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2018 GMC Acadia Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2018 GMC Acadia 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

If your GMC has a regular key ignition, the remote can't be programmed at home — an automotive locksmith or dealer must do it. If it has push-button start with a smart key, you can program it yourself: use Method A with two working smart keys, or Method B with one or none.

Before you start

  • All smart keys — working and new — with you
  • Engine off

Method A — with 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 Driver Information Center shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center-console storage for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet, GMC, 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 on it.
  7. 7To add another key, repeat the last three steps. When done, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Method B — with one or no working smart key

Takes about 30 minutes and isn't available in Canada. With no working key, have the new key's emergency blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key.
  2. 2Insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE.
  3. 3Wait about 10 minutes until the display reads PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP. The display shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING.
  4. 4Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previously known keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  5. 5Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  6. 6To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Key programming

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types. Match yours: a regular key ignition (transponder key) or push-button start (smart key). Each has a method for when you have two working keys and one for when you have one or none. Read your method through first.

Before you start

  • All your keys — working and new — with you
  • The new key cut beforehand

Regular ignition — with two working keys

  1. 1Insert an already-programmed key and turn it to ON/RUN.
  2. 2Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  3. 3Within 5 seconds, insert the second programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  4. 4Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  5. 5Within 5 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN. The security light goes out once it's programmed.
  6. 6Repeat from step 1 for additional keys (up to 8 total).

Regular ignition — with one or no working key

Takes about 30 minutes. Not available in Canada.

  1. 1Insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN — the security light comes on.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until the security light goes out.
  3. 3Turn to LOCK/OFF.
  4. 4Repeat the ON/RUN, 10-minute wait, and OFF two more times. After the third, turn to ON/RUN — the new key is programmed and all previous keys stop working.
  5. 5To program a second key, turn OFF, insert it, and turn to ON/RUN. For more keys, use the two-working-keys method above.

Push-button start — with 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 Driver Information Center shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center-console storage for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet, GMC, 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 on it.
  7. 7To add another key, repeat the last three steps. When done, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — with one or no smart key

Takes about 30 minutes and isn't available in Canada. With no working key, have the new key's emergency blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key.
  2. 2Insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE.
  3. 3Wait about 10 minutes until the display reads PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP. The display shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING.
  4. 4Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previously known keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  5. 5Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  6. 6To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 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.

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

3-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
HYQ1EA
OE part #
13508276, 13589149, STRATTEC: 5944136

5-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
HYQ1EA
OE part #
13508275, 13523305, STRATTEC: 5944135

2018 GMC Acadia key fob battery

Your 2018 GMC Acadia 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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