Skip to content
LocksmithRates Independent locksmith pricing & how-to

GM Remote Programming by Holding the Unlock Switch

Updated 2026 5 vehicles 2004–2007

This procedure covers 5 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles from 2004 to 2007. 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 uses a hold-the-Unlock-switch method to program remotes — reprogram every transmitter, including existing ones. A few models can't use it (see tip), and 2001–2005 Impala and Monte Carlo use the radio menu instead.

Standard method

  1. 1Close all vehicle doors.
  2. 2Insert the key into the ignition.
  3. 3Press and hold UNLOCK on the driver's-door panel — keep holding until step 5.
  4. 4Do these in fairly rapid succession: turn the ignition ON (don't crank), then OFF, then ON again, then OFF.
  5. 5Release the Unlock button. The doors should lock and unlock on their own.
  6. 6Press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK together on the transmitter until the doors lock and unlock to confirm (up to 30 seconds).
  7. 7Repeat for each additional transmitter, including existing ones.
  8. 8Turn the ignition to ON to exit programming mode.

Radio method (2001–2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo)

  1. 1Turn the ignition to ACC or ON with the radio off (don't crank the engine).
  2. 2Press and hold the radio's DISP button at least 5 seconds until SETTINGS shows.
  3. 3Press SEEK up or down until FOB PROG appears.
  4. 4Press PREV or NEXT to enter the submenu; BEGIN is displayed.
  5. 5Press DISP to start. When PUSH FOB flashes, press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK together on the first transmitter for 15 seconds — a chime confirms it.
  6. 6Repeat for each additional transmitter (up to 4 total), pressing LOCK and UNLOCK on the next one.
  7. 7To exit, scroll to EXIT and press DISP (a chime confirms).

Tips & troubleshooting

  • The standard method won't work on certain GM models (e.g. 2000–2004 Cadillac Seville/DeVille, 2001–2006 Chevrolet Astro/Express, 2001–2005 Blazer SUV, 2001–2004 Corvette and Malibu, 2001–2005 Monte Carlo, 2001–2004 GMC Jimmy, 2001–2005 Safari, 2000–2005 Pontiac Bonneville, 2004 Grand Prix) — those need a locksmith or dealer.

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.

Find your vehicle

Vehicles this procedure covers

These steps apply to the 5 vehicles below — 2 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.

Every year, make and model this key fob programming procedure applies to
Make Model Years covered
Buick Rainier Shop fobs for the Buick Rainier on Amazon
Chevrolet Malibu Classic Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Malibu Classic on Amazon

We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which product we recommend. Learn more.

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:

Key fob programming cost Car key replacement cost

All key fob programming procedures →