C6 Comprehensive Fob Programming Instructions
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Did the long version today since I added a new style fob I got from gmparthouse. Only issue I had was it would not show up on the dic until I RAN back to turn the key. Then I had the fob too close I guess so I ended up turning on, then off jumping out of car and throwing my keys across the yard and running to the back to twist the key. The neighbors must've thought I was insane. Lol. But got it all done. 
I guess I need to add a step in my instructions about "throwing key FOB into yard", is there a minimum distance I should note for the toss and should it be overhand or underhand?
Elmer
Last edited by eboggs_jkvl; Mar 21, 2013 at 08:36 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Southern Utah
Cruising
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Had an issue of not being able to get my car into the "programming mode"
Followed this and it worked on the first try
1) Put metal key in key cylinder back by license plate. Dont turn it yet, just leave it in there for now.
2) Put old, already-programmed-and-working fob in center console cupholder
3) Turn car 'on' using start button (you dont have to start it -- doesnt matter), then press start button again to turn car OFF.
4) Immediately run (yes, RUN) to the back of the car and turn the key five times. If you physically cant get back there very fast, have a helper ready to turn the key five times when you turn car off. This should trigger the "FOB" message on DIC.
5) Carry out the rest of the fob learning procedure as normal.
This is the ONLY way my car will go into "fob learn mode". If I wait even 5-7 seconds between steps 3 and 4, my car will never go into fob learn mode, no matter how hard or fast I turn the key.
I had a key in the key hole ready to turn, turned the key off and ran back and turned it 5 times and it worked perfectly and said ready for Fob 3.
Hope this helps someone!
Followed this and it worked on the first try
1) Put metal key in key cylinder back by license plate. Dont turn it yet, just leave it in there for now.
2) Put old, already-programmed-and-working fob in center console cupholder
3) Turn car 'on' using start button (you dont have to start it -- doesnt matter), then press start button again to turn car OFF.
4) Immediately run (yes, RUN) to the back of the car and turn the key five times. If you physically cant get back there very fast, have a helper ready to turn the key five times when you turn car off. This should trigger the "FOB" message on DIC.
5) Carry out the rest of the fob learning procedure as normal.
This is the ONLY way my car will go into "fob learn mode". If I wait even 5-7 seconds between steps 3 and 4, my car will never go into fob learn mode, no matter how hard or fast I turn the key.
I had a key in the key hole ready to turn, turned the key off and ran back and turned it 5 times and it worked perfectly and said ready for Fob 3.
Hope this helps someone!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
OK here's what Kent 1999 did to program his FOB, the instructions come from the link above.
1) Put metal key in key cylinder back by license plate. Dont turn it yet, just leave it in there for now.
2) Put old, already-programmed-and-working fob in center console cupholder
3) Turn car 'on' using start button (you dont have to start it -- doesnt matter), then press start button again to turn car OFF.
4) Immediately run (yes, RUN) to the back of the car and turn the key five times. If you physically cant get back there very fast, have a helper ready to turn the key five times when you turn car off. This should trigger the "FOB" message on DIC.
5) Carry out the rest of the fob learning procedure as normal.
This is the ONLY way my car will go into "fob learn mode". If I wait even 5-7 seconds between steps 3 and 4, my car will never go into fob learn mode, no matter how hard or fast I turn the key.
That's a new way to programming, I haven't tried this. It's to late to go and try this now, I will get in trouble with the boss (lol). I will try this tomorrow though, thanks and wish me luck. I will let all of you know if this works for me.
Round 3
Fred
1) Put metal key in key cylinder back by license plate. Dont turn it yet, just leave it in there for now.
2) Put old, already-programmed-and-working fob in center console cupholder
3) Turn car 'on' using start button (you dont have to start it -- doesnt matter), then press start button again to turn car OFF.
4) Immediately run (yes, RUN) to the back of the car and turn the key five times. If you physically cant get back there very fast, have a helper ready to turn the key five times when you turn car off. This should trigger the "FOB" message on DIC.
