Replacement key fob – reprogram?

Razorback · 06-05-2017, 10:52 AM

I recently bought a used 2016 Camaro 2SS from a Chevy dealer and it came with two keys, but the second key was missing its key fob. The dealer ordered and sent me a brand new key fob, and I plugged the second key into it, but it is not working (i.e., doesn’t lock, unlock, remote start, open trunk, etc.). I even tried setting it in the second (rearmost) cup-holder overnight to do the re-programming thing, but had no luck.

Any suggestions on how to make the metal key work with a new key fob? Are there any reprogramming steps I can do myself, or do I need to take it into the dealer?

avalonandl · 06-05-2017, 01:29 PM

Owners manual has a procedure

Razorback · 06-05-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avalonandl

Owners manual has a procedure

Sure enough it does! I Googled and downloaded the 2016 Camaro User Manual (as opposed to, you know, reading the one in my freaking glove box), and on page 30 and 31 it discusses the key and key fob programming procedure both with and without existing fobs. I already have one working transmitter so this should (!) work according to the instructions on page 30.

I will try this method tonight and post the results. Thanks again for your help (and for the gentle RTFM nudge, which I should have done first!).

Razorback · 06-05-2017, 08:17 PM

So, yes, RTFM works.

The instructions on page 30, 31 and 35 of the Camaro User Manual were spot on to reprogram a new remote. It took me less than 2 minutes.

For those who are curious about how to do this, the steps are:

1. Please, I encourage you to read the Camaro User Manual (pages 30-31 and 35), it is very clear and helpful (and what I should have done first). Otherwise...

2. Place your working (#1) key fob in the rearmost cupholder.

3. On the exterior driver's side door handle, separate the metal key from the nonworking (#2) key fob and use the metal key portion to pry off the key lock cylinder cover from underneath. See p. 35 (right side) of the Camaro User Manual for more details.

4. Insert the #2 metal key into the driver's side door key lock cylinder, and turn it left (counterclockwise) 5 times quickly within 10 seconds. This will cause the Driver's Information Center (DIC) in the dashboard instrument panel to display "Ready for Remote #2" (or #3 in my case).

5. Place the nonworking (#2) transmitter into the rearmost cupholder, and remove the original working (#1) transmitter key fob from the cupholder.

6. Press the Engine Start/Stop button once. This will program the #2 key fob. The DIC should show that it is now ready to program the next transmitter (e.g., #3 or #4).

7. Remove the now working (#2) transmitter from the rearmost cupholder and press the lock or unlock buttons. It should work.

8. Exit the car with both key fobs, and reinsert the #2 metal key into its key fob.

9. Replace the driver's side key lock cylinder cover, sliding it from the rear of the car towards the front and clicking it into place carefully.

10. Use the #2 key fob to lock the car (and/or simply walk away and it will auto-lock after a few seconds).

Cheers!

2000wu6 · 08-28-2017, 12:44 AM

I was looking into getting another spare fob/key for my Fifty ... found some fobs on EBay that may have been programmed to a car before - can they be re-programmed for my car, or are they basically unusable? I would have expected the vehicle to be the relevant part, but on one auction, the buyer complained that the wasn't new and didn't pair with his car ...

2000wu6 · 09-20-2017, 04:03 AM

Wondering - some shops selling new key fobs seem to differentiate between fobs for 2016 and 2017 models (e.g. replacemyremote.com) ... is there really a difference between the remotes for those two model years??? Edit: At least according the GM Parts Guy page, the key fobs for 2016 and 2017 seem to be the same part# ...

cwoodard91 · 09-11-2018, 08:14 PM

I purchased a used key fob today from someone who forgot to give it back with a trade in. When I go to program the key fob, the instructions say use the metal key from the new key fob to put the car into learning mode. Clearly I can’t use the new metal key because it is cut to the previous owners car so I figured I could get around this by using the metal key from my key fob that I got with my car. So when I put the car into learning mode and place the new key fob into the cup holder nothing happens. So I’m guessing the replacement key fob must be new because I highly doubt the metal key in the new fob sends a signal telling the car if it’s used or not.

