C6 Comprehensive Fob Programming Instructions
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
This is an update on how the problem was resolved. I carried the car back to the dealership and it was strange to them too that FOB #1 would start the car from my pocket but would not start the car from the glove box slot. Normal programming as describe in the manual in this forum would not work. They had to use the Tech II tool set to reprogram FOB #1. It was not easy but they got it done.
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
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
Also, there is no such concept here as a master fob. All fobs have a unique internal code but otherwise, all are electrically identical. The only difference is the order in which the car is programmed to accept them. Fobs that are programmed as 1 and 2 are able to provide different settings in the car...3 and 4 are not...but this is not a "master" relationship. It appears to me that this is simply a case, like so many others here, where the car could not be put into the programming mode in the normal manner and so the dealer used the method of force programming using the TECH II. Their explained concept of a master fob is unfortunately indicative of their lack of understanding of how the system works. This is not at all unusual among dealers. Just a little while ago, an owner here was told that fobs must be placed in the glovebox slot every so often in order to "re-sync" with the car...which of course we know is pure crap...made up by someone who doesn't understand the system. This concept is nowhere to be found in any manual or set of instructions associated with the car, so it must be made up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
cclive,
You asked for more information. All I can tell you is before the dealership reprogrammed FOB #1 it would open the door and with me sitting in the driver's seat with FOB #1 in my pocket (or hand), it would start the car. The same FOB #1 would not start the car from the slot in the glove box. When it started acting flaky, I replaced the battery. I offered a $5 reward at the dealership it they could start the car with FOB #1 in glove box slot. I did not have to pay. Yes, I know the FOB should start the car from the slot even with a dead battery. My FOB #2 worked normal. Neither of the reprogramming procedures could fix FOB #1 to start the vehicle in the slot. The fix was to reprogram it using the Tech II tool.
You may be correct about all FOB's being the same but the tech that seemed to know what he was talking about indicated you will run into programming issues if you lose #1 or #2 and only have #3 or #4. My advice to anyone reading if you lose FOB #1 and have to purchase and program a replacement, get it checked by someone with Tech II tool to be sure it is really #1 and not a #3. Better to be safe than sorry.
You asked for more information. All I can tell you is before the dealership reprogrammed FOB #1 it would open the door and with me sitting in the driver's seat with FOB #1 in my pocket (or hand), it would start the car. The same FOB #1 would not start the car from the slot in the glove box. When it started acting flaky, I replaced the battery. I offered a $5 reward at the dealership it they could start the car with FOB #1 in glove box slot. I did not have to pay. Yes, I know the FOB should start the car from the slot even with a dead battery. My FOB #2 worked normal. Neither of the reprogramming procedures could fix FOB #1 to start the vehicle in the slot. The fix was to reprogram it using the Tech II tool.
You may be correct about all FOB's being the same but the tech that seemed to know what he was talking about indicated you will run into programming issues if you lose #1 or #2 and only have #3 or #4. My advice to anyone reading if you lose FOB #1 and have to purchase and program a replacement, get it checked by someone with Tech II tool to be sure it is really #1 and not a #3. Better to be safe than sorry.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,955
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
If you lose both FOBs and add 2 new FOBs they will become FOBs 3 & 4 UNLESS you do the long program. If you do the long program, they will program as FOBs 1 & 2 (FOB 1 will be the first FOB programmed) regardless of ANY identifying numbers or wording on the FOB cases.
FOBs 1 & 2 can associate with seat location, mirror, radio presets, name coming up on the DIC etc. That is the "Master" crap the dealer is talking about. FOBs designated as 3 & 4 will open, lock, & start the car. If you need the seat moved, you do it manually and it will not be remembered the next time to get in the car with that FOB. That is why there are only buttons 1 & 2 on the driver's door that you push and hold to get into "memory" the stuff associated with FOBs 1& 2.
As Chris said, the FOB should start in the slot even without a battery.
Elmer
FOBs 1 & 2 can associate with seat location, mirror, radio presets, name coming up on the DIC etc. That is the "Master" crap the dealer is talking about. FOBs designated as 3 & 4 will open, lock, & start the car. If you need the seat moved, you do it manually and it will not be remembered the next time to get in the car with that FOB. That is why there are only buttons 1 & 2 on the driver's door that you push and hold to get into "memory" the stuff associated with FOBs 1& 2.
As Chris said, the FOB should start in the slot even without a battery.
Elmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Elmer,
Good response. What you described is the way it was explained to me. The only problem was I had a really flakey FOB #1 that could be programmed the long way; however, it still would not start the car from the slot. After several failed attempts, the Tech II tool finally got it to start the car from the slot. My FOBs #1 and #2 are now working normal and I feel sure the new battery in FOB #1 will last for few years. BTW, I have the old (05 to 07) FOB' in my 2008. I understand they function the same as the new style.
