After years of relying on factory GM key fobs, many of us eventually face the inevitable – they stop working. For my 2007 Pontiac GXP, after a solid 11 years and navigating through common fob issues, the original key fobs finally gave up. Seeking a cost-effective solution and wanting to avoid the dealership, I opted for a Dorman key fob programmer and a compatible fob from a local auto parts store. Having used this Gm Key Fob Programmer extensively, I want to share my experience, outlining what you can expect if you choose this route.
The Dorman gm key fob programmer immediately scores points for ease of use. The programming process is straightforward and quick, delivering that satisfying feeling of bypassing a potentially expensive dealership visit. It’s a definite win for DIY car owners looking to save money and time.
However, my experience wasn’t without its quirks. Shortly after programming with the Dorman device, the dreaded “key fob battery low” warning appeared on my driver information center (DIC). Interestingly, my original GM fob had a completely dead battery and never triggered this warning. This suggests the Dorman programmed fob might be more sensitive or operate differently in terms of battery monitoring. While not a critical issue, it’s something to be aware of – you might encounter this warning sooner than expected with Dorman-programmed fobs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the limited number of programming attempts. The Dorman gm key fob programmer typically offers only three programming cycles. Initially, this didn’t seem like a limitation. After all, how many times would you need to program a key fob? As it turns out, this limit can become relevant.
Seeking to resolve the low battery warning, I explored online forums and discovered suggestions that fobs from different manufacturers might not trigger the warning. This led to a new scenario when my son acquired a 2006 Pontiac Solstice NA that, unfortunately, came without key fobs. Thinking I was a savvy dad, I confidently declared, “No problem, son! I already have a gm key fob programmer, and we can find some cheap fobs online. I’ll use one programming slot to reprogram my fob, eliminating the warning (hopefully), program two new fobs – one for each of us – and use the last slot for your car.” Genius plan, right?
I ordered the cheapest pair of fobs I could find online. Upon arrival, I used the Dorman gm key fob programmer. I successfully reprogrammed my existing Dorman fob and one of the new, cheap fobs. True to the forum advice, the new cheap fob didn’t trigger the low battery warning in my GXP. Feeling triumphant, we moved on to program my son’s 2006 Solstice. And then… nothing. The fob simply wouldn’t program.
Doubt crept in. Had I miscounted my programming attempts? Had I unknowingly used the programmer twice on my own car previously? That parental feeling of confident pronouncements turning into face-palm moments is all too familiar.
Late-night research ensued, and I uncovered a critical detail: the 2006 Solstice uses a different keyless entry system than subsequent model years. The next morning, another trip to the auto parts store was necessary, this time for a second Dorman gm key fob programmer specifically for the 2006 Solstice. Thankfully, this new programmer worked flawlessly. My son now enjoys the convenience of a key fob, and, ironically, his Solstice does display the low key fob battery warning after being programmed with the Dorman device!
In conclusion, the Dorman gm key fob programmer is a valuable tool for DIY car owners. It provides an easy and affordable alternative to dealership programming. However, be aware of potential drawbacks like the “key fob battery low” warning and the limited number of programming cycles. Furthermore, always verify compatibility, especially with older GM models, as keyless entry systems can vary even within the same car model line across different years. Understanding these nuances will ensure a smoother experience when using a gm key fob programmer for your vehicle.
