Chevrolet Key Fob Programming
We cover 350 Chevrolet model years, and 227 of them (65%) can be programmed at home. Chevy uses GM's procedures, and the one you need depends on the ignition. On a regular key ignition, the most common routine adds a transponder key using one that already starts the engine. Push-button start models have their own smart key methods. Ten models need a locksmith or dealer, including the Colorado. Batteries are easy: 347 of the 350 years take a CR2032.
Choose your Chevrolet model for programming steps, the battery it uses, and the correct replacement fob with FCC ID and part number — 350 model years across 42 models.
- Astro 1999–2006
- Avalanche 2007–2013
- Blazer 2002–2005
- Bolt 2017–2020
- Camaro 2010–2020
- Captiva Sport 2011–2015
- Cavalier 2000–2005
- Cobalt 2005–2010
- Colorado 2004–2021
- Corvette 2001–2004
- Cruze 2011–2019
- Equinox 2005–2021
- Express 2003–2017
- Express 1500 1999–2014
- Express 2500 1999–2017
- Express 3500 1999–2017
- HHR 2007
- Impala 2001–2020
- Malibu 2001–2020
- Malibu Classic 2005–2006
- Monte Carlo 2001–2007
- S10 1999
- Silverado 1990–2020
- Silverado 1500 2007–2013
- Silverado 1500 HD 2007
- Silverado 2500 1999–2005
- Silverado 2500 HD 2007–2013
- Silverado 3500 2007
- Silverado 3500 HD 2007–2013
- Sonic 2012–2020
- Spark 2016–2020
- SSR 2003–2006
- Suburban 2007–2020
- Suburban 1500 1999–2014
- Suburban 2500 2007–2013
- Tahoe 2007–2020
- Trailblazer EXT 2002–2009
- Traverse 2009–2020
- Trax 2013–2020
- Uplander 2005–2008
- Venture 1997–2000
- Volt 2011–2020
A brass dot marks models with verified replacement-fob data (FCC ID + part number).
Can you program a Chevrolet key fob yourself?
On 227 of the 350 model years we cover (65%). The rest need a locksmith or dealer. Chevrolet uses 15 different onboard procedures:
- GM Transponder Key Programming With a Working Key
150 model years · Avalanche (2007–2013); Camaro (2010–2015); Captiva Sport (2011–2015); Cobalt (2007, 2010); Equinox (2010–2012, 2014); Express (2008–2017); Express 1500 (2008–2012); Express 2500 (2008–2017); Express 3500 (2012–2017); Impala (2006–2013, 2016); Malibu (2004–2011, 2013); Monte Carlo (2006–2007); Silverado (2007–2016); Silverado 1500 (2007–2012); Silverado 1500 HD (2007); Silverado 2500 HD (2007–2012); Silverado 3500 (2007); Silverado 3500 HD (2007–2012); Sonic (2012–2014); Suburban (2007–2010); Suburban 1500 (2007–2012); Suburban 2500 (2007–2012); Tahoe (2007–2013); Traverse (2009–2011); Trax (2013–2016); Uplander (2005–2008); Venture (1997, 1999–2000); Volt (2011–2015)
- GM Remote Programming With and Without a Driver Information Center
51 model years · Avalanche (2007–2010); Express 1500 (2007–2010); Express 2500 (2007–2010); Impala (2006–2010); Monte Carlo (2006–2007); Silverado 1500 (2007–2010); Silverado 1500 HD (2007); Silverado 2500 HD (2007–2010); Silverado 3500 (2007); Silverado 3500 HD (2007–2010); Suburban (2007–2010); Suburban 1500 (2007–2010); Suburban 2500 (2007–2010); Tahoe (2007–2010); Traverse (2009–2010)
- GM Smart Key Programming for Push-Button Start
25 model years · Bolt (2017–2020); Camaro (2017–2020); Cruze (2017–2019); Malibu (2017–2020); Sonic (2018); Spark (2016–2020); Traverse (2018–2020); Trax (2019)
- GM Key and Transmitter Programming by Ignition Type
15 model years · Cruze (2011–2016); Equinox (2013, 2015–2016); Impala (2017–2020); Sonic (2015–2016)
- GM Remote Programming for Push-Button Start
8 model years · Suburban (2015–2018); Tahoe (2015–2018)
- GM Add a Key and Smart Key Programming
7 model years · Camaro (2016); Equinox (2016); Malibu (2016); Spark (2016–2017); Tahoe (2015–2016)
