Skip to content
LocksmithRates Independent locksmith pricing & how-to

2016 Chevrolet Spark Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2016 Chevrolet Spark key fob yourself in a few minutes using a working key or remote, no dealer visit needed. Follow the steps below, then check the battery and the correct replacement fob (with FCC ID and part number) if you need a new one.

Remote / key fob programming

If your GM vehicle (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick) has push-button start, you can program smart keys yourself. Use Method A if you have two working smart keys; use Method B if you have one or none. Up to 8 smart keys — read the steps through first.

Before you start

  • All smart keys — working and new — with you
  • Engine off

Method A — with two working smart keys

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn it counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. (On some vehicles you'll first pop off the lock-cylinder cap on the door handle.) The Driver Information Center shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center-console storage for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet and Buick.
  5. 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the key is recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out of the pocket and press Lock or Unlock on it.
  7. 7To add another key, repeat the last three steps. When done, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Method B — with one or no working smart key

Takes about 30 minutes and isn't available in Canada. With no working key, have the new key's emergency blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key.
  2. 2Insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE.
  3. 3Wait about 10 minutes until the display reads PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP. The display shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
  4. 4Repeat that door-cylinder, wait, and Start/Stop sequence two more times. After the third, all previously known keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  5. 5Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet and Buick.
  6. 6Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  7. 7Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock on it.
  8. 8To add another key, repeat the last three steps. When done, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Key programming

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types — match yours. On a regular ignition you add a key with one working key; on push-button start you program smart keys (Method A with two, Method B with one or none).

Before you start

  • Your new key/smart key, cut beforehand
  • Engine off for the push-button methods

Regular key ignition (adds a key)

  1. 1Insert the original, already-programmed key and start the engine.
  2. 2Turn the key off and remove it.
  3. 3Within 10 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON (don't start).
  4. 4The security light goes out once the key is programmed. No security light? Wait 10 minutes and 45 seconds.
  5. 5Repeat from step 1 for additional keys.

Push-button start — Method A (two working smart keys)

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet and Buick.
  5. 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — Method B (one or no smart key)

About 30 minutes; not available in Canada. With no working key, have the new blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key and insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder. Turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
  3. 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  5. 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Replacement key fob options

Match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob to be sure of the right part.

3-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC
OE part #
20835406, 20873621, 20934736, 5913598, 20835402, 20873623, 20934738, 5913596, 13504266

Transponder Key

Find on Amazon

Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC, OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514
OE part #
N, A

3-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
HYQ4AA
OE part #
13529665, 13508766, 13585723, 13589145, STRATTEC: 5942495

2016 Chevrolet Spark key fob battery

Your 2016 Chevrolet Spark key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Find CR2032 batteries on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Slide the release latch and pull the metal emergency key out of the fob.
  2. 2 Use that key (or a coin) to pry the two halves apart at the seam.
  3. 3 Lift out the old coin cell — note which side faces up.
  4. 4 Drop in the new battery the same way (printed + side usually faces the back cover).
  5. 5 Press the case back together until it clicks, then test lock/unlock and push-to-start.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Even with a dead fob battery you can usually still start the car by holding the fob against the start button — check your owner's manual.
  • If the fob still won't work after a new battery, it may need re-syncing or programming.

We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which product we recommend. Learn more.

Rather hire a pro?

See what it actually costs, broken out by dealer, locksmith, and DIY:

Key fob programming cost Car key replacement cost