5) Carry out the rest of the fob learning procedure as normal.
This is the ONLY way my car will go into "fob learn mode". If I wait even 5-7 seconds between steps 3 and 4, my car will never go into fob learn mode, no matter how hard or fast I turn the key.
That's a new way to programming, I haven't tried this. It's to late to go and try this now, I will get in trouble with the boss (lol). I will try this tomorrow though, thanks and wish me luck. I will let all of you know if this works for me.
Round 3
Fred
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,422
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Remove FOB Push OFF?ACC
[COLOR="Red"]Important: Failure to press unlock will result in FOB being inoperatvie. Unlock finishes the programming....COLOR]
I'm going to be doing 2 FOBS in the long procedure. So I Inser FOB 1 when instructed by the DIC, when it says Insert FOB2, I remove FOB1 and insert FOB2, and when it says Insert FOB3 (which I'm not going to do, I remove FOB2, hit OFF/ACC and then press unlock on both FOBS or do I press unlock of each FOB after removing it from the glove box slot, then press unlock on each and then press OFF/ACC? after pressing the unlock on the FOB???
Also, when finishing the long procedure, I (hopefully) end up with two programmed FOBs side by side. Guess this is no problem?.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jun 11, 2013 at 05:55 PM.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
About Step 15. Step 15 reads:
Remove FOB Push OFF?ACC
[COLOR="Red"]Important: Failure to press unlock will result in FOB being inoperatvie. Unlock finishes the programming....COLOR]
I'm going to be doing 2 FOBS in the long procedure. So I Inser FOB 1 when instructed by the DIC, when it says Insert FOB2, I remove FOB1 and insert FOB2, and when it says Insert FOB3 (which I'm not going to do, I remove FOB2, hit OFF/ACC and then press unlock on both FOBS or do I press unlock of each FOB after removing it from the glove box slot, then press unlock on each and then press OFF/ACC? after pressing the unlock on the FOB???
Also, when finishing the long procedure, I (hopefully) end up with two programmed FOBs side by side. Guess this is no problem?.
Thanks
Thanks
Remove FOB Push OFF?ACC
[COLOR="Red"]Important: Failure to press unlock will result in FOB being inoperatvie. Unlock finishes the programming....COLOR]
I'm going to be doing 2 FOBS in the long procedure. So I Inser FOB 1 when instructed by the DIC, when it says Insert FOB2, I remove FOB1 and insert FOB2, and when it says Insert FOB3 (which I'm not going to do, I remove FOB2, hit OFF/ACC and then press unlock on both FOBS or do I press unlock of each FOB after removing it from the glove box slot, then press unlock on each and then press OFF/ACC? after pressing the unlock on the FOB???
Also, when finishing the long procedure, I (hopefully) end up with two programmed FOBs side by side. Guess this is no problem?.
Thanks
Thanks
Push the button after you take it out of the slot and then do the next one.
Elmer
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Michael S. Palmer
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,422
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I diligently read all the programming threads.
My experience didn't seem to match very much of what I read. But I did get the key programmed thanks to what I read here.
I've lost both original FOBs. I did have an unprogrammed FOB.
(1) I opened the rear hatch using the metal key from my unprogrammed FOB.. Luckily, I had the key cut before loosing the last original FOB. I then opened the driver's door...it sat off the alarm system which stopped honking after not too long of a time. I used this opportunity to attach a battery charger, since this was recommended because programming with no programmed fob was going to take 1/2 hour.
(2) I placed my unprogrammed fob in the glove box slot and hit the car start button...It did nothing except to say no fob detected. After hitting the start button and reading the message, it hit the off button.
(3) I cycled the key in the above license plate keyhole many times...nothing. Then after many attempts, I removed the rear interior panel that covers the door hatch locking mechanism, (easy) and removed the connector (easy). I took a paper clip and shorted the grey wire terminal to the black terminal many many times...more that five times in five seconds.............nothing that I could tell had happened.
