GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 XLR 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Electronic Suspension Control 🢒 Transmitter Programming

Transmitter Programming N. America and Japan, except Canada

Important:  Do not operate or program the key fobs in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the key fobs to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 3 methods for programming key fobs. Up to 4 key fobs may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed key fob is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

All procedures require the use of a scan tool. If a scan tool is not available, refer to the vehicle owners manual for fob programming procedures.

Method 1 - Adding or Replacing a Key Fob (Known Key Fob Available)

This procedure will add or replace key fobs. To perform this procedure you must have the following: a fob already programmed to the module, a replacement key fob, and a scan tool.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of fobs (4) have been programmed. If 4 key fobs are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAX FOBS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 2 or 3 must be used in this instance.

  1. Place a known fob in the cup holder.
  2. Turn the vehicle in RUN, place the transmission in PARK (A/T) or REVERSE (M/T) and shut the vehicle OFF.
  3. Using the scan tool access the following:
    4. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  4. Select the fob position you wish to program:

    5.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All Fobs will erase any known fobs and require all fobs to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All Fobs (Not used in this method)
    • Program Fob 1
    • Program Fob 2
    • Program Fob 3
    • Program Fob 4
  5. With the fob position selected, press the PROGRAM button on the scan tool. The DIC should display: READY FOR FOB X (X = fob 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position)
    6. ⇒If the DIC displays: OFF/ACC TO LEARN, refer to Method 2.
  6. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right.
  7. A beep will occur indicating the fob has been programmed. If the Invalidate All Fobs selection was chosen the DIC will continue to the next available key fob slot until all slots are programmed or the DONE soft key is pressed on the scan tool to exit programming. If any other selection was chosen and additional fobs are needed to be programmed, repeat steps 3-5.

    8. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  8. Remove previously learned fobs from vehicle. Press the UNLOCK button of each newly learned key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 2 - Replacing Key Fobs (No Known Key Fob Available)

This procedure will erase all known key fobs. The procedure will then program a single or multiple key fobs. It requires that you have a replacement key fob and a scan tool. Any known fobs should be removed from the vicinity of the vehicle.

Important: All previously programmed key fobs will be erased upon completion of the 30-minute programming procedure. The order in which the key fobs are programmed will determine its numbering position within the RCDLR memory. Transmitter with #1 on top of it must be programmed first and transmitter with #2 on top of it must be programmed second. Either transmitter may be programmed as the third or fourth transmitter. If replacing a transmitter, ensure that the fob with the correct number on top of it gets ordered.

Do not place any known key fobs in the vicinity of the vehicle when programming with Method 2. If the RCDLR recognizes a known key fob during Method 2 programming, the programming mode will resort to Method 1.

  1. Using the scan tool access the following:
    2. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  2. Select Invalidate All Fobs. Press enter on the Tech 2. The Tech 2 will display: FOLLOW SI INSTRUCTIONS. Press enter on the Tech 2 to continue, then press the PROGRAM button. The DIC will display: OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
  3. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
  4. The DIC will display a message: WAIT 10 MINUTES. It will then count down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
  5. When the timer reaches 0, the DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN. Repeat steps 3-5 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes. The repeating of steps 3-5 must be done within 3 minutes of the timer reaching zero to prevent the exiting of learn mode. On the second and third sequence, the DIC will briefly display NO FOB DETECTED before transitioning to the timer. This is normal.
  6. At the end of the 30 minutes, a beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB 1. At this time all previously known key fobs have been erased.
  7. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right.
  8. A beep will occur indicating the fob has been programmed.
  9. Additional key fobs can be programmed by removing fob 1 from the pocket and inserting fob 2. If desired, up to 4 fobs can be programmed. Once 4 fobs have been learned, the DIC will display a message: MAX FOBS LEARNED, and automatically exit the program mode.
  10. If learning less than 4 key fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit the program mode.

    11. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  11. Press the UNLOCK button of each key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 3 - Service Programming System Fob Programming (No Known Key Fob Available)

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Once the 10-minute timer has expired, the fobs can be programmed similar to Method 1 using slot programming. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement key fob are required to perform this procedure.

This procedure may be done in the OFF power mode.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement (TIS2000 will not work for this method).
  2. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method.
  3. If the vehicle can be powered up, turn the ignition on with the engine off. If the vehicle cannot be powered up, manually enter the VIN.
  4. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  5. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10 minute relearn procedure.
  6. When complete, select CONTINUE on the Tech 2, then exit out to the Vehicle Control Systems menu.
  7. Use the scan tool to access the following:
    8. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  8. Select INVALIDATE ALL FOBS and press the PROGRAM button.
  9. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 1.
  10. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2.
  11. If programming additional key fobs, repeat step 10, or press the DONE soft key on the scan tool to exit programming.

