Thank you so much for this video! My first key broke years ago, then last week my spare key broke... dealer wanted to charge me $400.00 plus per key fob. With your step by step video I was able to purchase two key fobs for $26.99 from Amazon and reprogram them. Thank you ! Thank you!
Thank-you. My wife's key fob wasn't working because the buttons broke. I used the information in your video and put a new fob on the old key. It works fine now. I checked the price for getting it replaced professionally. You just saved me around 300 bucks. Thanks.
UPDATE: The end of my key was an ‘inth’ too long so I used a Dremel for that but couldn’t get the pin back in. (broke) Took stainless steel jump-ring from my jewelry making. Fits perfectly but a little loose. No matter. Bent both ends close to the connector. Didn’t even bother with dremel on the 2nd key. They close and open but don’t‘flip’, BUT DO STAY IN PLACE when open or closed. Programmed 2 new keys. Costs $25 for 2 now at Amazon 👍🏼 Thank you so much!! So needed this 😇🙏🏼
Easy way to code these is to turn the master key in the ignition to on “not start” with the pin out of both the master and the new fob. Turn the Ignition off after 3 seconds, remove the master fob with the unpinned key still in the ignition. Place the new fob on the key that is still in the ignition and turn the ignition on. After 10 seconds give or so fire it up, if it starts. You did it properly and you can now remove both the key and new fob and pin the new fob. Keep the original fob in case you need to do it in the future.
Thank you so much!! I didn't have this exact problem, but your video did help me with the problem I was having. I would like to add a tip.... if you transferred the the inside components from the old to the new, you could skip the reprogramming process 👍🏽..... Then, 🤷🏾♀️ one less key that could operate.... Regardless though, if you have received ANY sarcastic comments, here's some motivation: There are so many people that benefit from this type of information, whether it's long or short. One video can bring to light something that others didn't. I appreciate ANYONE that takes their time out to show someone else how to do something, because you didn't have to 🤷🏾♀️
Thanks, I appreciate it! I’m just a regular guy, trying to share some knowledge to help someone out. The feedback I receive is pretty much all positive or contains constructive criticism that I use to try to make improvements to my videos. And that is a great tip! I have also switched the internals over to an empty shell, and as you said, there’s no need to reprogram. I planned to make a dedicated video on reprogramming the key with all the different variables. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten to it yet. But it’s still on my list!
OMG you are a life saver! Thank you so much for this video! GM quoted me $300 for ONE new key because the "programming" was "so expensive" -$190 for the programming alone. Watching how easily you programmed a new key made me realize JUST how much they are ripping you off at the dealership! That is seriously ridiculous! Here I am thinking they have to jump through hoops to reprogram a key when it's a mere few minutes of sticking the key into the ignition and back out. Going to order a new key now! Thanks, and God bless!
Thank you so much , this was so easy to fix. Everything went just like you said. I did order from Walmart because they were Chevy's fobs 2 for 27.99. I am a 79 year old women and had no problem fixing my key fobs. You make it so simple. Thanks again.
Had a new fob ordered on Amazon...about 12.00...took it to our local hardware store, and they laser cut the key, programmed it, all for 21.00...not all hardware stores though, have the machine to do this.....took him 10 minutes to do this...
Thank you so much for this video. It saved me soooo much money. My husband had to do right much sanding but he finally got it to fit. Programming was a cinch just like you showed. Again, thank you!
One thing or two not mentioned; put the new key in the ignition within 10 seconds or it won't program it 2) It's the Fob and not the metal blade that's being programmed, these keys aren't "chipped", so it doesn't matter the order that you install it, I used my newly cut key with my old fob and it programmed the backup.. Lastly, many of the fobs are sold without the inner workings (circuit board) so make sure what you buy has the electronics inside
Umm yup they are chipped... A Phillips 46.... You always have been able to programmed Chevy chipped keys this way... It's call on board programming... obp... Not to be confused with ODB the rapper... The interesting part is that now apparently with this type remote it gets programmed at the same time as the chip... that's the unusual and amazing part. I have been programming the micro chip in the key that way for years, but usually there is a different process to get the remote working as well. Pretty cool it seems to be all in one shot on these..... Very nice.
@@LydiaMayyou have to remove the key blade from the key. Then you can use that key blade to turn the ignition. For each key. But yah if you want a spare then you have to get it cut by a locksmith. He wasn't actually creating a entirely new key... Because he only had one blade. He was fixing a key. So it was same blade. It's tricky I can see.. and nobody wants to cut keys like that. Maybe the dealership will cut you the blade part. Yes this can get tricky... But if you trying to fix one key it can be done... If you want spare key then a blade needs to be cut by somebody...
