Programming transponder chip Key and Key FOB

DAVISN95

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt LT with one OEM key, and one OEM Keyless entry remote FOB that the unlock button does not work on.

First, I want to buy 2 more new uncut blank transponder chip keys. I am going to have them cut at a local place that cuts keys. But, my question is how do you program the keys to the 2006 Cobalt (without taking to a dealership if possible)?

Second, I want to buy two new key FOBs (I will stop using the original one once the 2 new ones are programmed). My second question is how do you program these new key FOBs? Is it possible to program them myself without taking to a dealership if I still have the original keyless entry FOB? Does it require a Tech II scanner to program them?

Thank You for your help!

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,323 POSTS

Hello,

You must use the tech2 to reprogram the key and the fobs.

Here are the instructions for the manual.

Transmitter Programming

IMPORTANT: Up to 4 transmitters can be programmed. Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This prevents the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle. The order in which the transmitters are programmed is important. The first transmitter programmed will be transmitter #1, and the second transmitter programmed will be transmitter #2. Use care to program the transmitters correctly.
The scan tool must stay connected until all of the transmitters are programmed.

This procedure will erase all key fobs from memory.

Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
With the scan tool, select Body and Accessories.
Select Keyless Entry.
Select Module Setup.
Select BCM.
Select Program Key Fobs.
Select Invalidate All.
Follow the scan tool on screen instructions.
Remove the scan tool.
Exit the vehicle. Operate all functions on transmitters to verify correct system operation.

1 Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? Go to Step 2 Go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE in Vehicle DTC Information
2
Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
With a scan tool, observe the status of DTC B3100.
Is the DTC B3100 a current code? Go to Step 3 Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
3
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR).
Connect a DMM from the keyless entry serial data circuit to a good ground.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Observe the voltage.
Does the DMM indicate battery voltage? Go to Step 5 Go to Step 4
4 Test the keyless entry serial data circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 9 Go to Step 6
5 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the RCDLR. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 9 Go to Step 7
6 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the body control module (BCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 9 Go to Step 8
7 Replace the RCDLR. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Did you complete the replacement? Go to Step 9 -
8 Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.
Did you complete the replacement? Go to Step 9 -
9
Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
Does the DTC reset? Go to Step 2 System OK

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken