How to Program a Spare Keyless Remote for a GM Car

Keyless entry systems have become a staple in the automotive world, and their use is as widespread as power windows. The remote is programmed to work with one specific car and the car is usually shipped from the factory...

Keyless entry systems have become a staple in the automotive world, and their use is as widespread as power windows. The remote is programmed to work with one particular vehicle, and the vehicle usually comes from the factory with a couple of remotes already programmed for use with it. If these remotes are lost or stop working, additional remotes can be ordered to work with your vehicle.

Once the new remote is in your possession, it will need to be programmed to work with your specific GM vehicle. The way to do this depends on the remote control model and the make and model of your car.

If the car is 2011 or newer, unfortunately there is no way to program the remote yourself.

Vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2010 will either be equipped with a Vehicle Information Center (VIC) or not. Both have different methods. All 2007 or earlier vehicles used the same type of keyless remote control.

Part 1 of 3: Remote Control Programming for 2007-2010 GM Vehicles with VIC

• AttentionA: Not all GM vehicles made between 2007 and 2010 have a VIC; this is an option normally found only on models with the upgraded trim package. If your car has one, there will be a button on the dashboard or in the entertainment system marked with the outline of the car with an "i" above it.

Step 1: Start the car. Get in the car the same way you would if you were going somewhere.

All doors must be closed and unlocked. Make sure the (automatic) transmission is in the "Park" position.

Step 2: Find the VIC Button. On the entertainment center or on the dashboard, there will be a button with the outline of a car with the letter "i". It can only have "i".

Pressing and holding this button will cause the VIC to display the message "Remote Key Learning Active".

Step 3: Program the Remotes. Take the remote and hold the lock and unlock buttons at the same time for 15 seconds.

The VIC will beep if the key has been successfully programmed to work with your vehicle.

You can program more than one remote at this stage. Repeat steps 2-3 for each.

Step 4: Turn off the car and remove the key. Get out of the car and try to lock and unlock the doors using the remote controls.

If the remotes cannot lock and unlock the doors, then they are programmed incorrectly. Repeat the process from the beginning by unlocking the doors and restarting the vehicle.

Part 2 of 3: Keyless Remote Programming for 2007-2010 GM Vehicles without VIC

Step 1: Get in the car. Turn the key to the Advanced (ACC) position.

Close all doors, but make sure they are unlocked.

Step 2: Press the odometer rod. A thin black rod will stick out along the odometer. It can be twisted or pressed.

Pressing the stem like a button will cause various functions to appear on the display located at the base of the odometer.

Press the stem until "Relearn Remote Key" appears on the display.

Press and hold the stem now and hold it for 3 seconds. The screen should now read "Key Learning Active".

Step 3: Program the Remotes. Hold the unlock and lock buttons on the remote simultaneously for 15 seconds.

If everything is done correctly, a beep will sound, notifying that the remote control has been programmed.

This can be done for any number of remotes, just repeat the steps above for each remote.

Step 4: Check Remote Programming. Turn off the car and remove the key from the ignition. The remote should now be able to lock and unlock the doors.

Part 3 of 3: Keyless remote programming for pre-2007 GM vehicles.

Step 1: Get in the car and close all doors.. Leave them unlocked.

Insert the key into the ignition, but do not turn it even slightly.

Step 2: Press and hold the door release button on the driver's door.. Wait for the doors to close and then unlock.

Continue to hold the button down while turning the key in the ignition until the instrument panel lights up. Do not start the engine. The car is now in accessory mode.

Shut off the car. Then repeat this process two more times: press and hold the unlock button, wait for the doors to lock and unlock, then turn the key until the dash lights up.

When you complete step 2, the instrument panel will light up three times and the car will turn off.

Release the unlock button. If step 2 was done correctly, the locks will cycle (lock, unlock) again when you release the unlock button to indicate that the remotes can now be programmed.

Step 3: Program the Remotes. Simultaneously press the lock and unlock buttons on the remote control.

Hold down the buttons for at least 15 seconds.

This can be done for four remotes; just hold the lock and unlock buttons for 15 seconds on each remote.

Step 4: Check Remote Programming. Return the vehicle to normal driving by starting the engine and then turning off the vehicle.

Keys can be checked when the car is off. They must all be able to lock and unlock doors.

Hopefully by now you have successfully programmed your remote controls to access your GM vehicle. However, this process usually takes a few tries to get it right. Each time you repeat the programming sequence, make sure you turn the vehicle on completely and then turn it off before starting. If you find a problem with your car when you try to program your remote, such as your sensors not working properly or your electric locks not working properly, AvtoTachki mobile mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix the problem for you.

Please note that if your vehicle is newer than 2011, the remote controls can only be programmed by dealers or the manufacturer.