Are you a Chevy Silverado owner frustrated with the high costs of getting a replacement key fob from the dealership? Many Silverado owners, especially those with models from 2011 onwards, have discovered that the convenient in-vehicle programming procedure is no longer available. This often leads to expensive trips to the dealer or auto garage, requiring specialized equipment like a Tech II to program new key fobs. Online forums are filled with discussions about this issue, highlighting the inconvenience and expense.
However, there’s good news! You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune or schedule a service appointment to get a replacement key fob for your Chevy Silverado. A surprisingly simple and affordable DIY solution exists thanks to companies like Dorman. Dorman offers replacement key fobs that come bundled with an OBD II programmer module, eliminating the need for dealer intervention or costly tools. This means you can program your new key fob right in your driveway for a fraction of the dealership price.
One popular and highly effective option is the Dorman 99162 Key Fob Kit. This kit, readily available from auto parts retailers like RockAuto and Amazon, typically costs between $50 and $75. For this price, you receive a new key fob and the OBD II programming module. This is a significant saving compared to dealership costs, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars for a new fob and programming. Users have reported successfully programming multiple fobs, including new replacements and existing ones, using a single Dorman kit.
The programming process with the Dorman OBD II module is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly. The kit includes clear, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even for those with limited automotive experience. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Ignition ON: Turn your Chevy Silverado’s ignition to the “ON” position, ensuring the engine is not started.
- Doors Closed: Make sure all doors of your Silverado are completely closed.
- OBD II Module Connection: Plug the Dorman OBD II programmer module into your vehicle’s OBD II port, usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Once connected, your Silverado’s Driver Information Center (DIC) should display a message indicating that a relearn procedure is active, similar to the older manual methods available on 2008-2010 models.
- Module Chime: Wait for the programmer module to emit a chime sound. This indicates it’s ready for fob programming.
- Fob Programming: Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the new key fob. When the module chimes again, the key fob is successfully programmed. Release the buttons.
- Additional Fobs: Repeat step 5 for any additional new key fobs you wish to program, including reprogramming any existing fobs you currently have to ensure they are all recognized.
- Relearn Deactivation: When the module starts chiming continuously, it signifies that the relearning mode has been deactivated and programming is complete.
- Module Usage Limit: Note that the Dorman module has a security feature that limits its use to approximately 3 programming cycles.
By utilizing the Dorman replacement key fob kit with the OBD II programmer, Chevy Silverado owners can bypass the expensive and inconvenient dealership programming process. This DIY approach not only saves a significant amount of money but also provides a quick and easy solution for getting back on the road with a functioning key fob. Whether you need to replace a lost or damaged fob, or simply want to have spare key fobs, the Dorman kit offers a valuable and user-friendly alternative. You can program multiple compatible fobs, ensuring you always have a spare handy. This simple DIY solution can save you hundreds of dollars and the hassle of dealership visits, making it a smart choice for any Chevy Silverado owner in need of a replacement key fob.
