After over a decade of battling with unreliable factory key fobs on my 2007 Pontiac GXP, I finally explored aftermarket solutions. Like many, I dreaded the thought of an expensive dealership visit for a simple key fob replacement. That’s when I discovered the Dorman Key Fob Programmer from a local auto parts store. Having used it extensively, I want to share my experience to help others considering this route. If you’re looking for a way to program a key fob yourself and avoid dealership costs, a key fob programmer could be your answer. Here’s what you need to know based on my hands-on experience.
One of the most appealing aspects of using a key fob programmer like the Dorman is its sheer ease of use. The process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to program a new key fob in just a few moments. There’s a definite sense of satisfaction in bypassing the dealership – saving both time and money. This DIY approach to car maintenance is empowering and can be a significant advantage for budget-conscious car owners.
However, my experience wasn’t without a minor quirk. Shortly after programming a new fob, the dreaded “key fob battery low” warning popped up on my driver information center (DIC). Interestingly, I wasn’t even aware my Solstice had this warning feature, as my original fob had a completely dead battery without triggering any alerts. While this warning might seem concerning, it’s often a minor issue and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the new fob itself.
It’s also crucial to be aware that many key fob programmers, including the Dorman, come with a limited number of programming attempts – typically three. Initially, this might not seem like a big deal since you expect to program your fobs just once. However, as I discovered, unforeseen circumstances can arise where those limited attempts become significant.
Seeking a solution to the low battery warning, I researched online forums and learned that using a key fob from a different manufacturer might resolve this issue. So far, this anecdotal advice seems to hold true. Switching to a different brand of fob after using the programmer appeared to eliminate the battery warning light in my case.
This brings me to another valuable lesson I learned involving my son’s 2006 Pontiac Solstice NA. We acquired this car without key fobs, but knowing I had a key fob programmer, I confidently declared, “No problem, son! I’ve got a programmer, and we’ll grab some cheap fobs online. I’ll reprogram mine to ditch that warning, program two new fobs – one for you, one for me – and use my last programming attempt for your car.” Genius plan, right?
I ordered the most affordable pair of fobs I could find online. Upon arrival, I successfully reprogrammed my Dorman fob and one of the new fobs. The new fob indeed didn’t trigger the low battery warning, which was a relief. However, when we attempted to program a fob for my son’s 2006 Solstice… nothing. The programmer simply wouldn’t recognize his car.
Doubt and parental embarrassment crept in. “How many beers did I have when I first programmed my car? Did I accidentally use two programming attempts?” That familiar feeling of parental fallibility set in when your confident pronouncements turn out to be completely wrong.
Late-night research ensued, and I uncovered a critical detail: the 2006 Solstice utilizes a different keyless entry system than all subsequent model years. The next morning, another trip to the auto parts store was necessary, this time for a different Dorman key fob programmer specifically designed for the 2006 Solstice. Thankfully, this new programmer worked perfectly. Now, ironically, my son’s Solstice is the one displaying the low key fob battery warning!
In conclusion, key fob programmers offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to dealership programming. They are generally easy to use and can save you a significant amount of money. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential quirks like the low battery warning and, most importantly, to verify compatibility with your specific car year and model. Especially for models like the Pontiac Solstice, variations in keyless entry systems across different years necessitate careful selection of the correct key fob programmer. Doing your research beforehand can save you time, money, and a bit of parental embarrassment.
