buttons facing the rear and the keyring at the top. Ensure correct placement for successful programming.
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Initiate Key Learning: Press the ignition mode switch (start button).
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Confirmation and Next Key Programming: The DIC will confirm when the key is learned and indicate readiness to program the next key.
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Program Additional Keys (Optional): If you have more keys to program, repeat steps 7 through 9 for each additional key fob.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once all keys are programmed, press and hold the ignition mode switch for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
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Test All Keys: Remove each programmed key from the key pocket and test their lock/unlock functions to ensure they are all working correctly with your 2018 Chevy Impala.
By following these steps, you can easily program your 2018 Chevy Impala key fob yourself. This DIY approach can save you money and the inconvenience of a dealership visit. Always ensure you are following the correct procedure for adding or replacing keys to avoid any issues.
