How Much Does it Cost to Program a 2013 Chevy Impala Remote? DIY Guide & Costs

Programming a new remote for your 2013 Chevrolet Impala might seem like a daunting task, but it’s often more straightforward and cost-effective than you might think. Understanding the process and the associated costs can save you both time and money. This guide will walk you through the steps of programming a remote for your 2013 Impala and discuss the potential costs involved.

Understanding the Costs of Programming a 2013 Impala Remote

When it comes to programming a car remote, the cost can vary depending on several factors. Typically, you have two main options: going to a dealership or attempting to program the remote yourself.

Dealership Programming Costs: Dealerships generally charge a premium for programming car remotes. This is because they use specialized equipment and certified technicians. For a 2013 Chevy Impala, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 or more to have a remote programmed at a dealership. This cost usually includes labor and may or may not include the price of the new remote itself.

DIY Programming Costs: If you choose to program the remote yourself, the cost can be significantly lower. The primary cost will be the price of the new remote, which you can purchase online or from auto parts stores. Aftermarket remotes can range from $20 to $80, depending on the brand and features. The great news is that for many 2013 Impala models, you can program the remote yourself without needing any special tools, making it a very budget-friendly option.

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Type of Remote: Basic remotes with just lock, unlock, and panic functions will generally be less expensive than remotes with features like remote start.
• Dealership vs. DIY: As mentioned, dealerships are typically more expensive due to labor and overhead costs.
• Location: Labor costs can vary by geographic location, impacting dealership programming prices.

DIY Programming Guide for 2013 Chevy Impala Remotes

Fortunately, the 2013 Chevy Impala is designed to allow for DIY remote programming in many cases. The exact procedure depends on whether your Impala has a standard key ignition or a push-button ignition system. Here are the step-by-step instructions for both scenarios, based on whether you have a working remote already.

Programming with a Standard Key Ignition and One Working Key

If you have at least one already programmed and working key for your 2013 Impala, you can program additional keys using the following procedure. Make sure the new key is cut to match your vehicle’s ignition before starting.

1. Insert and Start: Place your original, working key into the ignition and start the engine.
2. Turn Off and Remove: Once the engine is running, turn the ignition off and remove the key.
3. Insert New Key and Turn On: Within 10 seconds of removing the original key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position (do not start the engine).
4. Security Light Check: Keep the key in the “on” position. The security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key is successfully programmed. If your vehicle doesn’t have a security light, wait for approximately 10 minutes and 45 seconds to ensure programming completion.
5. Repeat for More Keys: If you have additional keys to program, repeat steps 1 through 4.

Programming with Push-Button Ignition and One Working Remote

If your 2013 Impala has push-button ignition and you have at least one working remote (proximity key), follow these steps to program a new remote. Ensure the key blade for the new remote is cut beforehand.

1. Prepare and Position: Ensure your vehicle is off. Gather all remotes – both the working one and the new ones you want to program – and keep them with you. Place the recognized (already programmed) transmitter in the cupholder.
2. Key in Door Lock: Insert the new, cut key blade into the lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver’s side door. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) should display “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5.”
3. Place in Transmitter Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket inside the center console storage area, under the cupholder. You may need to pull out the cupholder to access it. Place the new transmitter into this pocket.
4. Press Ignition: Press the ignition button. When the new transmitter is learned, the DIC display will indicate it’s ready for the next remote.
5. Verify Programming: Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the unlock button on the new remote to confirm it works.

To program additional remotes, simply repeat steps 3 through 5. Once you have programmed all desired remotes, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.

Programming with Push-Button Ignition and No Working Remotes

If you have lost all your working remotes for your 2013 Impala with push-button start, the programming process is a bit longer, taking approximately 30 minutes. It’s recommended to connect your vehicle to a power source using jumper cables during this procedure to prevent battery drain. Again, ensure the key blade for your new remote is cut.

1. Key in Door Lock and Wait: Insert the new key into the key lock cylinder on the driver’s door and turn it to the unlock position five times within ten seconds. The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
2. Wait and Press Ignition (Repeat 3 Times): Wait for ten minutes until the DIC displays “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Then, press the ignition button. The DIC will again show “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
3. Repeat Wait and Press: Repeat step 2 two more times (for a total of three 10-minute waiting periods). After the third time, any previously programmed remotes will no longer work.
4. Ready for Remote #1: After the final wait, the DIC should display “Ready For Remote #1.”
5. Place in Transmitter Pocket: Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket in the center console, as described earlier.
6. Press Ignition: Press the ignition button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will indicate readiness for the next remote.
7. Verify Programming: Remove the transmitter and press the unlock button to verify it works.

To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 5 and 6. When finished, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.

Conclusion

Programming a remote for your 2013 Chevy Impala can be a DIY project, potentially saving you money compared to dealership costs. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can program new remotes yourself, whether you have a working remote or not, and regardless of your ignition type. Understanding the process and your options empowers you to make an informed decision and manage the cost of replacing or adding remotes for your vehicle. Remember that each 2013 Impala can have up to five transmitters programmed to it.