Off Topic: As a testimony to FOB's, my old C5 FOB made thought the washing machine and kept on ticking. Not a good thing and I was surprised it survived.
Good response. What you described is the way it was explained to me. The only problem was I had a really flakey FOB #1 that could be programmed the long way; however, it still would not start the car from the slot. After several failed attempts, the Tech II tool finally got it to start the car from the slot. My FOBs #1 and #2 are now working normal and I feel sure the new battery in FOB #1 will last for few years. BTW, I have the old (05 to 07) FOB' in my 2008. I understand they function the same as the new style.
Off Topic: As a testimony to FOB's, my old C5 FOB made thought the washing machine and kept on ticking. Not a good thing and I was surprised it survived.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,955
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 16
From: El Dorado Hills CA
So again, follow these (GREAT) instructions exactly!
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
It is really sad that this HUGE thread needs to exist, but I'm glad it does. GM really dropped the ball on this system (and all the other electronics ... but I digress).
A bit of background:
We're working on a flood 2005 C6, building a race car. All electronic equipment is gone except the instrument cluster. We had to replace the BCM (got a used one), and the RCDLR. We have the original FOB and key, but of course it does not work due to the replaced RCDLR. We do not have a glove box, or the antenna that sits behind it (can someone confirm this?). We're working on getting these parts. RCDLR make clicking noises when start button is pushed, so that seems to be working.
Some questions:
1. Car is Canadian model, but BCM and RCDLR have been replaced, possibly from US model (unknown). Putting the car in learn mode (5 times with the key) gives the acc/off to learn message, and the 10 min count down. Can I assume that this is the long procedure, and once we get the glovebox slot, we should be able to learn the FOB? Or can the Canadian model get into this mode, but it just won't work?
2. Is the glovebox slot and the backup antenna behind it actually required for the learn procedure, or can the FOB just be brought near one of the other antennas (doors, or trunk)? We have the rear trunk antenna for sure, unknown about the door ones (where are they located?)
3. Is there anything plugged into the 3rd plug on the RCDLR, or the small antenna plug on it? On the donor car we got it from, only 2 plugs were there, and the wiring diagrams appear to show only 2 connectors going to it. Can someone confirm?
Will update once we've tried to program again tomorrow night, with possibly a glovebox slot and antenna. Good info here guys!
A bit of background:
We're working on a flood 2005 C6, building a race car. All electronic equipment is gone except the instrument cluster. We had to replace the BCM (got a used one), and the RCDLR. We have the original FOB and key, but of course it does not work due to the replaced RCDLR. We do not have a glove box, or the antenna that sits behind it (can someone confirm this?). We're working on getting these parts. RCDLR make clicking noises when start button is pushed, so that seems to be working.
Some questions:
1. Car is Canadian model, but BCM and RCDLR have been replaced, possibly from US model (unknown). Putting the car in learn mode (5 times with the key) gives the acc/off to learn message, and the 10 min count down. Can I assume that this is the long procedure, and once we get the glovebox slot, we should be able to learn the FOB? Or can the Canadian model get into this mode, but it just won't work?
2. Is the glovebox slot and the backup antenna behind it actually required for the learn procedure, or can the FOB just be brought near one of the other antennas (doors, or trunk)? We have the rear trunk antenna for sure, unknown about the door ones (where are they located?)
3. Is there anything plugged into the 3rd plug on the RCDLR, or the small antenna plug on it? On the donor car we got it from, only 2 plugs were there, and the wiring diagrams appear to show only 2 connectors going to it. Can someone confirm?
Will update once we've tried to program again tomorrow night, with possibly a glovebox slot and antenna. Good info here guys!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
I agree, it has gotten to be a very long thread, but it has been a help so it's worth reading all of it.
1. If the car does the waiting period, then it is a US car (electronics)..Canadian cars can only do the short procedure. The difference between short and long is whether or not a working fob is inside the car at the time the key is turned 5 times. No fob in car means it enters long procedure...waiting periods etc.
2. I believe that the fob slot is necessary and not just any one of the antennas, but have never heard of it being tried, so can't say definitively.
3. Sorry, I do not know, so can't offer help here.
The most troublesome part of the system usually is getting into the program mode, so you are ahead of the game.
1. If the car does the waiting period, then it is a US car (electronics)..Canadian cars can only do the short procedure. The difference between short and long is whether or not a working fob is inside the car at the time the key is turned 5 times. No fob in car means it enters long procedure...waiting periods etc.
2. I believe that the fob slot is necessary and not just any one of the antennas, but have never heard of it being tried, so can't say definitively.