(4) Disappointed, I went back to the driver's compartment...and !!!!! the DIC said insert FOB #4!!! I pulled the FOB out of the glove compartment slot, at first thinking I had failed, but wait...that insert FOB#4 message indicated that something may have worked..I then pushed the FOB "unlock" button. I knew this was the last step of programming a FOB, regardless of what technique you used.
(5) Feeling surprised and still thinking I had failed, I nevertheless pressed the start button...and the ENGINE STARTED.
(6) Surprised I didn't have to experience the three ten minute sequences to reprogram a FOB, when a programmed FOB is not available. I think I've accurately described what appears to be an unorthodox sequence of successfully reprogramming a FOB. I will have to admit that my FOB programming activity involved time multiplexing in which I was also involved in metabolizing quite a few Chardonnay alcohol molecules. But anyhow bottom line I got her done. Would have been helpless with out CF!!
My experience didn't seem to match very much of what I read. But I did get the key programmed thanks to what I read here.
I've lost both original FOBs. I did have an unprogrammed FOB.
(1) I opened the rear hatch using the metal key from my unprogrammed FOB.. Luckily, I had the key cut before loosing the last original FOB. I then opened the driver's door...it sat off the alarm system which stopped honking after not too long of a time. I used this opportunity to attach a battery charger, since this was recommended because programming with no programmed fob was going to take 1/2 hour.
(2) I placed my unprogrammed fob in the glove box slot and hit the car start button...It did nothing except to say no fob detected. After hitting the start button and reading the message, it hit the off button.
(3) I cycled the key in the above license plate keyhole many times...nothing. Then after many attempts, I removed the rear interior panel that covers the door hatch locking mechanism, (easy) and removed the connector (easy). I took a paper clip and shorted the grey wire terminal to the black terminal many many times...more that five times in five seconds.............nothing that I could tell had happened.
(4) Disappointed, I went back to the driver's compartment...and !!!!! the DIC said insert FOB #4!!! I pulled the FOB out of the glove compartment slot, at first thinking I had failed, but wait...that insert FOB#4 message indicated that something may have worked..I then pushed the FOB "unlock" button. I knew this was the last step of programming a FOB, regardless of what technique you used.
(5) Feeling surprised and still thinking I had failed, I nevertheless pressed the start button...and the ENGINE STARTED.
(6) Surprised I didn't have to experience the three ten minute sequences to reprogram a FOB, when a programmed FOB is not available. I think I've accurately described what appears to be an unorthodox sequence of successfully reprogramming a FOB. I will have to admit that my FOB programming activity involved time multiplexing in which I was also involved in metabolizing quite a few Chardonnay alcohol molecules. But anyhow bottom line I got her done. Would have been helpless with out CF!!
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jul 5, 2013 at 09:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Richardson TX
I didn't have the problem of having to run back to turn the key after turning the car off. In fact, the car was off more than a few minutes when I finally figured out how to make five key turns within five seconds.
YMMV....
Wayne
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 327
Likes: 8
From: Arizona
Did the long version today since I added a new style fob I got from gmparthouse. Only issue I had was it would not show up on the dic until I RAN back to turn the key. Then I had the fob too close I guess so I ended up turning on, then off jumping out of car and throwing my keys across the yard and running to the back to twist the key. The neighbors must've thought I was insane. Lol. But got it all done.
I have tried all of the secondary methods on this website and on google (including removing the lining and doing it manually) and the thing still won't go into programming mode!!!
Unless someone has any other insight, I am reluctantly off to the dealer.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
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From: Southern Utah
If you have read all 17 pages of this thread and tried all the tips and tricks within it, then unfortunately I see no alternative to going to the dealer. Remember that there are two courses a dealer can take in fixing the car. He can actually repair the system so that programming works as it should or he can force program your fobs using the TECH II computer, which will leave your fobs working, but the car still unable to go into the programming mode as it should.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 327
Likes: 8
From: Arizona
If you have read all 17 pages of this thread and tried all the tips and tricks within it, then unfortunately I see no alternative to going to the dealer. Remember that there are two courses a dealer can take in fixing the car. He can actually repair the system so that programming works as it should or he can force program your fobs using the TECH II computer, which will leave your fobs working, but the car still unable to go into the programming mode as it should.
