Hi all,
The Bolt I bought only came with one key/fob/transmitter, and I had 2 extra fobs from a Volt that were identical, so I figured I'd try the programming instructions in the manual when only 1 fob is present. After some hassle, here are the things that I have learned that I'd like to post here for posterity:
-You can only do this with a NEW (never programmed before), genuine OEM Chevy key fob. If it's been programmed to another car, it won't work without being reflashed, and that's not something you can do without dealer tools. I also tried a new aftermarket fob and it didn't work, so save your time. I'm sure some aftermarket ones may work, but not being successful is a pain once you start, so just get a new OEM fob online.
-Make sure that the FCC ID on the key is the same (HYQ4AA), even if the button layout is different. I used a key from an Equinox because it was the cheapest I could find a new Chevy key ($50 shipped on eBay). It has a useless trunk release button but that doesn't bother me.
-I tried doing the 30 minute procedure with the door open (while I was doing other things), and as soon as it got to the 30-minute mark, it shut off. Not sure if it was a glitch, but I was able to successfully complete it sitting in the car the whole time with the door closed. I saw another member said opening the door resets the timer, so just plan on being in the car the whole time.
-The first 2 times I tried the procedure (used Chevy key and then new aftermarket key), the 2nd remote wouldn't program, and exiting programming mode wasn't effective. Holding down the start button for 12 seconds would allow me to temporarily exit programming mode and start the car, but it wouldn't permanently exit. Another member said that failing to exit the programming mode also caused his 12V battery to drain, so make sure to keep your car plugged in regularly if you get stuck in this phase while waiting for a key.
-If you get stuck waiting for the 2nd remote to program because you didn't have the correct key, and you're panicking because your car won't start, just hold down the start button for 12 seconds until the dash shuts down (maybe do some deep breathing while you hold it down). After this, you can press the button again to start the car, and you'll have a "Theft Deterrent System" service message on the dash. This won't go away until you successfully program another remote and exit programming mode.
-If you spend a week waiting for a new key driving around with the Theft Deterrent icon on and you finally get your new key...you can just program it without having to go through the procedure again...it stays ready to program
I hope this saves someone some time/frustration!
-Neal
The Bolt I bought only came with one key/fob/transmitter, and I had 2 extra fobs from a Volt that were identical, so I figured I'd try the programming instructions in the manual when only 1 fob is present. After some hassle, here are the things that I have learned that I'd like to post here for posterity:
-You can only do this with a NEW (never programmed before), genuine OEM Chevy key fob. If it's been programmed to another car, it won't work without being reflashed, and that's not something you can do without dealer tools. I also tried a new aftermarket fob and it didn't work, so save your time. I'm sure some aftermarket ones may work, but not being successful is a pain once you start, so just get a new OEM fob online.
-Make sure that the FCC ID on the key is the same (HYQ4AA), even if the button layout is different. I used a key from an Equinox because it was the cheapest I could find a new Chevy key ($50 shipped on eBay). It has a useless trunk release button but that doesn't bother me.
-I tried doing the 30 minute procedure with the door open (while I was doing other things), and as soon as it got to the 30-minute mark, it shut off. Not sure if it was a glitch, but I was able to successfully complete it sitting in the car the whole time with the door closed. I saw another member said opening the door resets the timer, so just plan on being in the car the whole time.
-The first 2 times I tried the procedure (used Chevy key and then new aftermarket key), the 2nd remote wouldn't program, and exiting programming mode wasn't effective. Holding down the start button for 12 seconds would allow me to temporarily exit programming mode and start the car, but it wouldn't permanently exit. Another member said that failing to exit the programming mode also caused his 12V battery to drain, so make sure to keep your car plugged in regularly if you get stuck in this phase while waiting for a key.
-If you get stuck waiting for the 2nd remote to program because you didn't have the correct key, and you're panicking because your car won't start, just hold down the start button for 12 seconds until the dash shuts down (maybe do some deep breathing while you hold it down). After this, you can press the button again to start the car, and you'll have a "Theft Deterrent System" service message on the dash. This won't go away until you successfully program another remote and exit programming mode.
-If you spend a week waiting for a new key driving around with the Theft Deterrent icon on and you finally get your new key...you can just program it without having to go through the procedure again...it stays ready to program
I hope this saves someone some time/frustration!
-Neal