Transmitter Programming: Notes
Transmitters can be programmed in various ways using the adding or replacing keys procedures outlined below. The following components are required for programming:
- Transmitter- The transmitter is similar to other vehicle transmitters except it does not have a flip out key blade attached to it. If a transmitter with a flip out key blade is being programmed, then the key blade should be removed and discarded before proceeding.
- Service Key- The service key is a basic key that does not contain any electronics. This key is used on other vehicles, typically for fleet purposes, as an extra key for performing certain vehicle services. This key cannot start the vehicle because it does not contain the electronics necessary to provide the vehicle immobilizer system the information it needs to allow vehicle starting. The service key may be available as a service part ordered for the vehicle, with the vehicle transmitter, or as a separate service part for a different vehicle. The service key needs to have the key blade cut correctly for the vehicle being programmed, it will not start the vehicle but it is used to operate the ignition switch by turning it to the correct position.
Use the service key with the transmitter for all procedures that require the key and transmitter to be placed into the ignition. Hold the service key securely against the transmitter for the entire time that the key is inserted into the ignition. Place the service key at the end of the transmitter so it is centered with the key blade projecting outward from the transmitter. Hold the service key on the side of the transmitter with the Chevrolet emblem to maintain full contact between the service key and transmitter.
Using the Replacing Keys procedures will first erase all the known keys and transmitters from the vehicle. Any existing keys or transmitters and any new keys or transmitters will then be programmed. This procedure is typically used any time a key or transmitter is required to be unlearned or erased from a vehicle. If a new key or transmitter is being learned to a vehicle to replace a damaged, inoperative, or stolen key or transmitter, the Replacing Keys procedure is often used. This ensures that the old key or transmitter cannot be used to access or start the vehicle after programming. All keys and transmitters will be removed when this procedure is performed.
The Adding Keys procedure does not erase any keys or transmitters prior to programming. The procedure will simply program the key or transmitter into the next available slot. The Adding Keys procedure should be used when adding an additional key or transmitter to the vehicle.
If the key is unintentionally rotated while the vehicle is running, the ignition could be moved out of the RUN position. This could be caused by heavy items hanging from the key ring, or by large or long items attached to the key ring that could be contacted by the driver or steering wheel. If the ignition moves out of the RUN position, the engine will shut off, braking and steering power assist may be impacted, and airbags may not deploy. To reduce the risk of unintentional rotation of the ignition key, do not change the way the ignition key and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, if equipped, are connected to the provided key rings. Regardless of how the keys and key rings were configured when the customer brought the vehicle in for service, always restore the keys and key rings to the recommended configuration of the small ring on the key and the larger ring on the smaller ring. Advise the customer to follow this recommendation.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE transmitter, if equipped, are designed to work together as a system to reduce the risk of unintentionally moving the key out of the RUN position. The ignition key has a small hole to allow attachment of the provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
The combination and size of the rings that came with the keys were specifically selected for the vehicle. The rings are connected to the key like two links of a chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally moving the key out of the RUN position. Do not add any additional items to the ring attached to the ignition key. Attach additional items only to the second ring, and limit added items to a few essential keys or small, light items no larger than an RKE transmitter.