2016 Camaro 2SS

Ssvertlife · 02-28-2019, 10:51 AM

Did gig ever get that used keyfob able to be reprogrammed with your car?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwoodard91

I purchased a used key fob today from someone who forgot to give it back with a trade in. When I go to program the key fob, the instructions say use the metal key from the new key fob to put the car into learning mode. Clearly I can’t use the new metal key because it is cut to the previous owners car so I figured I could get around this by using the metal key from my key fob that I got with my car. So when I put the car into learning mode and place the new key fob into the cup holder nothing happens. So I’m guessing the replacement key fob must be new because I highly doubt the metal key in the new fob sends a signal telling the car if it’s used or not.

2016 Camaro 2SS

17rsvert · 02-28-2019, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwoodard91

I purchased a used key fob today from someone who forgot to give it back with a trade in. When I go to program the key fob, the instructions say use the metal key from the new key fob to put the car into learning mode. Clearly I can’t use the new metal key because it is cut to the previous owners car so I figured I could get around this by using the metal key from my key fob that I got with my car. So when I put the car into learning mode and place the new key fob into the cup holder nothing happens. So I’m guessing the replacement key fob must be new because I highly doubt the metal key in the new fob sends a signal telling the car if it’s used or not.

2016 Camaro 2SS

The cut metal key is only used to mechanically get the car in program mode, there is no signal. There are 2 procedures, one for programming a 3rd fob if you have 2, and a second for programming a second fob if you only have one. Not sure about reprogramming a used one, but make sure you follow the instructions exactly. Programming a third fob keeps the coded signal the same as the originals. Programming a second key changes the the codes for both, rendering the missing original fob useless for security purposes. I bought a new fob/ key on Ebay for 45 bucks, programmed it myself and got the key cut at a local locksmith for 15 bucks.

docdds · 03-09-2019, 12:23 AM

Did you buy a brand new OEM Key Fob, used OEM or non-OEM?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 17rsvert

The cut metal key is only used to mechanically get the car in program mode, there is no signal. There are 2 procedures, one for programming a 3rd fob if you have 2, and a second for programming a second fob if you only have one. Not sure about reprogramming a used one, but make sure you follow the instructions exactly. Programming a third fob keeps the coded signal the same as the originals. Programming a second key changes the the codes for both, rendering the missing original fob useless for security purposes. I bought a new fob/ key on Ebay for 45 bucks, programmed it myself and got the key cut at a local locksmith for 15 bucks.

17rsvert · 03-09-2019, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docdds

Did you buy a brand new OEM Key Fob, used OEM or non-OEM?

It was listed as OEM new. The listing I purchased from is gone, here's another.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-16-...cAAOSwV21a2kJN

Mine was a little cheaper at the time, and I waited until Ebay had a 20% off code to buy. I'm still not clear if a used fob can be reprogrammed by the car, but a used one certainly can't have the key recut to fit the lock.

raidernation3017 · 03-11-2019, 11:05 AM

I bought a used one from ebay, had a new metal key cut for it, did the programming and it would not take it, and i had to wait 15 minutes before my original key would work, i called the dealer he told me. I could not reprogram a used key

raidaru · 03-11-2019, 11:24 AM

I also had no keys on my car, bought two new from ebay, programmed both myself, works like a charm now!

docdds · 03-18-2019, 03:25 PM

Thanks

09-20-2017, 04:03 AM	#6
2000wu6 Drives: 1999 Firehawk Cvt, 50th SS ordered Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Fulda, Germany Posts: 16	Wondering - some shops selling new key fobs seem to differentiate between fobs for 2016 and 2017 models (e.g. replacemyremote.com) ... is there really a difference between the remotes for those two model years??? Edit: At least according the GM Parts Guy page, the key fobs for 2016 and 2017 seem to be the same part# ... Last edited by 2000wu6; 09-20-2017 at 04:36 AM.

03-18-2019, 03:25 PM	#14
docdds Drives: Corvette 3LT Silver/two tone Red Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 212	Thanks __________________ 2LT 2.0L, NFG/Kalahari, RTH-Black wheels , RS, ZN2, Y4Q, MX0, PCL 5/17 6000 5/9 5000 5/9 4B00 5/6 4800 5/5 Depart Thermal, CA; Arrived –Mira Loma, CA; pulled from customer –Mira Loma, CA; 5/4 Depart Carrizozo, NM 5/3 Depart Herington, KS 5/2 Depart: Hannibal, MO: Union Grove, Il: Beverly, IA 4/30 Arrive In Transit -Gibson, IN 4/29 Departure Battle Creek, MI 4/28 "bad order" Battle Creek MI; Mechanical problem with railcar 4/27 Departure -Charlotte, MI " 4200 4/12 4B00 4/9 3800 Built & VINed 4/1 3400;3/31 3300;3/12 3000 TPW 4/11 3/9 3000;3/3 2000;2/29 1100

