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2016 Chevrolet Equinox Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox key fob yourself in a few minutes using a working key or remote, no dealer visit needed. Follow the steps below, then check the battery and the correct replacement fob (with FCC ID and part number) if you need a new one.

Remote / key fob programming

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types — match yours. On a regular ignition you add a key with one working key; on push-button start you program smart keys (Method A with two, Method B with one or none).

Before you start

  • Your new key/smart key, cut beforehand
  • Engine off for the push-button methods

Regular key ignition (adds a key)

  1. 1Insert the original, already-programmed key and start the engine.
  2. 2Turn the key off and remove it.
  3. 3Within 10 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON (don't start).
  4. 4The security light goes out once the key is programmed. No security light? Wait 10 minutes and 45 seconds.
  5. 5Repeat from step 1 for additional keys.

Push-button start — Method A (two working smart keys)

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet and Buick.
  5. 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — Method B (one or no smart key)

About 30 minutes; not available in Canada. With no working key, have the new blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key and insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder. Turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
  3. 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  5. 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Key programming

On this GM vehicle you can add a key yourself (these steps program both the key and remote together). On a regular ignition you use one working key; on push-button start you program transmitters. Works only for non-PEPS keys, not vehicles with passive entry, and not in Canada.

Before you start

  • Your new key, cut beforehand

Regular key ignition (adds a key, keeps existing keys)

  1. 1Insert the original, already-programmed key and start the engine.
  2. 2Turn the key off and remove it.
  3. 3Within 10 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON.
  4. 4The security light goes out once the key is programmed. No security light (some 2004–2007 Grand Prix, Bonneville, Impala)? Wait 10 minutes and 45 seconds.
  5. 5Repeat from step 1 for additional keys.

Push-button start — with at least one working transmitter

  1. 1Place the recognized (working) transmitter in the cupholder.
  2. 2Insert the new key into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows Ready For Remote #2–5.
  3. 3Pull out the cupholder and place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket beneath it.
  4. 4Press the ignition. When learned, the display is ready for the next transmitter.
  5. 5Remove the transmitter and press Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — with no working transmitter

About 30 minutes; up to 5 transmitters. Connect jumper cables or a charger — battery voltage drops.

  1. 1Insert the new key into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows Remote Learn Pending.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows Press Engine Start Button To Learn, then press the ignition (it shows Remote Learn Pending again).
  3. 3Repeat the previous step two more times. After the third, all previous transmitters stop working and the display shows Ready For Remote #1.
  4. 4Pull out the cupholder and place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket beneath it.
  5. 5Press the ignition. When learned, the display is ready for the next transmitter.
  6. 6Remove the transmitter and press Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit.

Replacement key fob options

Match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob to be sure of the right part.

3-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC
OE part #
20835406, 20873621, 20934736, 5913598, 20835402, 20873623, 20934738, 5913596, 13504266

4-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC
OE part #
20873620, 20835404, 5913597, 20873622, 20835400

5-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC
OE part #
13500226, 13504204, 5912556, 13504259, 13501514, 5912548, 13574863, 13504199, 23335584, 13579228, 23465184, 13500221, 20979468, 23316207, 5912545, 5913397

Transponder Key

Find on Amazon

4-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT05918179, P4O9MK74946931
OE part #
13504283, 13500318, 13586120, STRATTEC: 5912558, 5921872, 5927057

Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
P4O9MK74946931, OHT05918179
OE part #
13504202, 13500224, 13500319, 13584829, 13585206, 13585209, 13586785, STRATTEC: 5912559, 5921873, 5927058

5-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
P4O9MK74946931, OHT05918179
OE part #
13504202, 13500224, 13500319, 13584829, 13585206, 13585209, 13586785, STRATTEC: 5912559, 5921873, 5927058

Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC, OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514
OE part #
N, A

2016 Chevrolet Equinox key fob battery

Your 2016 Chevrolet Equinox key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Find CR2032 batteries on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Slide the release latch and pull the metal emergency key out of the fob.
  2. 2 Use that key (or a coin) to pry the two halves apart at the seam.
  3. 3 Lift out the old coin cell — note which side faces up.
  4. 4 Drop in the new battery the same way (printed + side usually faces the back cover).
  5. 5 Press the case back together until it clicks, then test lock/unlock and push-to-start.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Even with a dead fob battery you can usually still start the car by holding the fob against the start button — check your owner's manual.
  • If the fob still won't work after a new battery, it may need re-syncing or programming.

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