PKE programming help needed
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 143
Likes: 32
From: Comox, BC
The car is a 96 C4 and I can't seem to get the fobs programmed. I have 2 new fobs and batteries that I bought from the Chevy dealer.
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
Her name is Bree(I think)....she is very well informed and was some kind of tech for gm back when these types of fobs were developed I think. Anyway, she repairs and rebuilds them. I just sent her both of mine to fix for me as they are in need of repair. I think she is quite reasonable especially for you americans!!! I live in Canada and it is 30% exchange right now approx. but still I am getting both repaired 100% basically for the cost of 1 replacement.
Russell
Last edited by BigMac2395; Apr 15, 2015 at 12:45 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,872
Likes: 4
From: Owings Mills, MD 21117
Never saw that backing on a C-4 Key Fob 
Maybe the nail polish is causing the issue.
My suggestion would be to borrow a working C-4 Key Fob from someone and see if it responds to programming. If so, you know that the issue is not the DERM and your remote. If you lived in the Baltimore area, I would lend you my spare.
Maybe the nail polish is causing the issue.
My suggestion would be to borrow a working C-4 Key Fob from someone and see if it responds to programming. If so, you know that the issue is not the DERM and your remote. If you lived in the Baltimore area, I would lend you my spare.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 19
From: Tampa FL
Never saw that backing on a C-4 Key Fob
Maybe the nail polish is causing the issue. My suggestion would be to borrow a working C-4 Key Fob from someone and see if it responds to programming. If so, you know that the issue is not the DERM and your remote. If you lived in the Baltimore area, I would lend you my spare.
Maybe the nail polish is causing the issue.
My suggestion would be to borrow a working C-4 Key Fob from someone and see if it responds to programming. If so, you know that the issue is not the DERM and your remote. If you lived in the Baltimore area, I would lend you my spare.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,766
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,872
Likes: 4
From: Owings Mills, MD 21117
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 143
Likes: 32
From: Comox, BC
Russell
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
This is so frustrating. I replaced the batteries again and checked them with a volt meter to make sure they are good. I installed them both with the + facing up (when I take out the screws and cover, the + is facing me)
The PKE light still will not go steady no matter what sequence I try, door open or closed. And I'm shaking the fob as I approach the car.
What are the chances that the 2 brand new fobs I bought from the Chevy dealer are defective? I know the odds would be very slim. They were both sealed up and you could see they were in fact new and not repackaged.
The PKE light still will not go steady no matter what sequence I try, door open or closed. And I'm shaking the fob as I approach the car.
What are the chances that the 2 brand new fobs I bought from the Chevy dealer are defective? I know the odds would be very slim. They were both sealed up and you could see they were in fact new and not repackaged.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
EDIT * I reread your entire post and you seem to be using the procedure.
Please verify this is the procedure you are using.
The security light should not stay on solid unless you have not completed all required steps.
Please verify this is the procedure you are using.
The security light should not stay on solid unless you have not completed all required steps.
To match transmitters to your vehicle:
1. Move all transmitters out of range.
2. Turn the ignition key on.
3. Push TRIP ODO on the Driver Information Center
twice.
4. Within five seconds, press and hold FUEL INFO
until the PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY light
comes on.
5. Turn the ignition off, but leave the key in the
ignition. The PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY light
should begin to flash to show the system is in
programming mode.
6. Bring one transmitter into range. The light will stop
flashing and stay on to show that the code is stored.
7. Move the transmitter out of range. The light should
start flashing again.
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 with each additional
Note: The programming mode will shut off if
transmitter.
- You don’t program any transmitters for two minutes.
- You take the key out of the ignition or turn the
ignition on.
- You have programmed three transmitters.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your key chain
transmitter should last about 18 months.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
1. Insert a screwdriver into the slot on the back of the
transmitter and gently pry apart the front and back.
2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter using the
screwdriver.
3. Put the new battery in the transmitter, positive (+) side up.
Use a Duracell@ battery, type DL2450, or equivalent.
4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
halves are together tightly so water won’t get in.
5. Test the transmitter.
1. Move all transmitters out of range.
2. Turn the ignition key on.
3. Push TRIP ODO on the Driver Information Center
twice.
4. Within five seconds, press and hold FUEL INFO
until the PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY light
comes on.
5. Turn the ignition off, but leave the key in the
ignition. The PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY light
should begin to flash to show the system is in
programming mode.
6. Bring one transmitter into range. The light will stop
flashing and stay on to show that the code is stored.
