GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Keyless Entry 🢒 Transmitter Programming/Synchronization

Programming Transmitters

Important: 

   • Programming of the transmitters cannot be done simultaneously. The first transmitter must be completely done before the second transmitter is programmed.
   • When you replace a lost or damaged transmitter, program all of the transmitters.
        The first transmitter code that you program will always be in four memories unless additional transmitters are programmed.
   • Program the remote keyless entry system for one vehicle at a time.
        If you program two or more vehicles and the vehicles are close to each other, one transmitter could be programmed to more than one vehicle.

The transmitter may not communicate or becomes out of synchronization with the receiver if any of the following situations occurs:

    • The transmitter battery is disconnected.
    • The vehicle battery is disconnected.
    • The transmitter and the vehicle are separated for 2 weeks or more.
    • The receiver is disconnected.

Perform the synchronizing procedure if the transmitter does not communicate or becomes out of synchronization with the receiver. If the transmitter and/or receiver are replaced, perform the following programming procedure:

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Remove the RADIO fuse (#17).
  3. Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position 3 times within 5 seconds.

    4. The body control module (BCM) will verify entry into the programming mode by performing the following actions:

    3.1. Locking both of the doors
    3.2. Unlocking the drivers door
    3.3. Releasing the rear compartment lid
  4. Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the first transmitter for approximately 15 seconds.

    5. The following actions will occur:

    • The BCM will confirm that the transmitter code is programmed by performing the following actions:
       - Locking both of the doors
       - Unlocking the drivers door
       - Releasing the rear compartment lid
    • Any transmitter code that was previously programmed is erased.
    • The BCM is programmed to the transmitter.
  5. If you are programming the BCM to match additional transmitters, repeat step 4. You may program up to 4 transmitters. This must be done before the RADIO fuse is reinstalled.
  6. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.

    7. Important: The remote keyless entry system will not be operational if the program input line (RADIO fuse) is open.

  7. Replace the RADIO fuse (#17).
  8. If at any time it is necessary to restart the procedure, turn the ignition OFF and proceed again with step number 1.

Functional Check

After the system has been programmed stand within 20 feet of the vehicle and proceed as follows:

  1. Lock all doors by depressing the lock button.
  2. Unlock the drivers door and activate the interior lights (unless the interior lights are already on) by depressing the unlock button once.

    3. The interior lights will stay on for approximately 40 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned ON. The interior lights cannot be reactivated by depressing the lock or unlock buttons until it has timed out.

  3. Unlock the passenger door (interior lights should already be on) by depressing the unlock a second time within 5 seconds of the first activation.
  4. Release the rear hatch and activate the interior lights (unless the interior lights are already on) for approximately 40 seconds by depressing the hatch release button twice when the vehicle is in park or the park brake is applied.
  5. On vehicles with the content theft security system, activate the horns and lights by pushing the panic button on the key fob.

    6. Push the panic button a second time to deactivate the horns and lights.

Repeat steps 1 through 5 with the second transmitter.

Synchronizing Transmitters

Perform the following procedure if a transmitter cannot communicate or becomes out of synchronization with the receiver:

  1. Move a programmed transmitter within range.
  2. Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter simultaneously for 8 seconds.
  3. The door locks should cycle and the parking lamps should flash to confirm synchronization. Repeat this procedure for each additional transmitter if needed.