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GM Key and Smart Key Programming by Ignition Type

Updated 2026 16 vehicles 2017–2020

This procedure covers 16 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles from 2017 to 2020. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.

Need the fob itself?

Pick your vehicle to see replacement fobs on Amazon. Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.

Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types. Match yours: a regular key ignition (transponder key) or push-button start (smart key). Each has a method for when you have two working keys and one for when you have one or none. Read your method through first.

Before you start

  • All your keys — working and new — with you
  • The new key cut beforehand

Regular ignition — with two working keys

  1. 1Insert an already-programmed key and turn it to ON/RUN.
  2. 2Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  3. 3Within 5 seconds, insert the second programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  4. 4Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  5. 5Within 5 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN. The security light goes out once it's programmed.
  6. 6Repeat from step 1 for additional keys (up to 8 total).

Regular ignition — with one or no working key

Takes about 30 minutes. Not available in Canada.

  1. 1Insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN — the security light comes on.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until the security light goes out.
  3. 3Turn to LOCK/OFF.
  4. 4Repeat the ON/RUN, 10-minute wait, and OFF two more times. After the third, turn to ON/RUN — the new key is programmed and all previous keys stop working.
  5. 5To program a second key, turn OFF, insert it, and turn to ON/RUN. For more keys, use the two-working-keys method above.

Push-button start — 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 counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. 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, GMC, 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 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.

Push-button start — with one or no 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.
  4. 4Repeat that 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, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  6. 6To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Which fob does your vehicle take?

These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.

Find your vehicle

Vehicles this procedure covers

These steps apply to the 16 vehicles below — 5 models across 2 makes. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.

Every year, make and model this key fob programming procedure applies to
Make Model Years covered
Chevrolet Suburban Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Suburban on Amazon
Chevrolet Tahoe Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Tahoe on Amazon
GMC Acadia Shop fobs for the GMC Acadia on Amazon
GMC Terrain Shop fobs for the GMC Terrain on Amazon
GMC Yukon Shop fobs for the GMC Yukon on Amazon

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Rather pay someone to do it?

What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright:

Key fob programming cost Car key replacement cost

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