[Tata_pilote]

I found detailed instructions in the 2017 Bolt owners manual saying how to have my Bolt program new electronic proximity keys. Anyone tried this yet? Of course mine came with only one electronic key, so I’ve ordered a new unprogrammed key, arriving on Sept 7.

 

[Sean Nelson]

In the US you can program a key if you only have one valid key, but it takes something like an hour to do. It's set up this way deliberately so that someone who gets your key can't easily make a new one. In Canada, you can't program a new key unless you have two valid keys. I'm in Canada, I have the two valid keys that came with my 2017 Bolt, and I had no problems programming two more keys that I bought from these folks.

 

[Tata_pilote]

Thanks, Sean. Years ago I got a Transistor unprogrammed key for our Prius and was able to successfully program it with only one functional key on hand. Now It’s about impossible in the USA to find ones that can be programmed using only 1 working key. Pretty frustrating.

 

[GregBrew]

I bought two additional fobs from a third party. They were authentic GM fobs. $65 each. I had my two originals, so I programmed both of them myself in about 10 minutes. I then took the keys to a well-established and reputable local locksmith who was set up to cut this type.

$225 total cost for two. (They key-cutting was surprisingly pricey.)

 

[Tata_pilote]

Hi Greg. Thanks for the info. The bolt manual says it would take about 30 minutes for each key when I have the Bolt do the programming. I was told that’s so a thief can’t quickly duplicate my key. I’ve ordered the spare unprogrammed key already.

 

[mcchb3]

Just bought a new key via ebay (forum won't let me post the link; ebay item 113866872060, $59.95 shipped) - it was brand new and paired to the car just fine.

Even came with an emergency key blank (I haven't had it cut yet)

 

[GregBrew]

Just bought a new key via ebay (forum won't let me post the link; ebay item 113866872060, $59.95 shipped) - it was brand new and paired to the car just fine.

Even came with an emergency key blank (I haven't had it cut yet)

I came real close to not bothering having the keys cut. That would have required me keeping track of which fob was which. Meh...life's too short to create more daily decisions for a hundred bucks.

 

[Tata_pilote]

mcchb3 it seems to be the exact one I’ve ordered. Did you program it according to the directions found in the 2017 Bolt owners manual on pages 36-38? That’s what I’m planning to use.

 

[mcchb3]

Yes, used that exact procedure.

One thing to note, the manual says you must use the new physical/emergency key to enter programming mode, but it really doesn't matter which emergency key you use, it'll work (as I said, I didn't even get mine cut yet).

On the negative side, I upgraded the mychevy android app and it completely blew away keypass for me - worked before the upgrade, now I don't even see the option any more.....

 

[Tata_pilote]

I wondered if something like that would happen. I suppose it will happen to me, as well. ?

 

[Sean Nelson]

$225 total cost for two. (They key-cutting was surprisingly pricey.)

I guess the silver lining for having paid the GM price for my wheels and tires is that the parts guy got to know me and he cut my two key blanks with a wink and a nod...

 

[GregBrew]

Yup. You got quite a deal. Last time I checked, the dealer wanted $250 for a single cut key and fob. I just can't bring myself to support such highway robbery. Half that cost is still too much...

 

[Tata_pilote]

I’m scared to lose my keypass abilities if I program my own key using the Bolts programming capabilities. Hmmm??

 

[mcchb3]

I don't think the key programming affected KeyPass - but then again I guess I can't be certain that it didn't.

One other interesting thing is that some part of programming the new key triggered a theft alert message from OnStar.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I’m scared to lose my keypass abilities if I program my own key using the Bolts programming capabilities. Hmmm??

I strongly doubt that key fob programming has anything to do with KeyPass...