Programming your Chevy key fob, especially one with remote start, might seem daunting, but it’s a task you can handle with the right tools and knowledge. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough, ensuring you can confidently program your key fob and regain full control over your vehicle’s remote functions.
Understanding the Basics of Chevy Key Fob Programming
Modern Chevy vehicles utilize sophisticated systems that require electronic programming to recognize key fobs. This process often involves accessing your vehicle’s Body Control Module (BCM), the computer responsible for managing various electronic functions, including remote keyless entry and remote start.
What You’ll Need:
- Your Chevy Vehicle: The vehicle you intend to program the key fob for.
- New Chevy Key Fob with Remote Start: Ensure it’s compatible with your vehicle’s model and year.
- Scan Tool with Pass-Thru Programming Capability: This is crucial for communicating with your vehicle’s computer system.
- Service Programming System (SPS) Subscription: Access to GM’s SPS is necessary for software and calibration updates.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You’ll need this to access vehicle-specific information.
- Authorization Code (if required): May be needed depending on your vehicle’s original configuration.
- EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool (recommended): Maintains stable voltage during programming.
Important Considerations Before You Begin:
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Check for Pre-existing Remote Start (RPO Code S6P): Before you start programming, determine if your vehicle was originally equipped with remote start. You can check your VIN in the Investigate Vehicle History system (IVH) or look for RPO code S6P on your vehicle’s build label. If your vehicle has RPO code S6P, the system software is already in place, and the programming process might be simpler.
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Accessory Remote Start Kit Addition: If you are adding an accessory remote start kit to a vehicle without RPO code S6P, you’ll likely need to contact the GM Technical Customer Support Center (TCSC) to obtain a Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI) number. This number authorizes the software update required for remote start functionality.
- United States: 1-888-337-1010
- Canada (English): 1-800-828-6860
- Canada (French): 1-800-503-3222
Have your VIN and the Authorization Code from your remote start kit ready when you call.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your Chevy Key Fob
Safety First:
- Stable Power Supply: Maintaining a stable battery voltage is critical during programming. Voltage fluctuations can lead to programming failures or even damage to your vehicle’s computer modules. Use the EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool or a fully charged jump box disconnected from AC power. Do not use a battery charger directly.
- Minimize Electrical Load: Turn off all unnecessary electrical systems in your vehicle, such as interior lights, exterior lights (including daytime running lights), HVAC, and the radio, to reduce battery drain during the process.
- Secure Connections: Ensure your scan tool is securely connected to the vehicle’s data link connector to prevent interruptions during programming.
Programming Procedure:
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Prepare Your Vehicle and Scan Tool:
- Install the EL-49642 SPS programming support tool, if available.
- Access the Service Programming System (SPS) through your scan tool and follow the on-screen prompts.
- On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select BCM Body Control Module – programming.
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Ignition and Key Positioning:
- Key Ignition System: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. Ensure all keys, including spares, are at least 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) away from the vehicle.
- Push Button Start System: Place the keyless entry transmitter into the console programming pocket. Refer to your SPS Help section for the exact pocket location for your vehicle model. Again, ensure all additional transmitters are at least 3 meters away.
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BCM Programming:
- Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the SPS for BCM programming.
- Patience is Key: The programming process can take between 10 to 12 minutes. The progress bar might appear to stall – this is normal due to security timers. Do not interrupt or restart the process.
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Immobilizer Learning (Key/Transponder Programming):
- After BCM programming, navigate back to the SPS Supported Controllers screen and select IMMO Immobilizer Learn – Setup.
- Deleting Existing Keys (Optional, but Recommended): Select Program Transponder or Remote Key (Delete). Deleting existing keys is recommended, especially if you’ve acquired a used vehicle or want to ensure only your new fobs are active. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete existing keys and remotes.
- Adding New Keys: Select Program Transponder or Remote Key (Add). Follow the on-screen instructions to program your new key fobs. Typically, this involves pressing buttons on the new key fobs as prompted by the SPS.
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Post-Programming Steps:
- Unlock Button: After Immobilizer Learn is complete, press the “Unlock” button on one of the programmed key fobs to exit the Immobilizer Learn mode.
- Repeat for Additional Fobs: Repeat the key adding step for any additional key fobs you want to program.
- BCM Setup (if prompted): The SPS may guide you back to BCM Body Control Module – Setup for final configurations. Follow any on-screen instructions.
- Check Driver Information Center: Monitor the driver information center display for any additional messages or calibration instructions.
- Clear DTCs: Finally, use the SPS to clear all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This is important to ensure no error codes remain after programming.
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Verification:
- Cycle the ignition from “ON” to “OFF”.
- Exit the vehicle.
- Test all functions of your newly programmed key fobs, including remote start, door lock/unlock, and panic button, to verify correct operation.
Image: Example of Chevy Key Fobs, illustrating the components being programmed.
Troubleshooting Unsuccessful Programming:
- Don’t Panic: If programming is interrupted or unsuccessful, do not turn the ignition OFF immediately.
- Check Connections: Ensure all connections between your scan tool, vehicle DLC, and any power support tools are secure. Verify your SPS software is up to date.
- Retry Programming: Attempt to reprogram the BCM again.
- Power Cycle (if necessary): If reprogramming fails again, turn the ignition OFF for at least one minute, then turn it back ON and retry the programming procedure.
- ECU Replacement (Last Resort): In rare cases, if the ECU still cannot be programmed, it might require replacement. Consult a professional technician in this situation.
Key Fob Management and Memory Seats:
- Master Keys: The first two key fobs programmed will be designated as “master keys.” In vehicles with memory seats, these master keys are linked to specific seat memory positions.
- Erasing All Fobs and Relearning: If you need to erase all programmed key fobs (for security reasons, for example), use the “Erase/Program All Key Fobs” function within the scan tool’s BCM Configuration/Reset Functions menu. Remember that all key fobs you want to use with the vehicle must be programmed in a single programming sequence after erasing.
Adding Additional Key Fobs While Keeping Existing Keys:
- To add new key fobs without erasing your existing ones (for example, adding remote start fobs to your current set), use the “Next Available Slot” option in the scan tool’s BCM Configuration/Reset Functions menu. This will program the new fobs into the next available memory slots (e.g., if you have fobs 1 and 2 programmed, the new ones will become 3 and 4).
Final Steps:
- Attach the newly programmed key fobs to your keyrings.
- Return any old key fobs to the customer (if applicable).
By following these detailed steps and safety precautions, you can successfully program a Chevy key fob with remote start, restoring the convenience and functionality of your vehicle’s remote features. Remember to consult your vehicle’s service manual and the documentation for your scan tool for the most accurate and model-specific instructions. Always prioritize safety and stable power supply during the programming process.
