Key fob programming

HA1

MEMBER
1997 OLDSMOBILE 88
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
63,000 MILES

So I just bought a the car listed above, it has two keys, one is just for the doors and trunk, the other is for the ignition. For some reason I can't find a way to program a key fob to it. When I tried the obd port with a paper clip, is only the number 4 that has metal in it, the 8 is empty. So I thought may be my obd port is mess up. I went to a couple of junk yards and find out that they all come like that, no metal in the 8th pin. Can someone please help me out? I'm tired of using a key.

6 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,449 POSTS

If your car is missing terminal 8 then it requires a tech two or similar scan tool to program the fob into the system, however remote locks were an option on those and it may not have that enabled.

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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 9:04 AM

HA1

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I was able to enable the system on the car by turning the ignition on and toggle the headlight on and off 4 times, that's how to activate the system as stated in the manual book, but still the remote won't work.

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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 9:13 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,449 POSTS

That would only work if the actual remote locking has been enabled in the options. See if you can find the RPO list for the car then see if T2T is on the list. That is the remote door locks option code. If it has that then it should have the remote module activated, then you use a scan tool to program the remote module to use the fobs you have. There is no way to program the remotes to that module without the scan tool. That was removed because it made it possible for thieves to program in a remote very easily.

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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 10:57 AM

HA1

MEMBER
4 POSTS

You are right sir, it needs a scan tool to do it. Thank you very much.

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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:09 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,449 POSTS

Sorry about the way GM did things back then. Not sure if this is in there but that car is also limited to 4 remotes in the system. An automotive locksmith should be able to program them in and test the system, usually they are cheaper than a dealer or other shops.
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