Replacement Key

[MelWempe]

I recently let my 16 yr old take my 2009 Acadia. I never got the keys back, she swears she handed me them after she was back, she didn't.  Maybe she did, I don't remember 100% what I do know is that I need a new key made.

 

My local dealer said I'd have to bring (tow it) my vehicle there to program the new key. I read that it's possible for me to do this at home. 

 

Anyone know if this is right? Also, has anyone themselves programed a new key? Is it difficult? Is it too big of a headache to even mess with?

[newdude]

I assume you've figured this out by now but anyway and for future reference.

 

How many keys do you have?  As in, do you have a spare?

 

2007-2016 if you lost all keys there is a 30 minute procedure to program a new unprogrammed key to the car. 

 

You insert a new unprogrammed and cut key in, turn it to the on position and leave it there for about 10 minutes.  In about 10 minutes time, the little padlock on the dash will turn off.  Once it does, turn the key off, wait 5 seconds, turn it back on and repeat the 10 minute wait.  Its a total of 3 ten minute cycles.  After the third one, turn the key off 5 seconds, turn it back on then attempt to start it.    

 

If you have one working key and lost the spare, it takes all of 10-15 seconds to program a new cut key to add to the working original. 

 

Take the original, turn the key to ON and then off.  Remove it and immediately stick the new key in, turn it to ON, wait 3 seconds then start the car.  

 

If you are needing a key cut by the VIN, your local dealer can do that.  You will need title, registration and driver's license for them to access the key code from GM unless you have it somewhere.  If you do have it, its a black tag with a barcode on it and a 5 digit code under the barcode.

 

Important note.  ANY new GM vehicle 2017 and newer, if one key or all keys lost, you must go to the dealer and have them remove all the keys from programming, then reprogram in all the keys.  IF you have two keys and want a third, you can do the fast learn (second procedure above).  

 

Edited May 21, 2021 by newdude