Honestly, no I didn't read all 17 pages. I tried probably 5 or so methods 3-5 times each. It's 100+ degrees everyday where I live and I would be drenched with sweat each time I tried a new method. I just reached my boiling point (pun intended). If I knew it was going to be that easy/cheap, I would've went to the dealer first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
I
C6 Fob Programming Instructions
Before starting, it is important to make sure that the glovebox slot is working properly. If it is not, and the long procedure is started, then the car will be stripped of its fob programming, but will then not be able to accept new fob programming through the slot. This will leave the car unable to be started. Since most C6 owners have never tested the slot, or had to use it to start the car with a dead fob, they would be unaware if it had never been working properly since the car was new. To make sure that the glovebox slot is working, follow steps 1-6 below. Then in step 7, you may either insert the new, unprogrammed fob into the slot and continue to step 8, or you may insert one of the fobs that is currently programmed to the car into the slot. If the slot is presented with a fob that is ALREADY programmed to the car, the DIC will say “Known Fob”. This shows us that the slot is working correctly by recognizing this fob. Push the bottom half of the start button to end the session if you were just testing the slot for proper operation.
C6 Fob, Short Procedure….use these instructions 1-10 when you have a working fob and just want to add another to the system, or to test the operation of the glovebox slot.
1. Put drivers window down all the way, then turn car off
2. Unlock car and open trunk
3. Glove box open
4. Put working fob on console next to shifter (the one you are currently using to drive the car) IMPORTANT. Also make sure no cellphones are in the car.
5. Put key in trunk keyhole and turn key five times in less than 5 seconds.
6. DIC will now beep and light up and say “Ready for fob 3”.
7. Put new unprogrammed fob in slot by glovebox with buttons facing right (passenger) side.
8. Wait and watch DIC. When it says “Ready for fob 4” it is done. Up to four Fobs may be programmed to the car total.
9. When all Fobs are programmed, push OFF/ACC (bottom half of start button) to turn off DIC.
10. Test all four buttons on fob and then take away all other fobs and check car starting with new fob(s).
:
C6 Fob Programming Instructions
Before starting, it is important to make sure that the glovebox slot is working properly. If it is not, and the long procedure is started, then the car will be stripped of its fob programming, but will then not be able to accept new fob programming through the slot. This will leave the car unable to be started. Since most C6 owners have never tested the slot, or had to use it to start the car with a dead fob, they would be unaware if it had never been working properly since the car was new. To make sure that the glovebox slot is working, follow steps 1-6 below. Then in step 7, you may either insert the new, unprogrammed fob into the slot and continue to step 8, or you may insert one of the fobs that is currently programmed to the car into the slot. If the slot is presented with a fob that is ALREADY programmed to the car, the DIC will say “Known Fob”. This shows us that the slot is working correctly by recognizing this fob. Push the bottom half of the start button to end the session if you were just testing the slot for proper operation.
C6 Fob, Short Procedure….use these instructions 1-10 when you have a working fob and just want to add another to the system, or to test the operation of the glovebox slot.
1. Put drivers window down all the way, then turn car off
2. Unlock car and open trunk
3. Glove box open
4. Put working fob on console next to shifter (the one you are currently using to drive the car) IMPORTANT. Also make sure no cellphones are in the car.