7. Move the transmitter out of range. The light should
start flashing again.
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 with each additional
Note: The programming mode will shut off if
transmitter.
- You don’t program any transmitters for two minutes.
- You take the key out of the ignition or turn the
ignition on.
- You have programmed three transmitters.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your key chain
transmitter should last about 18 months.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
1. Insert a screwdriver into the slot on the back of the
transmitter and gently pry apart the front and back.
2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter using the
screwdriver.
3. Put the new battery in the transmitter, positive (+) side up.
Use a Duracell@ battery, type DL2450, or equivalent.
4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
halves are together tightly so water won’t get in.
5. Test the transmitter.
Last edited by kg4fku; Apr 18, 2015 at 08:12 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
This is so frustrating. I replaced the batteries again and checked them with a volt meter to make sure they are good. I installed them both with the + facing up (when I take out the screws and cover, the + is facing me)
The PKE light still will not go steady no matter what sequence I try, door open or closed. And I'm shaking the fob as I approach the car.
What are the chances that the 2 brand new fobs I bought from the Chevy dealer are defective? I know the odds would be very slim. They were both sealed up and you could see they were in fact new and not repackaged.
The PKE light still will not go steady no matter what sequence I try, door open or closed. And I'm shaking the fob as I approach the car.
What are the chances that the 2 brand new fobs I bought from the Chevy dealer are defective? I know the odds would be very slim. They were both sealed up and you could see they were in fact new and not repackaged.
I do have one question though, have you followed Gunho's example and tried going through all of the steps and pretending like the light goes steady? Sounds like when he did it the programming worked.
Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
The car is a 96 C4 and I can't seem to get the fobs programmed. I have 2 new fobs and batteries that I bought from the Chevy dealer.
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
The method I tried is with the key on, push the odometer button twice and then within 5 seconds, press and hold the fuel info button until the PKE light is illuminated constantly. Then turned the key off until the PKE light begins to flash.
Now when I go to get the fob and bring it into range, the PKE light won't come on solid. It just keeps flashing. I tried this method with both fobs and can't get either to program. Can anyone give me any tips if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks
First, please fully cycle the door lock with the key and ensure when you remove the key that the lock cylinder is vertical and the car is unlocked.
Second, complete the FOB pairing procedure. Please ensure the key remains in the steering column ignition switch when you turn it to the off position.
Third, wait for at least one minute or until the PKE light flashes. If the PKE light goes out or does not flash after three minutes, the pairing process failed and has reset.
The ignition key has to be left in the ignition switch.
Sometimes the PKE light takes a while to start blinking. It is not instant.
If this fails this time let me know.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
OK. I dug out the FSM on this one.
Section 9K-3.
While the system is waiting for a transmitter to program, the PKE lamp will flash the number of the transmitter to be programed (flash once for the first transmitter, twice for the second and so on). When a transmitter is within range a code is stored, the lamp will be illuminated continuously as long as that transmitter remains within reception range. When a transmitter which has already been programmed is brought back into range, the lamp will remain flashing until a new transmitter is brought into range. Once the programming of three codes has been completed, and the third transmitter is outside reception range, the lamp will not be illuminated again.
Section 9K-3.
While the system is waiting for a transmitter to program, the PKE lamp will flash the number of the transmitter to be programed (flash once for the first transmitter, twice for the second and so on). When a transmitter is within range a code is stored, the lamp will be illuminated continuously as long as that transmitter remains within reception range. When a transmitter which has already been programmed is brought back into range, the lamp will remain flashing until a new transmitter is brought into range. Once the programming of three codes has been completed, and the third transmitter is outside reception range, the lamp will not be illuminated again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
So after reading the entire section on PKE in the FSM I found one item that is an easy fix and hasn't been mentioned here.
Is you radio on when you are attempting to pair the FOBs?
FSM says to make sure the radio is OFF as it can interfere with the programing procedure.
I would make sure anything else in the car is off as well just to make sure.
Is you radio on when you are attempting to pair the FOBs?
FSM says to make sure the radio is OFF as it can interfere with the programing procedure.
I would make sure anything else in the car is off as well just to make sure.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge IL
*Update*
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
*Update*
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Panama City Beach Florida
Glad you posted an update!
*Update*
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.
So I finally end up taking the car to dealer. They couldn't get the remotes to program either and concluded that the new remotes I purchased are defective.
They replaced them both under warranty and programmed them free of charge. Thanks to a good dealer and they will get all my future business.