How to Program a GM Car Remote Using a Key Fob

Last Updated: October 5, 2019

Is your old car remote broken, lost, or malfunctioning? This article will show you a quick way to replace your old car remote and save you a lot of money in the process. In this method, a key fob is used to program the remote to your car. This process should work for various GM vehicles from 2005-2012, including models such as Aura, Grand Prix Lacrosse, and Malibu.

Steps

1
Enter your vehicle. Work will be done on the driver’s side.
2
Locate the OBD2 Port. This port is located underneath the steering wheel.

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3
Close the door you entered through. Make sure all the other doors are closed as well before proceeding.
4
Insert car key into the ignition. Turn the key till the odometer lights turn on. Do not start the engine.^{[1]
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5
Insert the key fob into the port. You only have two minutes to complete the following steps; otherwise the session will time out.
6
Wait for a chime or red light. Once you hear or see it, the remote is ready to be programmed.
7
Press and hold the lock and unlock button on the remote at the same time. Hold them until the light on the key fob flickers and turns orange.^{[2]
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8
Remove the key fob. There is a clip underneath the OBD2 port.
- Use the screwdriver to press on the clip to ease the removal.
9
Remove the key and get out of the car.
10
Test the remote. Make sure every button works correctly. If this step fails, try the procedure again.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

What is a key fob? Do I need one to program an old remote?

Community Answer

A key fob is basically just a remote to lock and unlock your car. They are commonly used for keyless entry into a vehicle for ease of access. To program an old remote you will have to look in your owners manual for instructions on how to do so. Usually it is pretty simple to program a new fob.
Question

Do you have to have it cut to ignition if a fob?

Peter Missick

Community Answer

Depending on what GM key you have it may need to be cut by a locksmith or dealer. If you have a "Fobik" remote, they usually have an emergency key to get into your car that can be cut, same goes for push to start.
Question

How do I open my damaged key fob for 2012 GMC terrain to replace the key?

Jeffrey Kalinowski

Community Answer

To open this can be tricky and risky. There is a small hidden button on the side of the fob and if not there is a little hole big enough for a small flat head screwdriver. The lower back half of the fob comes apart, so after pressing the button you will need to pry towards the lower half and it will pop off, in a different style you can remove your spare key from inside the fob and pry open from that hole splitting it in half.

Warnings

The car remote is fragile.

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Once the key fob is inserted, the session only lasts two minutes.

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The key fob will only work for three sessions.

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