- GM Key Programming: Regular Ignition and Push-Button Start
7 model years · Equinox (2017–2019); Sonic (2017–2018); Trax (2017–2018)
- Chevrolet Smart Key Programming With the Start/Stop Button
6 model years · Equinox (2020–2021); Sonic (2019–2020); Trax (2019–2020)
- GM Key and Smart Key Programming by Ignition Type
6 model years · Suburban (2019–2020); Tahoe (2017–2020)
- GM Add a Key Without Erasing Your Existing Keys
5 model years · Impala (2014–2016); Malibu (2014–2015)
- Chevrolet Smart Key Programming: Hold the Power Button
5 model years · Volt (2016–2020)
- GM Smart Key Remote Programming (Push-Button Start Only)
4 model years · Suburban (2019–2020); Tahoe (2019–2020)
- Chevrolet Flip Key: Remote Programmed With the Key
4 model years · Trax (2013–2016)
- GM Remote Programming by Holding the Unlock Switch
1 model year · Malibu Classic (2005)
- GM Key and Smart Key Programming With or Without a Working Key
1 model year · Sonic (2017)
Locksmith or dealer only: Astro (1999, 2002–2006); Blazer (2002–2005); Cavalier (2000–2005); Colorado (2004–2012, 2015–2021); Corvette (2001–2004); HHR (2007); S10 (1999); Silverado 2500 (1999–2000, 2005); SSR (2003–2006); Trailblazer EXT (2002–2009).
What battery does a Chevrolet key fob take?
Every Chevrolet fob we cover that has a battery takes a CR2032. A plain chip key has no battery at all.
| Battery | Model years | Models |
|---|---|---|
| CR2032 battery on Amazon | 347 | Astro (1999, 2002–2005); Avalanche (2007–2013); Blazer (2002–2005); Bolt (2017–2020); Camaro (2010–2020); Captiva Sport (2011–2015); Cavalier (2000–2005); Cobalt (2005, 2007, 2010); Colorado (2004–2012, 2015–2021); Corvette (2001–2004); Cruze (2011–2019); Equinox (2005–2006, 2010–2021); Express (2003–2017); Express 1500 (1999–2014); Express 2500 (1999–2017); Express 3500 (1999–2006, 2011–2017); HHR (2007); Impala (2001–2020); Malibu (2001–2011, 2013–2020); Malibu Classic (2005–2006); Monte Carlo (2001–2007); S10 (1999); Silverado (1990, 1999, 2007–2020); Silverado 1500 (2007–2013); Silverado 1500 HD (2007); Silverado 2500 (1999–2000, 2005); Silverado 2500 HD (2007–2013); Silverado 3500 (2007); Silverado 3500 HD (2007–2013); Sonic (2012–2020); Spark (2016–2020); SSR (2003–2006); Suburban (2007–2020); Suburban 1500 (1999, 2007–2014); Suburban 2500 (2007–2013); Tahoe (2007–2020); Trailblazer EXT (2002–2009); Traverse (2009–2014, 2018–2020); Trax (2015–2020); Uplander (2005–2008); Venture (1997, 1999–2000); Volt (2011–2020) |
| None (chip key) | 3 | Astro (2006); Trax (2013–2014) |
Chevrolet key types
The replacement keys we've matched to Chevrolet models fall into 4 types. A model year can take more than one, which is why the model pages list each option with its FCC ID.
- Remote 1997–2021
- A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.
- Transponder Key 1999–2017
- A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.
- Remote Head Key 2010–2020
- One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.
- Proximity Key 2015–2021
- Stays in your pocket — the car unlocks and starts without inserting a key.
What Chevrolet key programming costs
US price ranges for the key types above, with a working key on hand. Losing every key costs more, $200–$500 at a locksmith for a basic fob or transponder key.
| Key | Locksmith | Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Basic remote, working key on hand | $50–$150 | $100–$250 |
| Transponder or remote-head key | $75–$200 | $150–$350 |
| Smart / push-to-start key | $150–$400 | $250–$600 |
Full breakdown and sources: key fob programming cost .
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