3. Sorry, I do not know, so can't offer help here.
The most troublesome part of the system usually is getting into the program mode, so you are ahead of the game.
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Cruising
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Update: FOB programmed perfectly fine. No issues, no hoops to jump through, no reverse needed. Just 5 turns of the key, DIC says off/acc to learn, wait 10 min, do it 2 more times (NO FOBS DETECTED between each 10 min). Then said ready for FOB #1. I used the glovebox slot (on the floor, nothing magic about it, just proximity to the antenna attached to it). Said ready for #2, it was done. Clicked unlock btn, pushed the start, and car came to life. Should have tried it using the trunk antenna, but forgot ...
Yay!
So, only the RCDLR needs to be from a US car ... the rest of the car and parts are Canadian and the programming worked fine.
Yay!
So, only the RCDLR needs to be from a US car ... the rest of the car and parts are Canadian and the programming worked fine.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 392
Likes: 6
From: Churchville PA
I just broke my fob #2 and purchasing a new one. Is it possible to program the new one to work as fob #2 without going to the dealer? Will the long procedure do this as long as I still have the working fob#1, which I do have?
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 8
From: Calgary AB
I'd like to add a third fob to my 2013 427. When I buy a new fob (where to buy it?), does it arrive with a new uncut key that you then need to have cut?
Great thread btw. I'm looking forward to using the short (Canadian) process when I get the new fob.
thanks again,
Len B
Great thread btw. I'm looking forward to using the short (Canadian) process when I get the new fob.
thanks again,
Len B
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
Fob Slot check
Thanks for this post, but just to be clear if I want to see if my slot works I can do 1 thru 6 which will tell me if the slot works and my fob is fine without messing things up?
I have redone the instructions to include a test of the glovebox slot before doing the long procedure so that people don't get into a situation where they erase all the old fobs and then find that the slot doesn't work and they can't add new fobs back to the system. I also would recommend that you attach a battery tender to the car if you have one as a low battery can cause all kinds of crazy behavior from the car. This is especially important when doing the long procedure as it takes 30 minutes. Also, it is a good idea to disable the autolock feature if you have enabled it because it is a pain to have the car lock itself on you while doing this procedure and then have the horn honk when you open the door. Please keep in mind that cars made for export to Canada can only do the short procedure, the long must be done by a dealer. Cars made for export to Europe cannot do either long or short procedure, they must be programmed by a dealer. I believe this is the case for cars destined for the GCC countries also, but would like to hear from an owner there to confirm it.
Since the glovebox slot is something that most C6 owners never have used, they would normally be unaware that it is not working and may have never worked since the car was made. This is unique in the car because almost all the other systems in the car have been used at least once by the owner so as to know if they work. The metal key in the trunk lock would be another area that should be tested by the owner.
Here are the instructions including the long, short and the test procedure for the slot.
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 Long Procedure….use these instructions 11-22 to erase car memory and reprogram all Fobs. Be sure to confirm proper operation of the glovebox slot with the short procedure before using this one. Any lost Fobs that are not reprogrammed with this procedure will no longer work on the car. Lost Fobs that are later found may be added to the car with the short programming procedure. This procedure requires three consecutive ten minute waiting periods, so plan on spending about a half hour to do this, during which the car may not be moved. Remember that the number printed on the Fob only indicates the way it was first programmed at the factory. All Fobs are identical. The order in which they are placed in the glovebox slot determines what number the Fob is.
11. Drivers window down, car off
12. Trunk open
13. Glove box open
14. Make sure NO Fobs are anywhere near the car. IMPORTANT.
15. Put key in trunk keyhole and turn key five times in less than 5 seconds.
16. DIC will now beep and light up and say “Off/Acc to learn” If you decide at this point NOT to do the programming now, push the TOP half of the Start button and the car will return to normal. With step 17, all previous fobs will be erased. To continue with programming:
17. Push bottom half of the Start button. DIC will say to wait 10 minutes and will start counting down the minutes. You may close the trunk and car door while waiting for the ten minute countdowns.
18. After the first 10 minute countdown, DIC will again say “Off/Acc to learn”. Push bottom half of Start button again. DIC will again start counting down the ten minutes.
19. After the second 10 minute countdown, DIC will again say “Off/Acc to learn”. Push bottom half of Start button again. DIC will again start counting down the ten minutes.
20. After this third ten minute period is over, DIC will say “Ready for Fob #1” Regardless of the number on the Fob, the FIRST Fob that is put in the glovebox slot will be recognized as Fob #1. Put the first Fob in the glovebox slot with the buttons facing to the right (passenger) side.
