Trying to program new keys on my '18

[AJE]

I just bought an '18 2500 HD.   I purchased two new keys from a dealer, and cut them to match mine.  They explained the process of programming them and offered to do it, but as easy as it sounded, I told them I'd do it.

 

So, I try and when I tried to program it, I keep getting the "Theft Deterrent" service message and the theft lock emblem does not shut off with the new keys.

 

 

Procedure (just in case I'm doing something wrong)

 

Put the key that works in the ignition, turn to "run"

After the theft lock light goes off, turn the key off and remove

Immediately put the new key in and turn to "run".   

The Service: Theft Deterrent" pops up on the display with "dismiss" as the only option.   The light stays on.

 

 

Now, I tried actually starting the truck with the old key, and then starting the truck with the new keys and it worked, but the light stayed on for several minutes and went off.  I thought that might have actually programmed it but still no luck.   I never saw a message about new keys being programmed like I was expecting (along with a total number of keys programmed).

So, am I missing a step, is there something different on the '18s than the previous models, or did I screw something up by actually using the new key to start the truck?     The dealer had my VIN so I would assume the keys they gave me would have the correct transponder.

 

Thanks.

[jhplak325]

Looks like it has changed as of 2017 model year - 

 

 

[redwngr]

Do you have both original keys?

Seems like you may have  missed step 3, which is using the 2nd ORIGINAL key

 

Programming with Two Recognized Keys
To program a new key:
1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second original already programmed key in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
4. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
5. Insert the key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within five seconds.
6. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.
7. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.

 

 

There is a longer procedure (30 minutes) if you don't have BOTH original keys.

Edited March 2, 2019 by redwngr

[AJE]

Well, damn.  No I don't have both original keys.  

[AJE]

I'm confused how I'm supposed to proceed....  this sounds like what I need to do, but if I do this with one of the new keys, will it delete the key I already have, still leaving me with one programmed?  

 

I do have the remote but I'm not seeing anywhere that it can be involved.  Most of the information I can find on this subject is for the older models.

 

 

 

"If all keys are lost, the 30 minute learn procedure should be used. Once a key is learned with 30 minute learn procedure, all previously known keys will no longer work with the vehicle."

 

So if all previous keys will no longer work, how the hell am I supposed to program two?

 

I guess I'll email Chevy. 

 

 

"If you are replacing a lost key(s) and have no other spares already programmed:

 

With an unlearned master vehicle key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

 

Observe the security indicator, after approximately 10 min the indicator will turn off.

 

Turn OFF the ignition and wait 5 seconds.

 

Repeat steps 1 - 3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles or 30 min.Start the vehicle. The vehicle has now learned the key transponder information.

Edited March 2, 2019 by AJE

[AJE]

I guess I forgot the most important thing....   just RTFM.

 

Programming without
Recognized Keys
Program a new key to the vehicle
when a recognized key is not
available. Canadian regulations
require that owners see their dealer.
If two currently recognized keys are
not available, follow this procedure
to program the first key.
This procedure will take
approximately 30 minutes to
complete for the first key. The
vehicle must be off and all of the
keys you wish to program must be
with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into
the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The
security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the
security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more
times. After the third time, turn
the ignition on; the key is

learned and all previously
known keys will no longer work
with the vehicle.
6. To learn a second key, turn the
ignition off, insert the second
key to be learned, and turn the
ignition on.
After two keys are learned, the
remaining keys can be learned by
following the procedure in
“Programming with Two
Recognized Keys.”
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.

[redwngr]

2 hours ago, AJE said:

I guess I forgot the most important thing....   just RTFM.

 

 

Glad you got it sorted out.

[AJE]

I got them programmed, thanks guys.