5. Put key in trunk keyhole and turn key five times in less than 5 seconds.
6. DIC will now beep and light up and say “Ready for fob 3”.
7. Put new unprogrammed fob in slot by glovebox with buttons facing right (passenger) side.
8. Wait and watch DIC. When it says “Ready for fob 4” it is done. Up to four Fobs may be programmed to the car total.
9. When all Fobs are programmed, push OFF/ACC (bottom half of start button) to turn off DIC.
10. Test all four buttons on fob and then take away all other fobs and check car starting with new fob(s).
:
Chris,
Thanks for the posting. I just obtained a new (to me) 2008 that came with only one (old style) key FOB with a #1 printed on the back. The selling dealer order end gave another FOB #2 that works great. All of a sudden the FOB #1 could not be detected and would not start the car from the glove box slot. I changed the battery and now FOB #1 unlocks and starts the car from my pocket but WILL NOT start the car from the slot in the glove box. FOB #2 starts the car and also starts the car from the slot in the glove box
I fear that if I use your short procedure it may change FOB 1 to FOB 3. Is there anyway to reprogram FOB 1 only.
The only issue with FOB 1 is it will not start the car from the slot.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
That's very strange and I have no explanation. The short procedure cannot make #1 into #3 because the system will recognize #1 and say "KNOWN FOB"...and leave it as is. If you want to try re-programming, your only choice is the long procedure. Test the slot first...as is explained in the instructions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Chris,
Thanks for the posting. I just obtained a new (to me) 2008 that came with only one (old style) key FOB with a #1 printed on the back. The selling dealer order end gave another FOB #2 that works great. All of a sudden the FOB #1 could not be detected and would not start the car from the glove box slot. I changed the battery and now FOB #1 unlocks and starts the car from my pocket but WILL NOT start the car from the slot in the glove box. FOB #2 starts the car and also starts the car from the slot in the glove box
I fear that if I use your short procedure it may change FOB 1 to FOB 3. Is there anyway to reprogram FOB 1 only.
The only issue with FOB 1 is it will not start the car from the slot.
Thanks for the posting. I just obtained a new (to me) 2008 that came with only one (old style) key FOB with a #1 printed on the back. The selling dealer order end gave another FOB #2 that works great. All of a sudden the FOB #1 could not be detected and would not start the car from the glove box slot. I changed the battery and now FOB #1 unlocks and starts the car from my pocket but WILL NOT start the car from the slot in the glove box. FOB #2 starts the car and also starts the car from the slot in the glove box
I fear that if I use your short procedure it may change FOB 1 to FOB 3. Is there anyway to reprogram FOB 1 only.
The only issue with FOB 1 is it will not start the car from the slot.
I learned something today that FOB 1 and 2 are masters and control settings that cannot be done with add on FOB's #3 and #4. If you lose FOB #1, the replacement will have to be done by the dealership or someone with a Tech II. I am not sure what is 'blessed' about FOB #1 but it is the master.
Mine is now working normal-normal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Chris,
Thanks for the posting. I just obtained a new (to me) 2008 that came with only one (old style) key FOB with a #1 printed on the back. The selling dealer ordered and gave another FOB #2 that works great. All of a sudden the FOB #1 could not be detected and would not start the car from the glove box slot. I changed the battery and now FOB #1 unlocks and starts the car from my pocket but WILL NOT start the car from the slot in the glove box. FOB #2 starts the car and also starts the car from the slot in the glove box
I fear that if I use your short procedure it may change FOB 1 to FOB 3. Is there anyway to reprogram FOB 1 only.
The only issue with FOB 1 is it will not start the car from the slot.
Thanks for the posting. I just obtained a new (to me) 2008 that came with only one (old style) key FOB with a #1 printed on the back. The selling dealer ordered and gave another FOB #2 that works great. All of a sudden the FOB #1 could not be detected and would not start the car from the glove box slot. I changed the battery and now FOB #1 unlocks and starts the car from my pocket but WILL NOT start the car from the slot in the glove box. FOB #2 starts the car and also starts the car from the slot in the glove box
I fear that if I use your short procedure it may change FOB 1 to FOB 3. Is there anyway to reprogram FOB 1 only.
The only issue with FOB 1 is it will not start the car from the slot.
I learned today that FOB #1 and #2 are masters and control settings that cannot be done with add on FOB's #3 and #4. If you lose FOB #1, the replacement will have to be done by the dealership or someone with a Tech II. I am not sure what is 'blessed' about FOB #1 but it is the master.
Mine is now working normal-normal