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GMC Key Fob Programming

Sierra and Yukon smart keys, what they share with Chevrolet, and the parts that cover both badges.

Car Key Source Trade Desk 6 min read

Who this page is for

Most people searching for gmc key fob programming are not planning to do the work alone — they are working out what has to be bought and who has to touch the vehicle. This page answers both halves: what the GMC system actually requires, and which parts to have in hand before the job starts.

The system on these vehicles

GMC uses GM Passive Entry Passive Start. GMC runs the same GM keyless platform as Chevrolet, so a Sierra and a Silverado of the same year usually take the identical fob. Stocking to the GM part number rather than the badge is the cheapest way to cover both marques without doubling your shelf.

Before you order the fob

The wrong fob is the single most common reason a programming job stalls. Confirm all four of these against the customer's original, not against the model name:

  • FCC ID — printed on the back of the original fob.
  • Part number — ties the fob to the trim level and its button set.
  • Frequency — 315 MHz and 433 MHz parts look identical and are not interchangeable.
  • Battery type — CR2032, CR2450 and friends; worth stocking alongside the fob.

If any of those are unknown, run the original through Find My Fob or search by FCC ID before you commit to a part.

Programming a GMC fob, step by step

The verified onboard procedure for GMC is being reviewed by our trade desk before it goes up. We do not publish programming sequences we have not confirmed on the bench — the wrong sequence can lock a module.

Internal draft — compiled from published sources, not yet bench-verified

Applies to: GMC bladed-key vehicles with onboard remote learn (roughly 1997-2013) and DIC-based learning on later trucks and SUVs. Push-button-start smart keys use the cup-holder procedure below.

Older body style — power-lock-switch method

  1. Close all doors and insert the key into the ignition without starting the vehicle.
  2. Press and hold the power UNLOCK button on the driver's door panel.
  3. While holding it, cycle the ignition OFF - ON - OFF - ON in quick succession (ON without cranking).
  4. Release the UNLOCK button — the doors cycle to confirm programming mode.
  5. Hold LOCK and UNLOCK together on the remote until the doors cycle again; allow up to 30 seconds.
  6. Repeat for each remaining remote, including ones that already worked.
  7. Turn the ignition to ON to exit and test everything.

DIC method (later trucks and SUVs)

  1. With the vehicle off, scroll the DIC to the remote-key-learn option and confirm.
  2. Follow the prompts: place the remote in the console pocket or press ENGINE START/STOP, then hold LOCK and UNLOCK until the display advances.
  3. Repeat for each remote and exit as prompted.

Smart keys with two recognized fobs: turn the driver's door key cylinder counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds until the DIC reads READY FOR REMOTE, put the new fob in the cup holder, press ENGINE START/STOP, then press LOCK or UNLOCK on the fob. Hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit.

Need the steps for a specific year and trim today? Call the trade desk and we will walk it through with you, or email info@carkeysource.com.

Need the GMC procedure now?Call(855) 522-7539Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm ET

When all keys are lost

Same picture as the rest of GM: all-keys-lost needs BCM PIN access or dealer-level SPS, plus the relearn timer. Newer trucks increasingly require subscription-gated access, so verify coverage for the specific year before quoting.

Stocking for GMC work

If GMC is a regular part of your book, the fobs below are the ones that repeat. Stocking two or three deep on the highest-volume part numbers is usually the difference between finishing a job the same day and ordering a part while the vehicle sits.

GMC fobs in stock now

Published SKUs from the live catalog. Confirm the FCC ID and part number on the customer's original before you order.

Everything we hold for these vehicles: GMC · Chevrolet · Cadillac.

Not sure which part fits?Call(855) 522-7539Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm ET

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