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2016 GMC Yukon Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2016 GMC Yukon 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 GMC has a regular key ignition, the remote can't be programmed at home — see a locksmith or dealer. If it has push-button start, you can program it: use the first method if you have a working remote, the second if you don't.

Before you start

  • All remote transmitters — working and new
  • Ignition OFF to start

Push-button start — with a working remote

  1. 1With the ignition OFF, pull the metal key blade out of your working remote (press the release button on the front) and place the remote in the cupholder.
  2. 2Insert the key blade into the driver's-door lock (use the trunk lock on 2-door vehicles) and turn to unlock 5 times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4...
  3. 3Place the new remote in the center-console transmitter pocket (remove the storage tray to reach it).
  4. 4Press the ignition button. When learned, the display is ready for the next remote.
  5. 5Remove the new remote and press Unlock or Lock. Repeat the last three steps for each remote, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit and test.

Push-button start — with no working remote

About 30–35 minutes; not available in Canada. Have the key blade cut first.

  1. 1With the ignition OFF, insert the key blade into the driver's-door lock (trunk lock on 2-door vehicles) and turn to unlock 5 times within 10 seconds. The display shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press the ignition (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING again).
  3. 3Repeat the previous step two more times. After the third, all previous remotes stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new remote in the center-console transmitter pocket (remove the storage tray to reach it).
  5. 5Press the ignition button. When learned, the display is ready for the next remote.
  6. 6Remove the remote and press Unlock or Lock. Repeat the last three steps for each remote, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit and test.

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

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

Transponder Key

Find on Amazon

2016 GMC Yukon key fob battery

A plain transponder (chip) key has no battery. The immobilizer chip inside is powered by the car's ignition ring whenever you turn the key, so there's nothing to replace. If your key also has lock/unlock buttons, that remote portion uses a 3V coin cell — see the remote battery steps for that.

Battery tips

  • If your engine won't start but the key turns, the issue is usually a worn key or the immobilizer reading the chip — not a battery.
  • A spare chip key must be cut and programmed to your car before it will start the engine.

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