This 💯 worked my malibu 2014 fell apart like that I actually switched it with a fob from a impala and didn't shave it down at all it easily fit and programmed just like he showed us. Bro like just helped me save money thank you so much 🖤
A couple of notes: 1. A golf tee works great as a wedge to hold open the key during installation/removal 2. A 1/16" drill bit works great as a punch for removing the pin. I suggest using a Dewalt DD5104 hex shank for easy hammering. 3. The key reprogramming is limited to 5 keys; that's why the message was displayed. 4. Yes, a dealer will rip you off with a smile on their face at any opportunity.
First, he must not have experienced this, but it's EXTREMELY easy to damage the pin, it's not solid, it's hollow, so if you dont pick just the right sized Allen wrench or an awl, you will rip the pin open, I am very handy and I damaged 2 pins (I fixed them, but that ain't easy either, as I said, "I'm handy". Next, the generic replacements never line up which is why he had to use a belt-sander, trouble is not 1 in 1,000 of you own a belt sander, so use a dremel to grind off some material. If you damage the pin, cut it in half and stick that in, it's more than enough to hold the key in place. Best video about this on RU-vid
Worked like a charm. Just program the remote before you put the key into the unprogrammed remote. I had to take mine apart to program the new remote then put it back together.
I have not made that video yet, but it’s on my list. Program it with the metal key loose. Put it in tho old fob (loose, don’t install the pin). Insert into ignition, turn key, remove key. Move metal key to new fob (loose, no pin) and insert key into ignition to program the new fob. Then take your time and pin the key into the fob.
Having an issue with the cars anti theft deterrent system. It won't get passed that. I knew it couldn't be just this easy. Onto the search now for that answer
I used a 1.5mm Allen wrench in order to get the little pin out and pushed in a small bit at a time with needle nose pliers to get it back in haven’t tried programming yet here we go
This video is amazing! I did try to do this myself, but the new FOB didn't have a roll pin, and I couldn't get the 'blank' key off the metal rotating part. There was no pin to push out, and it woudln't come off. Did I buy the wrong FOB? It said it was compatible with my car.
Thanks for the video! This just happened to me and I can't find the spare I put in a "safe place" 5 years ago. I'm hoping that once I stick the key part into a new fob, I'll still be able to program it. Different kind of car. Still looking into the details.
Hi I tried to program my new fob how you said and I get a light on the dash picture of car with lock on it. Any advice? I tried it a few times and will not work. I have 2010 Chevy Equinox
Thanks! This is great idea! But I am a bit confused! I have only one key and planning to buy a key from amazon and transfer only metallic key part we insert! How would I program without cutting the new key but by only transferring metallic key part from old key?
You can program the new fob without having a second original key. It is just a proximity situation. The old fob and new fob just need to be close during the procedure. There is nothing special about the metal key actually being connected to the fob for programming. To be safe, I would remove the blank key from the new unit. Then the original cut key can be easily inserted into the original fob, or the new fob. This will be ideal for programming the new fob. Stick the cut key into the old fob and turn on the ignition. Remove it from the ignition. Then move the cut key from the old fob to the new fob, and insert it into the ignition to program it. Then you will be all set. Then you can stick the roll pin in to permanently attach it and call it a day.
@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Just want to note this worked for me! I had a really hard time taking apart the key fob, so I just followed this instruction and it did the trick! Now I just have to get the pin inserted and I'm golden. Thanks!
I don't know if you will see this , but what do you do if the actual key part is broken off a little bit? How can a new key be cut without the entire key?
I believe you will have to have the dealership or a locksmith cut you a new key using the Vin number. GM has your key information saved. With your Vin number, they can cut you a new one.
The dealership or a locksmith will cut them. Where I live, ACE Hardware will also do it. From my experience, you cannot supply your own key. You have to purchase it through whoever is going to cut it for you. They don’t want to damage their equipment by putting some unknown sourced key into their machine. The last time I got something similar cut for a different vehicle it was around $300. You can just give the dealership a call and ask how much it will cost.
I love how these people make a video, "Eyyy Errr How to fix it for just $3.00!" Two minutes in, uses a $2,000 piece of equipment. "Just shave a little bit of the metal off yeehaw!"
Glad you love the video! But seriously, things don’t always go as planned. That step should not be required. But it was this time, and having some basic tools is a good investment. Some people may not even own pliers or a screwdriver. That belt sander specifically was $60. In this case, the cost of the belt sander was significantly less than the cost of getting a new key cut at the dealership. Still saves some money, and you own the tool for the future. But you could use a file or a piece of sandpaper. I have the belt sander, so I used it. However, if someone does not want to invest in tools as needed and doesn’t not plan to do any DIY in the future, they are more than welcome to just pay the dealership for a new key and move on. Everyone is free to do what they choose! Good luck!
