Key Fob Programming Instructions for Buick, Chevy, Cadillac
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If you don’t have an emergency key, purchase the metal key from the dealer, and the keyfobs can be purchased online for less. You will need to perform this procedure if you have one key and want to add more keys.
At a Glance
- Fits: most 2015 and newer GM vehicles with push button start (Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC).
- Time: about 30 minutes, mostly waiting through three 10 minute cycles.
- This erases all keys, so program every key you want to keep in the same session.
- The key goes in the transmitter pocket (cupholder, console or armrest) during programming.
- Buy a fob with the correct part number; used fobs may not program.
You can also use this procedure if you have lost all keys and are looking to program a new key. The following procedure applies to most 2015 and newer Buick / Chevy / Cadillac vehicles equipped with keyless start.
Application
These instructions apply to most 2015 and newer vehicles equipped with a push START button, a keyless entry with smart keys shown above.
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These instructions apply to many GM models, including:
- GMC,
- Buick,
- Cadillac,
- Chevrolet (Chevy).
This does not apply to vehicles that do not have a keyless start.
Procedure
- Remove the emergency key from the key fob.
- Remove the cap from the driver’s door lock cylinder to manually open the door. The door handle on the driver’s door has a small hole underneath. Insert the emergency key blade and push it up to pop out the key cover and expose the lock cylinder.
- Insert the emergency key in the driver’s door lock cylinder and twist it counterclockwise five times (quickly).
- The dashboard (Driver Information Center or DIC) will show Ready for Programming.
- Press the START/STOP button on the dashboard once and set a timer on your phone for 10 minutes. Wait until 10 minutes have passed. Repeat this procedure three times.
You will have to wait 30 minutes before you can program a new keyfob. 
- The Driver Information Center will show READY FOR REMOTE #1 after you repeat step five three times and have waited for 30 minutes. All the remotes are erased now, and you can start programming the new key fob. Have every key you want to keep with you, because any key not programmed in this session will stop working.
- Put the key into the transmitter pocket located on the center console. In some models, the transmitter pocket is inside the armrest. Lift the armrest and find the transmitter location. On Chevrolet vehicles, the transmitter location is typically in the cupholder. If unsure, see your owner’s manual section on starting the car when the key fob is dead.
- Press the START/STOP button on the dashboard once. The Key will be recognized by the vehicle.
- Remove the key from the transmitter pocket.
- If you have more keys to the program, insert the following key in the transmitter pocket, then press START/STOP again on the dashboard.
- Repeat step ten to program more keys.
- Once you are done programming, press and hold the START/STOP button for 15 seconds to exit the programming mode.
- Test all the remotes. You should be able to lock unlock the vehicle, and also start the engine.
You will have to wait 30 minutes before you can program a new keyfob. 
Remember that if you have a working remote, include it in the programming steps above, or the original remote will not work. This procedure will work if you have lost all keys or have only one key and want to add a second keyfob. You can program a GM smart key if you have one emergency (metal blade found inside the keyfob) to unlock the driver’s door manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a key fob that I buy online work?
Yes. Open up your existing remove and look up the FDIC number printed inside the keyfob. If you have lost all the keys, get your VIN and call your dealer. Ask for a key quote and ask for the key fob part number.
I have a working remote; will this work to add a second one?
Yes. You can use this procedure to add a second remote.
I already have a working remote; do I need to go through all the steps?
Yes, you need to go through all the steps.
Which models do these instructions apply?
These instructions apply to most GM vehicles from 2014 and up with a keyless start. For example, the Buick Enclave and Cadillac XTS.
Do you have to have the key cut to program a new key fob?
It would help if you had at least one cut metal key. The metal (emergency) key in the second or spare key fob does not need to be cut or match the vehicle for this procedure.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Buick, Chevy, and Cadillac.
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