Used RCDLR Replacement Process - NO GM Tech2 needed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 434
Likes: 73
Used RCDLR Replacement Process - NO GM Tech2 needed
Hey guys,
Just wanted to post up something that doesn't seem to be documented anywhere in regards to replacing the RCDLR. In my case, my RCDLR started progressively getting worse until I was down to glove box key slot, and TPMS stopped working. I decided that there couldn't be another cause and bought a used module on ebay. Luckily, you do not need a dealer, or actually anything at all to do the swap. Sharing here so that the next guy will see it in their search results!
Firstly, I've read that you can hot swap these to get the process started. In my case, that did not work and actually was not needed at all.
Start by replacing the RCDLR module, then initiate the Long procedure
Once key programming is done, the car will recognize the programmed fobs but the engine will NOT crank. The security light on the dashboard will remain illuminated.
Here's how to fix that:
Once completed, the car will operate normally.
Shout out to Mike Schneider (Maktonc6) on YouTube as I haven't seen this written out anywhere else on the internet. Source is at 4:54
Just wanted to post up something that doesn't seem to be documented anywhere in regards to replacing the RCDLR. In my case, my RCDLR started progressively getting worse until I was down to glove box key slot, and TPMS stopped working. I decided that there couldn't be another cause and bought a used module on ebay. Luckily, you do not need a dealer, or actually anything at all to do the swap. Sharing here so that the next guy will see it in their search results!
Firstly, I've read that you can hot swap these to get the process started. In my case, that did not work and actually was not needed at all.
Start by replacing the RCDLR module, then initiate the Long procedure
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 and the keyring end facing outwards.
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.
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 and the keyring end facing outwards.
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.
Here's how to fix that:
Theft deterrent 30-Minute Relearn Procedure
Ensure your car battery is fully charged or connected to a charger, as the process takes about a half-hour with the engine off.
Ensure your car battery is fully charged or connected to a charger, as the process takes about a half-hour with the engine off.
- Attempt to start the car: Push the button and turn it to the ON / RUN position.
- Wait 11 Minutes: The SECURITY light on your dashboard will turn on or flash. Leave the key in the ON position for exactly 10 to 11 minutes until the security light turns off or stops flashing.
- Turn OFF: Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait for 30 seconds.
- Repeat the Cycle: Repeat steps 1 through 3 two more times. You are completing three full cycles total (11 minutes ON, 30 seconds OFF, three times).
- Start the Engine: After the third cycle, turn the key to the ON position for 30 seconds, turn it to OFF, and then attempt to start the engine.
Shout out to Mike Schneider (Maktonc6) on YouTube as I haven't seen this written out anywhere else on the internet. Source is at 4:54
Last edited by rsb213; Jun 12, 2026 at 11:12 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 1,174
From: Northern Wisconsin
Good write-up, but I'm a little confused toward the end of the long procedure. You say to test each fob one by one to see if it starts the car. Then, it states that the car will recognize the newly-programmed fobs but will not crank, and has you go through a 30 minute theft deterrent relearn procedure. This procedure makes reference to the on/run position and the use of a key, which we don't have on C6 Corvettes.
Questions:
1. After going through the long procedure, are the fobs supposed to start the car, or do we really have to go through the theft deterrent relearn procedure?
2. Is the theft deterrent relearn procedure shown for some other vehicle due to the mention of a on/run position and the use of a key?
Questions:
1. After going through the long procedure, are the fobs supposed to start the car, or do we really have to go through the theft deterrent relearn procedure?
2. Is the theft deterrent relearn procedure shown for some other vehicle due to the mention of a on/run position and the use of a key?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 434
Likes: 73
Good write-up, but I'm a little confused toward the end of the long procedure. You say to test each fob one by one to see if it starts the car. Then, it states that the car will recognize the newly-programmed fobs but will not crank, and has you go through a 30 minute theft deterrent relearn procedure. This procedure makes reference to the on/run position and the use of a key, which we don't have on C6 Corvettes.
Questions:
1. After going through the long procedure, are the fobs supposed to start the car, or do we really have to go through the theft deterrent relearn procedure?
2. Is the theft deterrent relearn procedure shown for some other vehicle due to the mention of a on/run position and the use of a key?
Questions:
1. After going through the long procedure, are the fobs supposed to start the car, or do we really have to go through the theft deterrent relearn procedure?
2. Is the theft deterrent relearn procedure shown for some other vehicle due to the mention of a on/run position and the use of a key?
1. The fobs will operate everything, short of the engine cranking over to start. Theft relearn is required in order to get past this.
2. Nope, just press the start button like you normally would but without depressing the clutch pedal. I would assume for an automatic that this would be the brake pedal instead.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia
Im currently dealing with a bad RCDLR. I bought a used one but i am having no luck. If I plug in the new(used) unit, the car is dead. This is a push button start car so I can leave a key in the "ON" position like the directions say. Also, since it is a used unit, will it pair with my car?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 434
Likes: 73
Im currently dealing with a bad RCDLR. I bought a used one but i am having no luck. If I plug in the new(used) unit, the car is dead. This is a push button start car so I can leave a key in the "ON" position like the directions say. Also, since it is a used unit, will it pair with my car?
The top of the button is ON. The bottom of the button is accessory mode. They function differently.
First order of business would be to turn the key in the trunk slot 5 times in 5 seconds to start a key relearn. It will say "no fobs detected Off/Acc to learn", press the bottom of the button and you may start the learn procedure.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia
Replace the RCDLR, no need to attempt to start the car next.
The top of the button is ON. The bottom of the button is accessory mode. They function differently.
First order of business would be to turn the key in the trunk slot 5 times in 5 seconds to start a key relearn. It will say "no fobs detected Off/Acc to learn", press the bottom of the button and you may start the learn procedure.
The top of the button is ON. The bottom of the button is accessory mode. They function differently.
First order of business would be to turn the key in the trunk slot 5 times in 5 seconds to start a key relearn. It will say "no fobs detected Off/Acc to learn", press the bottom of the button and you may start the learn procedure.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 434
Likes: 73