The end of my key was an ‘inth’ too long so I used a Dremel for that but couldn’t get the pin back in. Took stainless steel jump-ring from my jewelry making. Fits perfectly but a little loose. No matter. Bent both ends close to the connector. It closes and opens but doesn’t ‘flip’. Don’t care. Programmed 2 new keys. Costs $25 for 2 now at Amazon 👍🏼
I bought generic key fobs I have a working key but, but came with no working key fob Can I put the working key in the new fob and program it that way with out having the blank keys cut?
Yes, you can move the existing metal cut key to the new fob. However, I’m not sure how you can program the new fob. You need a working fob to program a new fob.
can this only work if you have a spare key? i bought a used car and it only came with one key. edit: nevermind i found a comment that kind of answered my question.
You need to program the new fob to your vehicle. There is nothing special about the key. The key does not get programmed. Before you pin the key into the new fob, insert the key into the old fob. Insert it into the ignition, turn it forward, turn it back, and remove it. Then move the key to the new fob. Insert the key with the new fob, turn it, and the new fob will be programmed to the vehicle. Now, pin the key into the new fob permanently.
Can we get a website from wear to buy this key fob from .. the unlock button is gone gotta use key .. alarm goes off every time when door is locked… wish a new a way to unlock it without alarm going off 😖
I have experienced that in other vehicles. I know how you feel. I will work on adding a link for where to purchase it. I bought some cheap ones from eBay just to try them. I don’t recommend those. I will find a link for OEM fobs.
Best tip I can give anyone, take the key to a LOCKSMITH BRICK AND MORTAR STORE, NOT A MOBILE LOCKSMITH! The mobile will charge you $150-$200 which is close to dealer price, if you go to the shop and ask "I only want the key cut", the cost is about $30-$35, the mobile guys will tel you "I will make you a new key and program it", but you now know you don't need tools to program it..$30 plus the $20 for 2 sets extra and you'll have 2 new keys plus fobs for $50 out the door
Do you need two working original keys to make this programming work. Because I only have one key and if I put it in the new fob how will I be able to program it
It can be done with one key. The vehicle reads the fob, not the key. Hold the fob up to your ignition, about where it would be located if it was attached to the key. You are programming the fob. Not the key.
Someone else commented that Batteries Plus cuts them for $20. It is probably also worth calling the dealership. I recently got a key copied for $25. But, if you don’t have an existing key to copy, there are extra fees to cut it based on the vin number.
You can do it with one key. The metal key is not programmed and does not have a chip or anything in it. Just the five is what’s programmed. Insert the metal key into the ignition with the old (already programmed) fob in close proximity, like where it would naturally be if you were using it as the key. Then, remove it, and re-insert the key with the new fob in close proximity to program it. Or you could do the whole process before you pin the key into the new fob. Stick the key in the old fob, insert it into the ignition and turn it. Remove it. Stick the key in the new fob, then insert it and turn it. It will be programmed.
I bought the same Chevy impala same color and everything.but the key fob the dealer gave have the unlock lock buttons sunken in.my key is good just need to replace the key pad.do I have to do the same thing you just did? Or there’s another way.thanks..
You can replace just the shell. You would reuse the circuit board and metal key from your existing fob. No reprogramming required. Or you could do what is shown in the video if it’s easier.
i was going ask you i bought one after market key fob.and swap out the key, like you did but it doesn't want to program do you know whats going on?.i tried to do what you told me to take apart the orignal and swap out the electronics but my original key fob is bonded you cant take it apart.i even use a razor carpet to split in half but to no avail.thanks in advance.
@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial that’s what i was trying to do.they must of use a strong adhesive.but I will give it another try thanks for sharing.l’ll let you know if it worked.
Hello there. I have a question or two. (1) The new key fob is only the housing of the unit and it does NOT have the computer board that is visible when you open the battery chamber and remove the battery. That mother-board carries the security apparatus and I am having the toughest time to surgically remove that MB chip from the existing FOB to the new FOB we just received. The battery sits on that and makes the contact with the center as well as "C" as two polars of the CR2032 or whichever applies. For convenience, I am calling this as BASE. Is there a way to open the BASE and remove the MB chip from the old one? (2) Is there a way to open the BASE of the new housing and place that MB chip into the new housing? You showed precisely the cut-key element but the CPU portion has not been discussed. I appreciate your hard-work. I am going to postpone the surgical removal of the elements form the old housing until I get some understanding about the process with green light to dissect.
