Replacing a lost or broken key fob for your 2013 Chevy Malibu can be surprisingly expensive if you go straight to a dealership. However, you can save a significant amount of money by purchasing a new key fob online and programming it yourself. This guide will walk you through the process, making it easy to get a working key fob without breaking the bank.
First, you’ll need to acquire a compatible key fob. A crucial step is to ensure the replacement key fob has the correct FCC ID. This ID guarantees that the key fob is compatible with your 2013 Chevy Malibu’s system. You can find the FCC ID on your original key fob. Look closely at the side of your existing key fob, and you should see a series of numbers and letters. In many cases for this model, the FCC ID you’re looking for is OHT01060512. Verifying this number before you buy is essential. Online marketplaces like Amazon offer key fobs for 2013 Chevy Malibus. For example, you can find keys like this one on Amazon, but always double-check the FCC ID matches your requirement before purchase.
Location of FCC ID on a 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob. Find the FCC ID, like OHT01060512, on your old key fob to ensure compatibility when purchasing a replacement key fob for your Chevy Malibu.
Once you have your new key fob, you’ll need to get the key blade laser cut to match your car’s ignition. Dealerships and locksmiths offer this service, but prices can vary widely. One user reported being quoted $70 for a single laser cut key from both a local dealer and locksmith – which they rightly considered excessive. However, by shopping around, they found a locksmith in Arlington, TX (Aaron’s Locksmith and Security) who laser cut two keys for just $55. It’s worth calling local locksmiths in your area to compare prices. You might even find a dealer willing to cut the key for a lower price, or even for free, especially if you mention you are programming it yourself.
After you have your laser-cut key, programming it to your 2013 Chevy Malibu is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how:
- Insert your original, working key into the ignition.
- Turn the key to the “ON” position. This is the position just before you would start the engine. Leave it in the “ON” position for 10 seconds. Do not start the car.
- Turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove the original key from the ignition.
- Immediately insert your new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
- Turn the new key to the “ON” position. Again, this is the position just before starting the engine. Leave it in the “ON” position for 10 seconds. Do not start the car.
- Turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove the new key.
That’s all there is to it! Your new key fob should now be programmed to your 2013 Chevy Malibu. This simple procedure can save you a significant amount of money and time compared to dealership programming. You can program up to 10 keys to your vehicle using this method, although hopefully, you won’t need that many! It’s also important to note that this programming process does not erase any previously programmed keys from your car’s computer.
For those with Chevy Malibus that have a push-button start, the programming procedure is different. You can find instructions for push-button start models and more details on this programming method at this helpful resource. Take control of your key fob replacement and enjoy the savings and satisfaction of doing it yourself!
