Programming your key fob might seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a process you can confidently undertake. This guide focuses on using a Key Fob Program Tool, specifically a scan tool, to program or reprogram your vehicle’s key fobs. It’s crucial to remember that programming key fobs should always be done away from other vehicles that might be in keyless entry program mode to prevent accidental programming to the wrong car.
There are primarily three methods for programming key fobs, each designed for different scenarios. Regardless of the method, a scan tool is essential for completing the process effectively. You can program up to 4 key fobs to your vehicle’s Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), and each programmed key fob will be assigned a position from #1 to #4 in the RCDLR memory. If you do not have access to a scan tool, it’s advisable to consult your vehicle owner’s manual for alternative programming procedures, if available.
Method 1 – Adding or Replacing a Key Fob (Known Key Fob Available)
This method is ideal when you want to add a new key fob or replace an existing one, and you already have a working key fob programmed to your vehicle. To proceed, you will need the following: a currently programmed key fob, a replacement key fob, and, importantly, a scan tool – your key fob program tool.
Important Note: This method is not applicable if you have already programmed the maximum of 4 key fobs. If you attempt this method with 4 key fobs already programmed, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED,” and you will need to use Method 2 or 3 instead.
Here are the steps to follow:
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Place the known, working key fob in the cup holder of your vehicle.
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Turn the vehicle ignition to the RUN position, place the transmission in PARK (for automatic transmissions) or REVERSE (for manual transmissions), and then turn the vehicle OFF.
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Using your scan tool (the key fob program tool), navigate to the following menus:
- Vehicle Control Systems
- Module Setup
- Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
- Program Key Fobs
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Select the desired fob position you wish to program. You will see the following options:
Important: Avoid selecting “Invalidate All Fobs” in this method as it will erase all existing key fobs, which is not necessary when you have a known working fob.
- Invalidate All Fobs (Do NOT select for this method)
- Program Fob 1
- Program Fob 2
- Program Fob 3
- Program Fob 4
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After selecting the fob position, press the PROGRAM button on your scan tool. The DIC should display “READY FOR FOB X” (where X is the fob position you selected, e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4).
- If the DIC displays “OFF/ACC TO LEARN,” proceed to Method 2.
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Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing to the right. You should hear a beep, indicating that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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If you selected “Invalidate All Fobs” (though not recommended for this method), the system would proceed to the next available key fob slot until all slots are programmed or you press the DONE soft key on the scan tool to exit. If you chose a specific fob position and need to program additional fobs, repeat steps 3-5.
Important: To finalize the programming and ensure the key fob operates correctly, you must press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob. Failure to do so will result in the fob being inoperative.
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Remove any previously learned key fobs from the vehicle.
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Press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob to finalize the programming and confirm that the system is working correctly.
Method 2 – Replacing Key Fobs (No Known Key Fob Available)
Use this method when you do not have a working key fob and need to replace all key fobs. This procedure will erase all previously programmed key fobs and allow you to program new ones. You will need a replacement key fob and a scan tool – your essential key fob program tool. Ensure any existing key fobs are removed from the vicinity of the vehicle.
Important Note: Completing this 30-minute programming procedure will erase all previously programmed key fobs. The order in which you program the new key fobs will determine their position in the RCDLR memory. The first key fob programmed becomes #1, the second becomes #2, and so on. The number stamped on the key fob case is for reference only and does not dictate its programmed position.
Avoid placing any known key fobs near the vehicle during Method 2 programming. If the RCDLR detects a known key fob, the system might revert to Method 1.
Follow these steps:
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Using your scan tool (key fob program tool), navigate to:
- Vehicle Control Systems
- Module Setup
- Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
- Program Key Fobs
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Select “Invalidate All Fobs.” Press Enter on your scan tool to confirm. Your scan tool might display “FOLLOW SI INSTRUCTIONS.” Press Enter again to continue, and then press the PROGRAM button.
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The DIC will display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN.” Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
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The DIC will then display “WAIT 10 MINUTES” and begin a countdown from 10 to 0 minutes, decrementing every minute.
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When the timer reaches 0, the DIC will again display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN.”
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Repeat steps 3-5 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes. Ensure that you repeat these steps within 3 minutes of the timer reaching zero to prevent the system from exiting the learn mode. It’s normal for the DIC to briefly display “NO FOB DETECTED” before starting the timer in the second and third sequences.
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After 30 minutes, a beep will sound, and the DIC will display “READY FOR FOB 1.” At this point, all previously programmed key fobs have been erased.
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Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will confirm successful programming.
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To program additional key fobs, remove the first fob from the pocket and insert the next one. You can program up to 4 fobs. Once 4 fobs are programmed, the DIC will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED” and automatically exit program mode. If you are programming fewer than 4 key fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit program mode manually.
Important: Remember to press the UNLOCK button on each key fob to complete the programming process and ensure it functions correctly.
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Press the UNLOCK button on each key fob to finalize programming and verify system operation.
Method 3 – Service Programming System Fob Programming (No Known Key Fob Available)
This method is a quicker 10-minute relearn procedure using a Techline Terminal with SPS software, in conjunction with your scan tool – the key fob program tool. After the 10-minute timer, you can program the fobs similarly to Method 1, using slot programming. You will need a scan tool, Techline Terminal, SPS software, and a replacement key fob.
This method can be performed with the vehicle in the OFF power mode.
Here’s how to use this method:
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Connect your scan tool to the vehicle in a pass-thru arrangement (TIS2000 is not compatible with this method).
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On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method.
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If the vehicle can be powered up, turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF. If the vehicle cannot be powered up, manually enter the VIN.
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Select “VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn” under Component Replacement.
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Ensure that “Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming” is selected.
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At this point, the scan tool must remain connected for the entire 10-minute relearn procedure.
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Once complete, select CONTINUE on the Techline Terminal, then exit to the Vehicle Control Systems menu.
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Use your scan tool (key fob program tool) to navigate to:
- Vehicle Control Systems
- Module Setup
- Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
- Program Key Fobs
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Select “INVALIDATE ALL FOBS” and press the PROGRAM button. The DIC will display “READY FOR FOB 1.”
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Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will indicate successful programming. The DIC will then display “READY FOR FOB 2.”
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If programming additional key fobs, repeat step 10. Otherwise, press the DONE soft key on the scan tool to exit programming.
Important: Pressing the UNLOCK button on each key fob is crucial to finalize the programming and ensure proper operation.
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Press the UNLOCK button on each key fob to finalize the programming and confirm the system is operational.
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Clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and disconnect the scan tool.
By following these methods and utilizing a key fob program tool like a scan tool, you can effectively program your vehicle’s key fobs. Always ensure you follow each step carefully and heed all important notes to guarantee a successful programming process.