    12. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is required to ensure transmitter operation.

  12. Press the UNLOCK button of each key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.
  13. Clear any DTC's and remove the scan tool.

Transmitter Programming Canada and Europe

Important:  Do not operate or program the key fobs in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the key fobs to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 2 methods for programming key fobs. Up to 4 key fobs may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed key fob is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

All procedures require the use of a scan tool. If a scan tool is not available, refer to the vehicle owners manual for fob programming procedures.

Method 1 - Adding or Replacing a Key Fob (Known Key Fob Available)

This procedure will add or replace key fobs. To perform this procedure, you must have a fob already programmed to the module, a replacement key fob, and a scan tool

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of fobs (4) have been programmed. If 4 key fobs are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAX FOBS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 2 must be used in this instance.

  1. Place a known fob in the cup holder.
  2. Turn the vehicle to RUN, place the transmission in PARK (A/T) or REVERSE (M/T) and shut the vehicle OFF.
  3. Using the scan tool access the following:
    4. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  4. Select the fob position you wish to program:

    5.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All Fobs will erase any known fobs and require all fobs to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All Fobs (Not used in this method)
    • Program Fob 1
    • Program Fob 2
    • Program Fob 3
    • Program Fob 4
  5. With the fob position selected, press the PROGRAM button on the scan tool. The DIC should display: READY FOR FOB X (X = fob 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position)
    6. ⇒If the DIC displays: OFF/ACC TO LEARN, refer to Method 2.
  6. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right.
  7. A beep will occur indicating the fob has been programmed. If the Invalidate All Fobs selection was chosen the DIC will continue to the next available key fob slot until all slots are programmed or the DONE soft key is pressed to exit programming. If any other selection was chosen and additional fobs are needed to be programmed, repeat steps 3-5.

    8. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  8. Remove previously learned fobs from vehicle. Press the UNLOCK button of each newly learned key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 2 - Service Programming System Fob Programming (No Known Key Fob Available)

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Once the 10-minute timer has expired, the fobs can be programmed similar to Method 1 using slot programming. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement key fob are required to perform this procedure.

This procedure may be done in the OFF power mode.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement (TIS2000 will not work for this method).
  2. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  3. If the vehicle can be powered up, turn the ignition on with the engine off. If the vehicle cannot be powered up, manually enter the VIN.
  4. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  5. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10 minute relearn procedure.
  6. When complete, select CONTINUE on the Tech 2, then exit out to the Vehicle Control Systems menu.
  7. Use the scan tool to access the following:
    8. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  8. Select INVALIDATE ALL FOBS and press the PROGRAM button.
  9. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 1
  10. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2
  11. If programming additional key fobs, repeat step 10, or press the DONE soft key on the scan tool to exit programming.

    12. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  12. Press the UNLOCK button of each key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.
  13. Clear any DTCs and remove the scan tool.

Transmitter Programming New RCDLRs ONLY

Important:  Do not operate or program the key fobs in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the key fobs to the incorrect vehicle.

Transmitter with #1 on top of it must be programmed first and transmitter with #2 on top of it must be programmed second. Either transmitter may be programmed as the third or fourth transmitter. If replacing a transmitter, ensure that the fob with the correct number on top of it gets ordered.

This procedure requires the use of a scan tool. If a scan tool is not available, refer to the vehicle owners manual for fob programming procedures.

This procedure will add key fobs to a new RCDLR. You must have the previously known fobs (or new fobs) and a scan tool.

  1. Place the fobs to be programmed to a new RCDLR in the cup holder.
  2. Using the scan tool, access the following:
    3. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  3. Select INVALIDATE ALL FOBS and press the PROGRAM button.
  4. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 1 (If the DIC is blank or displays PRESS OFF/ACC TO LEARN, the setup was already performed on the RCDLR. Use either Method 2 or 3 in Transmitter Programming to program the fobs).
  5. Place the fob with #1 on top of it in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right.
  6. A beep will occur indicating the fob has been programmed. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2.
  7. If programming additional key fobs, repeat step 5, or press the DONE soft key on the scan tool to exit programming.

    8. Important: Failure to press the UNLOCK button of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button finishes the programming sequence and is required to ensure transmitter operation.

  8. Press the UNLOCK button of each key fob to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.
  9. Clear any DTC's and remove the scan tool.