After years of relying on factory GM key fobs for my 2007 Pontiac GXP, they finally gave up the ghost. Like many car owners facing expensive dealership replacements, I turned to aftermarket options and discovered Dorman Key Fobs. Available at local auto parts stores and online, Dorman fobs promised a budget-friendly solution and the convenience of DIY programming. But does the reality live up to the promise? Here’s my experience, highlighting both the advantages and potential headaches of choosing Dorman key fobs.
One of the immediate appeals of Dorman key fobs is their ease of use. The programming process is remarkably simple and quick, offering a satisfying “I bypassed the dealership!” feeling. The included programmer made syncing the new fob to my GXP straightforward, a welcome change from the often-dreaded dealership visit and associated costs. This DIY aspect is a significant draw for anyone comfortable with basic car maintenance and looking to save money.
Alt text: Dorman key fob and programmer kit laid out on a workbench, highlighting the components needed for DIY car key programming.
However, the honeymoon period with my Dorman key fob was short-lived. Soon after programming, the dreaded “key fob battery low” warning popped up on my driver information center (DIC). Interestingly, my original GM fobs had died completely without ever triggering this warning, even with truly dead batteries. It seems Dorman fobs might be more sensitive, or perhaps less refined in their battery monitoring.
Another factor to consider is the limited number of programming attempts. The Dorman programmer comes with only three “shots.” Initially, this didn’t seem like an issue – programming should be a one-time affair, right? But life, and car key fobs, can be unpredictable.
Intrigued by online forums suggesting that fobs from different manufacturers might resolve the low battery warning issue, I decided to test this theory when my son acquired a 2006 Pontiac Solstice NA without any key fobs. The 2006 Solstice, despite having the keyless entry option, presented an unexpected twist in my Dorman key fob experiment.
Alt text: Comparison of a Dorman key fob and a generic aftermarket key fob, visually emphasizing the different designs and potential quality variations.
Confident in my previous success and armed with my Dorman programmer (with two programming attempts remaining), I ordered the cheapest pair of aftermarket fobs I could find online. My plan was foolproof, or so I thought: reprogram my Dorman fob (using attempt #2), program one of the new cheap fobs (using attempt #3), eliminate the low battery warning on my GXP, and program the second cheap fob for my son’s Solstice. Genius, right?
Programming my GXP with the Dorman and one of the new fobs went smoothly. And to my relief, the new cheap fob didn’t trigger the low battery warning on my car. Victory seemed within reach. However, when we tried to program a fob for my son’s 2006 Solstice… nothing. The programmer refused to recognize the car, leaving us scratching our heads.
Alt text: A frustrated car owner holding a Dorman key fob programmer, standing in front of a Pontiac Solstice, highlighting the troubleshooting aspect of DIY car repairs.
Late-night online research revealed the culprit: the 2006 Solstice utilizes a different keyless entry system than all subsequent model years. This explained the programming failure and highlighted a critical lesson – vehicle compatibility is paramount, and even within the same car model, year-to-year variations can exist.
The next morning, another trip to the auto parts store was required, this time for a different Dorman programmer specifically designed for the 2006 Solstice. Thankfully, this new programmer worked flawlessly. My son now has a functioning key fob for his 2006 Solstice, and yes, he also gets the low key fob battery warning – a now-familiar Dorman quirk.
So, are Dorman key fobs a worthwhile alternative to dealership fobs? The answer is nuanced. They offer significant cost savings and the satisfaction of DIY programming. However, be prepared for potential quirks like the low battery warning and the programming attempt limitations. Crucially, ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle year and model, as my experience with the 2006 Solstice vividly illustrates. While Dorman key fobs can be a budget-friendly solution, understanding their limitations and doing your homework on compatibility is essential for a smooth and successful experience.