21. After 3 or four seconds the DIC will beep and say “Ready for Fob #2”. Put the second Fob in the slot. The car will take a maximum of four fobs. When you have no more Fobs to program, push the bottom half of the Start button to end the programming session.
22. Test all buttons on the fobs to make sure they work, then take all fobs away from the car and, one by one, try using each to start the car.
Please read through the rest of the thread as many people have added their tips and tricks...lots of good info
Since the glovebox slot is something that most C6 owners never have used, they would normally be unaware that it is not working and may have never worked since the car was made. This is unique in the car because almost all the other systems in the car have been used at least once by the owner so as to know if they work. The metal key in the trunk lock would be another area that should be tested by the owner.
Here are the instructions including the long, short and the test procedure for the slot.
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 Long Procedure….use these instructions 11-22 to erase car memory and reprogram all Fobs. Be sure to confirm proper operation of the glovebox slot with the short procedure before using this one. Any lost Fobs that are not reprogrammed with this procedure will no longer work on the car. Lost Fobs that are later found may be added to the car with the short programming procedure. This procedure requires three consecutive ten minute waiting periods, so plan on spending about a half hour to do this, during which the car may not be moved. Remember that the number printed on the Fob only indicates the way it was first programmed at the factory. All Fobs are identical. The order in which they are placed in the glovebox slot determines what number the Fob is.
11. Drivers window down, car off
12. Trunk open
13. Glove box open
14. Make sure NO Fobs are anywhere near the car. IMPORTANT.
15. Put key in trunk keyhole and turn key five times in less than 5 seconds.
16. DIC will now beep and light up and say “Off/Acc to learn” If you decide at this point NOT to do the programming now, push the TOP half of the Start button and the car will return to normal. With step 17, all previous fobs will be erased. To continue with programming:
17. Push bottom half of the Start button. DIC will say to wait 10 minutes and will start counting down the minutes. You may close the trunk and car door while waiting for the ten minute countdowns.
18. After the first 10 minute countdown, DIC will again say “Off/Acc to learn”. Push bottom half of Start button again. DIC will again start counting down the ten minutes.
19. After the second 10 minute countdown, DIC will again say “Off/Acc to learn”. Push bottom half of Start button again. DIC will again start counting down the ten minutes.
20. After this third ten minute period is over, DIC will say “Ready for Fob #1” Regardless of the number on the Fob, the FIRST Fob that is put in the glovebox slot will be recognized as Fob #1. Put the first Fob in the glovebox slot with the buttons facing to the right (passenger) side.
21. After 3 or four seconds the DIC will beep and say “Ready for Fob #2”. Put the second Fob in the slot. The car will take a maximum of four fobs. When you have no more Fobs to program, push the bottom half of the Start button to end the programming session.
22. Test all buttons on the fobs to make sure they work, then take all fobs away from the car and, one by one, try using each to start the car.
Please read through the rest of the thread as many people have added their tips and tricks...lots of good info
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
C-6 Fob
Thanks for the confirmation and quick response. I'll give it a whirl.
Step 6 gets the system into the program mode so that if you then put an unknown fob into the slot in step 7, it will be added to the car. If you put the already working fob into the slot in step 7, the DIC will say "KNOWN FOB" and nothing additional will be programmed. When it says KNOWN FOB, it shows you that the slot is working as it has read the fob and told you that it already has that fob programmed to the car. At this point, just push the OFF part of the start button and all is good, no changes made. If , at step 7, you put a known fob in the slot and the DIC does not say KNOWN FOB, then the slot is not working and you should not do the long procedure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 901
Likes: 45
From: Winter Haven FL
CCLIVE....Thanks much for the detailed and very clear instructions for the long programming procedure. My 2011GS came with the #2 fob only so I bought a #1, programmed it and could not understand why it did not show as #1. Everything went smooth and now both fob's work as numbered. I appreciate your efforts.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
FOB Slot Check
My whirl didn't whirl, nothing happened after I did the 5 twists with the fob key( does it make a difference which key u use) the DIC didn't light at all and I tried a couple of times. After failing I just took my fob and put in the slot and the car started but I don't think that proved anything because the fob is in the car. Should I increase my Ginko Biloba?
Step 6 gets the system into the program mode so that if you then put an unknown fob into the slot in step 7, it will be added to the car. If you put the already working fob into the slot in step 7, the DIC will say "KNOWN FOB" and nothing additional will be programmed. When it says KNOWN FOB, it shows you that the slot is working as it has read the fob and told you that it already has that fob programmed to the car. At this point, just push the OFF part of the start button and all is good, no changes made. If , at step 7, you put a known fob in the slot and the DIC does not say KNOWN FOB, then the slot is not working and you should not do the long procedure.