Lost your GMC Sierra key fob or need to program a new one? Don’t worry, you can often program a new key fob yourself without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to program a GMC Sierra key fob for various models. By following these steps carefully, you can regain full access to your vehicle’s keyless entry system and save time and money.
Before you begin, gather all the key fobs you intend to use with your GMC Sierra. It’s crucial to understand that the programming process will erase all previously programmed key fobs. Therefore, you must reprogram all existing and new remotes during this procedure to ensure they all function correctly with your vehicle.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to program your GMC Sierra key fob:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Begin by ensuring all doors of your GMC Sierra are completely closed. This is a necessary first step for the programming sequence to initiate correctly.
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Ignition and Key Insertion: Insert your key into the ignition of your GMC Sierra. Turn the key to the “ON” position – this is the position just before you would start the engine. Do not start the engine.
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Engage the Unlock Button: Locate the power UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel. Press and hold this button down. Maintain pressure on the UNLOCK button throughout the next steps until you are instructed to release it.
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Ignition Cycling: While holding the UNLOCK button, you need to quickly cycle the ignition between the “ON” and “OFF” positions. Turn the ignition to ON, then OFF, then ON again, and finally OFF again. The sequence is ON, OFF, ON, OFF in rapid succession. Remember, “OFF” is the position where you can remove your key, and “ON” is just before starting the engine.
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Release the Unlock Button and Programming Mode Confirmation: After completing the ignition cycling sequence, release the power UNLOCK button on the driver’s side door panel. Upon releasing the button, your GMC Sierra should automatically signal that it has entered programming mode. This confirmation is usually indicated by the vehicle’s door locks cycling – they will lock and then unlock automatically.
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Successful Programming Mode Entry: If you observe the door locks cycle (lock and unlock) immediately after releasing the UNLOCK button, you have successfully entered programming mode. Proceed to Step 6.
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Troubleshooting Programming Mode Entry:
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Locks Cycle Before Button Release: If the door locks cycle (lock and unlock) before you release the UNLOCK button, it means your GMC Sierra has not entered programming mode. In this case, you must start the process over from Step 1. Remove the key from the ignition, ensure the driver’s door is closed, and repeat Steps 1 through 5.
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Persistent Lock/Unlock Issue Before Button Release: If your vehicle continues to lock and unlock before releasing the UNLOCK button even after multiple attempts, there might be an issue with your GMC Sierra’s keyless entry system. In such cases, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a certified automotive professional or your GMC dealership for key fob programming.
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No Door Lock Cycling: If the door locks do not cycle at all after releasing the UNLOCK button, you may be turning the ignition key too quickly or too slowly during Step 4. Try again, paying close attention to performing the ON/OFF ignition cycles rapidly but deliberately.
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Program the First Key Fob: Take the first key fob you want to program. Simultaneously press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob. Continue holding both buttons until you observe the door locks cycle once more. This step may take up to 30 seconds, so be patient and keep holding the buttons. The door lock cycle indicates that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs: If you have more key fobs to program, repeat Step 6 for each additional key fob. Ensure you complete Step 6 for all remotes you wish to use with your GMC Sierra during this programming session.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. This action will manually exit the programming mode.
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Final Steps: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.
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Test All Key Fobs: Thoroughly test each programmed key fob to ensure it is working correctly. Verify that the LOCK, UNLOCK, and any other buttons on the fob are functioning as expected. Programming is now complete.
By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to successfully program your GMC Sierra key fob. This DIY approach can save you a trip to the dealership and the associated costs. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with other GMC Sierra owners who might benefit from this information!
