Losing a car remote or needing a spare is a common hassle for vehicle owners. For 2017 Chevrolet Colorado owners, understanding how to program a new remote can save time and money compared to dealership programming fees. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to programming a car remote for your 2017 Colorado, based on the owner’s manual procedure and real-world experiences.
Understanding Key and Remote Programming for Your 2017 Colorado
Programming a car remote for a modern vehicle like the 2017 Chevy Colorado involves syncing the remote’s signal with your truck’s security system. This process ensures that only authorized remotes can unlock and control your vehicle, acting as a crucial anti-theft measure. There are a few scenarios where you might need to program a car remote:
- Lost or Stolen Remote: If you’ve lost your original remote or it has been stolen, programming a new one is essential for vehicle access and security.
- Adding a Spare Remote: Having a spare remote provides convenience and peace of mind, preventing lockouts if one remote is misplaced or damaged.
- Replacement Remote: If your original remote is malfunctioning or broken, a replacement will need to be programmed to work with your Colorado.
For the 2017 Colorado, the key and remote functions are often combined into a single unit, or they might be separate depending on your specific model and trim. Programming typically involves a sequence of steps performed inside the vehicle, utilizing the ignition system and sometimes the Driver Information Center (DIC) messages.
While dealerships offer remote programming services, often at a premium price, the 2017 Colorado is designed to allow owners to program remotes themselves, especially if you have at least one working key. However, if you’ve lost all your keys, the procedure is slightly different and more time-consuming, as outlined in the owner’s manual for situations where “two recognized keys are not available.”
Manual Programming Procedure for 2017 Colorado (Without Two Recognized Keys)
This procedure is specifically for situations where you do not have two already programmed keys. It’s based on the owner’s manual instructions for the 2017 Chevy Colorado and can take approximately 30 minutes for the first key to be programmed. Ensure you have all the keys you wish to program with you before starting.
Steps:
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Insert the New Key: Place the new, unprogrammed vehicle key into the ignition cylinder.
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Turn to ON/RUN: Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. This is the position just before starting the engine. Do not start the engine. You should see the security light illuminate on the dashboard.
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Wait 10 Minutes: Keep the ignition in the ON/RUN position and wait for exactly 10 minutes. The security light will turn off after this period. It’s crucial to wait the full 10 minutes.
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Turn to LOCK/OFF: After 10 minutes, turn the ignition key to the LOCK/OFF position.
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Repeat Steps 2-4 Two More Times: You need to repeat the cycle of turning the ignition to ON/RUN, waiting 10 minutes until the security light goes off, and then turning back to LOCK/OFF a total of three times. This means you will perform steps 2-4, then repeat steps 2-4 again, and then a final time. Each 10-minute wait is essential for the system to cycle through its security protocols.
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Third ON/RUN Cycle and Key Learning: After the third 10-minute cycle and turning the ignition to LOCK/OFF, insert the key again and turn it to the ON/RUN position one last time. At this point, the key should be learned. In some cases, you might see a message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) confirming “first key learned” or a similar message. Importantly, after this step, any previously known keys that were not part of this programming session will no longer work with your vehicle.
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Programming a Second Key (If Applicable): To program a second key immediately after programming the first using this method, turn the ignition to OFF. Then, insert the second key you want to program into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position. The system should now recognize and learn this second key. You may see a DIC message indicating “second key learned.”
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Verify Key Functionality: Test both newly programmed keys by turning the ignition and starting the vehicle. Also, test the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic, etc.) if your key includes a remote.
An illustrative image showing a car key inserted into the ignition, representing the first step in the key programming procedure.
Important Notes:
- Patience is Key: This procedure is time-sensitive and requires patience. Ensure you wait the full 10 minutes each time the instructions specify.
- Battery Condition: Make sure your vehicle’s battery is in good condition. A low battery can sometimes interrupt the programming process.
- All Keys Present: Have all keys you want to program with you during the procedure. Keys not programmed during this session may be disabled.
- Remote Programming: This procedure primarily programs the key to start the vehicle. Remote functions (locking/unlocking doors, etc.) might require a separate programming step, often done automatically during this key learning process for integrated key/remote units. However, in some cases, particularly with aftermarket remotes, you might need to visit a dealership or locksmith for remote function programming.
- Dealership for FOB Programming: As noted in the original experience, even after successfully programming the key to start the engine, the FOB (remote) functions might still require dealership programming, especially if you received a new FOB separately.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If you encounter issues during the programming process, consider the following:
- Security Light Behavior: Pay close attention to the security light. If it doesn’t behave as described (stays on, doesn’t turn off after 10 minutes), there might be an issue with the vehicle’s security system or the key itself.
- DIC Messages: Watch for messages in the Driver Information Center (DIC). These messages can provide clues about whether the programming is successful or if there’s an error.
- Procedure Repetition: If the first attempt fails, carefully reread the steps and try the procedure again, ensuring each step is followed precisely.
- Incorrect Key: Double-check that the key you are trying to program is indeed compatible with your 2017 Chevy Colorado. Keys for other models or years will not work.
- Professional Assistance: If you’ve tried the manual procedure multiple times and are still unable to program your remote, it’s best to consult a qualified locksmith or your Chevrolet dealership. They have specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to program keys and remotes, and they can diagnose any underlying issues with your vehicle’s security system.
Conclusion
Programming a car remote for your 2017 Chevy Colorado can be accomplished at home using the manual procedure outlined in the owner’s manual, particularly when you don’t have two recognized keys. While it requires patience and precise execution of the steps, it can save you the expense of dealership programming fees. However, for FOB programming or if you encounter difficulties, professional help from a locksmith or dealership is recommended to ensure your vehicle’s security system is correctly configured and functioning. Always prioritize having working and programmed keys for the security and convenience of your vehicle.
