GM Add a Key and Smart Key Programming
Updated 2026 9 vehicles 2015–2017
This procedure covers 9 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles from 2015 to 2017. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.
Need the fob itself?
Pick your vehicle to see replacement fobs on Amazon. Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.
Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.
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)
- 1Insert the original, already-programmed key and start the engine.
- 2Turn the key off and remove it.
- 3Within 10 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON (don't start).
- 4The security light goes out once the key is programmed. No security light? Wait 10 minutes and 45 seconds.
- 5Repeat from step 1 for additional keys.
Push-button start — Method A (two working smart keys)
- 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
- 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
- 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.
- 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet and Buick.
- 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
- 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
- 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
- 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.
Which fob does your vehicle take?
These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.
Vehicles this procedure covers
These steps apply to the 9 vehicles below — 6 models across 2 makes. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.
| Make | Model | Years covered |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Camaro Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Camaro on Amazon | |
| Chevrolet | Equinox Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Equinox on Amazon | |
| Chevrolet | Malibu Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Malibu on Amazon | |
| Chevrolet | Spark Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Spark on Amazon | |
| Chevrolet | Tahoe Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Tahoe on Amazon | |
| GMC | Yukon Shop fobs for the GMC Yukon on Amazon |
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Rather pay someone to do it?
What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright: