Are you a Chevy Silverado owner in need of a replacement key fob? You’re not alone. Many Silverado owners discover that getting a new key fob can be a surprisingly expensive and inconvenient process, often requiring a trip to the dealership and a hefty bill. If you’ve been told that programming a new key fob for your 2011 or newer Silverado requires a costly visit to the dealer and their specialized Tech II equipment, you might be relieved to know there’s a better way.
For owners of newer NNBS (New New Body Style) Chevy Silverado trucks, the days of simple in-vehicle programming through the Driver Information Center (DIC) are unfortunately gone. This feature, available on earlier models, was removed starting in 2011. This change left many believing that dealership programming was the only option for replacement or additional key fobs. The cost associated with this dealer-only service can be significant, adding unnecessary expense to a simple key fob replacement.
However, don’t despair! There’s a cost-effective and DIY-friendly solution available thanks to Dorman Products. Dorman offers replacement key fobs specifically designed for Chevy Silverado trucks that come bundled with an ingenious OBD II programmer module. This means you can program your new key fob yourself, right in your driveway, without any special tools or dealership intervention. These Dorman kits, readily available online and at auto parts retailers, typically cost between $50 and $75 – a fraction of what you’d pay at the dealership.
One popular and highly recommended option is the Dorman 99162 key fob kit. This kit includes a new key fob and the OBD II programming module. The programming process itself is remarkably straightforward, taking just a few minutes to complete. You can even program additional compatible key fobs beyond the one included in the kit, making it a perfect solution for families needing multiple keys or for keeping spares on hand.
Here’s how easy it is 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. Do not start the engine.
- Doors Closed: Ensure all doors of your Silverado are fully closed.
- Plug in Module: Locate your Silverado’s OBD II port (usually under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and plug in the Dorman OBD II programmer module. Once connected, your Silverado’s DIC should display a message indicating that key fob relearning is active, similar to the older DIC procedure.
- Wait for Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This signals that the system is ready for programming.
- Program Key Fob: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the new Dorman key fob. The module will chime again to confirm successful programming of that fob. Release the buttons.
- Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have additional new or existing key fobs you want to program (including your original fobs), repeat step 5 for each fob.
- Relearning Deactivated: When the module starts chiming continuously, it indicates that the relearning mode has been deactivated. Programming is complete.
- Module Limit: Be aware that the Dorman module can typically be used to repeat this programming procedure up to 3 times before it becomes inactive as a security measure.
By using the Dorman key fob replacement kit with the OBD II programmer, you can bypass the expensive dealership programming fees and regain control over your Chevy Silverado’s key fob situation. This DIY approach not only saves you a significant amount of money but also offers a convenient and quick solution right at home. Whether you need to replace a lost or broken fob, or simply want to add an extra spare, the Dorman solution provides an accessible and affordable alternative for Chevy Silverado owners. Don’t spend hundreds at the dealer – take the DIY route and get back on the road with a working key fob in minutes!