06-05-2017, 10:52 AM	#1
Razorback Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS, Summit White Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 20	Replacement key fob – reprogram? I recently bought a used 2016 Camaro 2SS from a Chevy dealer and it came with two keys, but the second key was missing its key fob. The dealer ordered and sent me a brand new key fob, and I plugged the second key into it, but it is not working (i.e., doesn’t lock, unlock, remote start, open trunk, etc.). I even tried setting it in the second (rearmost) cup-holder overnight to do the re-programming thing, but had no luck. Any suggestions on how to make the metal key work with a new key fob? Are there any reprogramming steps I can do myself, or do I need to take it into the dealer?

06-05-2017, 01:29 PM	#2
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	Owners manual has a procedure __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

06-05-2017, 08:17 PM	#4
Razorback Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS, Summit White Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 20	So, yes, RTFM works. The instructions on page 30, 31 and 35 of the Camaro User Manual were spot on to reprogram a new remote. It took me less than 2 minutes. For those who are curious about how to do this, the steps are: 1. Please, I encourage you to read the Camaro User Manual (pages 30-31 and 35), it is very clear and helpful (and what I should have done first). Otherwise... 2. Place your working (#1) key fob in the rearmost cupholder. 3. On the exterior driver's side door handle, separate the metal key from the nonworking (#2) key fob and use the metal key portion to pry off the key lock cylinder cover from underneath. See p. 35 (right side) of the Camaro User Manual for more details. 4. Insert the #2 metal key into the driver's side door key lock cylinder, and turn it left (counterclockwise) 5 times quickly within 10 seconds. This will cause the Driver's Information Center (DIC) in the dashboard instrument panel to display "Ready for Remote #2" (or #3 in my case). 5. Place the nonworking (#2) transmitter into the rearmost cupholder, and remove the original working (#1) transmitter key fob from the cupholder. 6. Press the Engine Start/Stop button once. This will program the #2 key fob. The DIC should show that it is now ready to program the next transmitter (e.g., #3 or #4). 7. Remove the now working (#2) transmitter from the rearmost cupholder and press the lock or unlock buttons. It should work. 8. Exit the car with both key fobs, and reinsert the #2 metal key into its key fob. 9. Replace the driver's side key lock cylinder cover, sliding it from the rear of the car towards the front and clicking it into place carefully. 10. Use the #2 key fob to lock the car (and/or simply walk away and it will auto-lock after a few seconds). Cheers!

08-28-2017, 12:44 AM	#5
2000wu6 Drives: 1999 Firehawk Cvt, 50th SS ordered Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Fulda, Germany Posts: 16	I was looking into getting another spare fob/key for my Fifty ... found some fobs on EBay that may have been programmed to a car before - can they be re-programmed for my car, or are they basically unusable? I would have expected the vehicle to be the relevant part, but on one auction, the buyer complained that the wasn't new and didn't pair with his car ...

09-11-2018, 08:14 PM	#7
cwoodard91 Drives: 2016 2SS Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 17	I purchased a used key fob today from someone who forgot to give it back with a trade in. When I go to program the key fob, the instructions say use the metal key from the new key fob to put the car into learning mode. Clearly I can’t use the new metal key because it is cut to the previous owners car so I figured I could get around this by using the metal key from my key fob that I got with my car. So when I put the car into learning mode and place the new key fob into the cup holder nothing happens. So I’m guessing the replacement key fob must be new because I highly doubt the metal key in the new fob sends a signal telling the car if it’s used or not. 2016 Camaro 2SS

03-11-2019, 11:05 AM	#12
raidernation3017 2nd mosted hated in NM Drives: Tuned for her Pleasure Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Rio Rancho Posts: 578	I bought a used one from ebay, had a new metal key cut for it, did the programming and it would not take it, and i had to wait 15 minutes before my original key would work, i called the dealer he told me. I could not reprogram a used key

03-11-2019, 11:24 AM	#13
raidaru Drives: 2SS Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Europe Posts: 130	I also had no keys on my car, bought two new from ebay, programmed both myself, works like a charm now!

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