Are you a Chevy Silverado owner struggling with a lost, broken, or simply aging key fob? For many Silverado owners, especially those with models from 2011 onwards, the prospect of replacing a key fob can be daunting and expensive. Dealerships often charge a premium for new key fobs and the associated programming, leaving you with a hefty bill and unnecessary stress. The good news is, there’s a cost-effective and convenient DIY solution that allows you to replace your Chevy Silverado key fob without ever setting foot in a dealership.
For older Chevy Silverado models, programming a new key fob could sometimes be done through the Driver Information Center (DIC), but this convenient feature was removed in 2011 and newer vehicles. This change left many owners believing that a trip to the dealer, and the associated high costs, was their only option. Online forums are filled with discussions lamenting the expensive dealer programming fees, highlighting the frustration many Silverado owners face.
However, a smart and budget-friendly alternative exists thanks to Dorman Products. Dorman offers replacement key fobs specifically designed for Chevy Silverado and other compatible vehicles that include an OBD II programmer module. This ingenious kit bypasses the need for dealership programming or expensive Tech II tools, putting the power of key fob replacement directly in your hands. For a fraction of the cost of a dealership visit – typically between $50 and $75 – you can get a brand new key fob and the ability to program it yourself.
One popular and highly recommended option is the Dorman 99162 key fob replacement kit. This kit, readily available from online retailers like RockAuto and Amazon, comes with a new key fob and the OBD II programming module. The process is remarkably simple and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with minimal car repair experience. Imagine the satisfaction of having a new, functional key fob programmed in minutes, all while saving potentially hundreds of dollars compared to dealership prices!
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to program your Chevy Silverado key fob using the Dorman OBD II module:
- Ignition ON: Turn your Chevy Silverado’s ignition to the “ON” position, ensuring the engine is NOT started.
- Close Doors: Make sure all vehicle doors are fully closed.
- Plug in OBD II Module: Locate your Silverado’s OBD II port (typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and plug in the Dorman OBD II programmer module. Once plugged in, the Driver Information Center (DIC) should display a message indicating that “relearn active,” similar to the older manual DIC programming procedure.
- Wait for Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This indicates it’s ready for programming.
- Program Key Fob: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the new key fob. The module will chime again to confirm that the key fob has been successfully programmed. Release the buttons.
- Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional new key fobs or want to reprogram existing ones, repeat step 5 for each fob.
- Relearning Deactivated: When the module starts chiming continuously, it indicates that the relearning mode is deactivated, and programming is complete.
- Module Limitations: Note that the Dorman programmer module can typically be used to program key fobs up to 3 times before it becomes inactive as a security measure.
This Dorman solution provides a fantastic DIY alternative for Chevy Silverado owners who need a key fob replacement, especially for newer models where the DIC programming is no longer available. By choosing this method, you not only save a significant amount of money but also gain the convenience of programming your key fob on your own time, without the hassle of dealership appointments and inflated costs. Upgrade your key fob experience and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you have a reliable and affordable solution right at your fingertips.
