Lost your Chevy Silverado 1500 Key Fob or need an extra one? Many Chevy Silverado 1500 owners, especially those with models from 2011 onwards, often face the expensive and inconvenient process of dealer programming for new key fobs. It’s a common misconception that only a dealership with specialized Tech II equipment can handle this task, leading to significant costs for a simple replacement.
However, there’s a cost-effective and user-friendly DIY solution available: the Dorman key fob programmer kit. This aftermarket option eliminates the need for dealership intervention, saving you both time and money. For Chevy Silverado 1500 owners seeking to program a new key fob or add spares, the Dorman programmer offers a straightforward alternative.
Say Goodbye to Dealership Programming for Your Silverado 1500 Key Fob
The traditional route of getting a new key fob programmed for your Chevy Silverado 1500 typically involves a trip to the dealership. This can be a costly affair, including not just the price of the key fob itself but also the labor charges for programming it using their proprietary equipment. For many Silverado owners, this feels like an unnecessary expense, especially when dealing with a lost or damaged key fob.
The Dorman DIY Key Fob Programmer: An Easy Solution
Fortunately, Dorman Products offers a solution that puts key fob programming power directly in your hands. Their replacement key fobs, specifically the Dorman 99162 kit (and similar), come bundled with an OBD II programmer module. This ingenious system allows you to program new key fobs for your Chevy Silverado 1500 right at home, without any specialized tools or dealer assistance. Priced typically between $50 and $75, these kits offer remarkable savings compared to dealership costs.
Alt text: Dorman 99162 key fob programmer kit with OBD II module and key fob for Chevy Silverado 1500, providing a DIY programming solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your Chevy Silverado 1500 Key Fob with Dorman
The Dorman key fob programming process is designed for ease of use. Here’s how to program your Chevy Silverado 1500 key fob using the Dorman OBD II module:
- Ignition ON: Turn your Chevy Silverado 1500 ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
- Close Doors: Ensure all doors of your Silverado are fully closed.
- Plug in Programmer: Locate your vehicle’s OBD II port and plug in the Dorman programmer module. Once connected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) should display a message indicating that key fob relearning is active, similar to the older manual DIC procedures found in 2008-2010 models.
- Wait for Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This signals that it’s ready to learn a new key fob.
- Program Key Fob: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the key fob you wish to program. When the module chimes again, the key fob is successfully programmed. Release the buttons.
- Program Additional Fobs: Repeat step 5 for any additional new key fobs, including your existing fobs if you want to reprogram them.
- Relearning Deactivated: When the module starts chiming continuously, it indicates that the relearning mode has been deactivated.
- Module Limit: Note that the Dorman programmer module can typically be used up to 3 times before it becomes inactive, as a security measure.
This simple procedure allows you to program multiple key fobs, including spares, quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of DIY Key Fob Programming for Your Silverado 1500
Choosing the Dorman DIY key fob programmer for your Chevy Silverado 1500 offers several advantages:
- Significant Cost Savings: Avoid expensive dealership programming fees and potentially overpriced key fobs.
- DIY Convenience: Program your key fobs at home, on your own schedule, without needing to book an appointment or visit a dealer.
- Easy to Use: The Dorman system is designed for straightforward, user-friendly operation with clear instructions.
- Versatile: Program multiple key fobs, allowing you to have spares or replace lost fobs easily.
By using the Dorman key fob programmer, Chevy Silverado 1500 owners can bypass the costly and inconvenient dealership process and regain control over their key fob needs. It’s a smart, affordable, and efficient solution for anyone needing to program or replace their Silverado’s key fobs.
