How to Reprogram a GM Key Fob: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Key fobs offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to lock, unlock, and even sound the alarm of your General Motors vehicle from a distance. These handy devices, also known as keyless entry remotes or transmitters, need to be correctly programmed to communicate with your car. Whether you’ve purchased a replacement key fob or are experiencing issues with your current one, reprogramming it is a straightforward process you can often handle yourself at home.

Simple Steps to Reprogram Your GM Key Fob

Before you assume your key fob is faulty, the first thing to check is the batteries. Both the key fob itself and your vehicle rely on batteries to operate the remote locking system. If your original key fob has stopped working, replacing its battery might be the only fix needed. Similarly, ensure any new or replacement key fob is fitted with a fresh battery.

Reprogramming a GM key fob doesn’t require any special tools, just a little patience and these simple instructions. These steps are designed for a range of GM vehicles, including models from Chevrolet (Chevy), GMC, and more. You will be using your ignition key but will not need to start the engine during the reprogramming process.

Here’s how to reprogram your GM key fob in nine easy steps:

1. Get into the driver’s seat of your GM vehicle and close all doors completely.
2. Insert your ignition key into the ignition cylinder.
3. Press and maintain pressure on the UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel.
4. While still holding the door unlock button, quickly cycle the ignition key from the OFF to the ON position, and back to OFF, twice in succession (OFF-ON, OFF-ON). Do not start the engine.
5. Release the door unlock button. At this point, you should hear the door locks cycle (lock then unlock). This automatic lock cycling indicates that your vehicle has entered key fob programming mode.
6. Immediately press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob you are programming for approximately 15 seconds. If the programming is successful for that key fob, you will hear the door locks cycle once again (lock then unlock).
7. If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat step 6 for each one.
8. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position, or simply turn the ignition OFF and remove the key to exit the key fob programming mode.
9. Test each of your programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. If the doors lock and unlock as expected, you have successfully reprogrammed your GM key fob!