The replacement fobs that I used included new circuit boards and batteries. I did not have to open the housings. However, I have opened the housings and moved the circuit boards. When I opened the original housing, it was damaged in the process and was not reusable. I was able to open the new aftermarket housing without damaging it. The housing is two pieces, and just snaps together. But I think the original had adhesive in it, and the aftermarket did not. Move the entire circuitboard from the old housing to the new housing, and you are all set. There is no programming required, because the circuitboard is what is programmed to the car. The actual metal key does not have a chip in it or anything and has nothing to do with programming.
@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Thanks for the quick response. I had already started working on one of the FOBs that my wife had not used in a while. I placed the new CR 2032 battery by Sony and it worked because I like to verify the functionality of it before dissecting it. Then I tried to open it up and it took me a little while to get it opened after damaging it because it just would not come apart, and I even stabbed my left thumb slightly. Putting the circuit board into place, I had to use a thin layer of glue on the edge of the housing while trying to place the spring-loaded key in its spot before snapping it close. I went to the car and placed the key, it turns the ignition ON but it does not START any longer. So, looks like, while I was juggling to get the circuit board out, I probably damaged it. Now there is only one old FOB left and I decided to hold off to place that into the new housing because my first attempt failed. I have done some if the most complex jobs on so many of my vehicles but this bugger bogged me down. Thanks a lot.
How do you do this if you only have one broken fob and key. I see you had 2 which would sure help. Is the key itself only cut at the dealership or can the key be cut at a hardware store in order to get two working keys to program both fobs
It can be done with one key. I should make a dedicated video for it. Remove the roll pin. Insert the metal key into the original fob. Turn it forward in the ignition and remove it. Move the metal key over to the new fob, and insert it into the ignition and turn it forward. The new fob is programmed. The fob is what gets programmed, not the metal key. There are no electronics in the key. Yes, a new key can be cut at a hardware store. However, they usually require you to buy the key from them. They don’t want to ruin their cutting equipment by cutting a key from an unknown supplier.
It can be done with one key. I have it on my list to make a separate dedicated video. The fob gets programmed. Not the metal key. Just hold the fob against the steering column where the key goes in when you insert the metal key and rotate it. The vehicle doesn’t care if the metal key is attached. It just needs to be in that proximity. Or, you could do it before you pin in the key into the new fob. With the metal key loose, stick it in the old fob. Put it in the ignition. Remove it. Transfer the key to the new fob. Stick it in the ignition. Programmed. Then pin it into the new fob.
Lol I had this exact problem a few months ago but I didn’t know this video existed. I was trying to super glue the metal to the plastic but that failed big time. I ended up messing up the whole remote. Anyway I just ended up going to the dealer and got a brand new remote for $100 which wasn’t too bad but oh well. Programmed it and everything. Now I have one remote and a half lol.
Good tip until roll pin gets damaged or flies away. Trying to buy some spares but can't find specs. I am thinking 2mm x 8mm. Can you verify or correct?
If you get any exact replacement, yes. The aftermarket ones I got were just a little bit different and would not interchange. I had to use the whole aftermarket housing.
Yes, it can be done with one key. I recommend not pinning the key to the fob yet. Insert the original fob with the key, then move the key to the new fob and insert the key with the new fob.
@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial not gonna lie i wish that was stated at the beginning of the video cause now im having to undo this stupid pin again which was actually a real pain in the ass to remove the first time..
@@IGetSoft completely understood. I apologize that I missed that when I wrote the outline for the video. I planned on making a separate dedicated video for programming the key, which is still on my list, but I have not gotten to it yet.
My key won't stay connected to the car. It'll only work if the original is around. Any solution. Everything else worked. But the new fob will only work when around the og key.
Interesting. It kind of sounds like the new fob is not programmed and it’s just picking up the old fob. There is nothing special about the metal key actually being connected to the fob. The fob just needs to be in close proximity while the metal key is being used.
This is the link to the exact key fobs shown in the video. They do the job, but the reduced quality is noticeable, and considering that this item will be used daily for years, I would definitely recommend OEM fobs. www.ebay.com/itm/184493553828?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6xyk9laztg-&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=FaKt5-7WR56&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I bought some cheap ones from eBay to see how well they would work. They are fine. But I would recommend purchasing GM fobs if it’s in your budget. Or use Amazon so you can read reviews.
I bench vice makes it easy to press the pin out and in with very good control. Otherwise, pliers should work to press the pin. As far as an item to press it out, maybe an earring?
@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate the suggestions, but I don't have a bench vise and an earring is too soft. I went ahead and ordered a watch pin removal kit from Amazon (They were only a few dollars). Hopefully, that'll work. :)
@@Louisianasfinestshay Definitely. If you have not pinned the key yet, stick it in the old fob for step 1 (insert it, rotate it, and remove it), then move it over to the new fob for step 2 (insert it and rotate it). It doesn’t have to be pinned into the fob, just insert it in the fob without pinning it.
