Programming Key Fob

[Jack6389]

 

2021 Silverado 1500 RST with 6.2, Push button start/stop.  I had one key fob, tried to program a second one. First locksmith could not get a fob to program. Got to the message that says ready to learn remote 1. Placed new fob in pocket between the cup holders. Press start/ stop button and nothing happened. Drove home and then the original fob stopped working. The original fob would not do anything. DIC kept saying no remote detected. Could not start the truck, etc.  called mobile locksmith, they worked for like two hours, using programmers, their fobs, the gm computer, etc. No Luck! Had trucked towed to dealership. Now five days later, the dealership can’t get anything fobs to program or work. Was able to get truck started once they said but nothing else.  Have had GM engineers investigating as well. Anyone have this happen? Any ideas? Bout ready to just wire a key type ignition in, lol..

 

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[silveradosid]

the engineers should get a hold of some one who steals trucks, bet they can get it started lol

[64BAwagon]

Theres a fix for it, you just havent found anyone smart enough and with enough training to figure it out. Good luck. 

[GMCustomerService]

On 4/25/2025 at 10:07 PM, Jack6389 said:

 

 

2021 Silverado 1500 RST with 6.2, Push button start/stop.  I had one key fob, tried to program a second one. First locksmith could not get a fob to program. Got to the message that says ready to learn remote 1. Placed new fob in pocket between the cup holders. Press start/ stop button and nothing happened. Drove home and then the original fob stopped working. The original fob would not do anything. DIC kept saying no remote detected. Could not start the truck, etc.  called mobile locksmith, they worked for like two hours, using programmers, their fobs, the gm computer, etc. No Luck! Had trucked towed to dealership. Now five days later, the dealership can’t get anything fobs to program or work. Was able to get truck started once they said but nothing else.  Have had GM engineers investigating as well. Anyone have this happen? Any ideas? Bout ready to just wire a key type ignition in, lol..

 

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This sounds like an upsetting concern, Jack. Our team would like to connect with your GM dealership to learn more, and assist however we are able. When you have a moment, please email us at [email protected] with your full VIN along with the name and address of your dealership so we can reach out. By sending us a message, you consent to the information you provide being monitored and recorded by GM or those acting on GM’s behalf, subject to the GM Privacy Statement: https://www.gm.com/privacy-statement.

[scokill]

After this happened to me, this seems to be a somewhat common problem relatively speaking.  I had this issue initially where it wouldn't recognize any fob and was stuck in the program loop.  I could start with app, but couldn't drive.  It ended up working after a couple of hours while a tow truck was on the way.   It turned in to a truck battery issue.  

 

Some have replaced their truck battery and all was well.  Some have a battery drain by itself, or in conjunction the key fob issue.  There is a service bulletin about unexplained key fob issues with no apparent root cause found.  It discusses replacing the drivers window switch/control, the door latch assembly, or both.  Some have replaced the window switch alone and it has gone away.  I replaced the window switch since it's cheap and easy to do.  

 

On the door switch, the theory is that a bad switch send the key lock/unlock signal over and over and puts it in program mode.  Some also attribute this to the battery drain since the system turns on over and over.  Some have said that holding the start button for 15 seconds will take it out of the mode and let you start.  When it happened to me a few times, I just disconnected the negative battery post and all was well until it happened again.  I carried around a 10mm socket.

 

Also if you have something in the OBD2 port, like retractable steps, start stop disable, etc., there are reports of this causing issues.

 

Lastly, which I think was cause of my issue, is the rear glass leaking.  There is a technical service bulletin about that too.  I had noticed that the battery drain happened when it rained.  I started digging around and my headliner was wet.  I found the leak and there are numerous electrical connections below that could have gotten moisture or wet and cause drain, which in turn could cause the key fob issues.  The frame for the rear glass is plastic and cracks.  There are two ways to fix, fill full of silicone or body sealant, or replace the back glass.  This is a known problem.

 

I'm hoping this fixed my issue and my battery was drained to like 5v several times, so I think my new battery may be toast.  It was low again the other day, but haven't had the key fob issue again.  By the way, the dealer had it for 5 days, couldn't find an issue, and several days later of course the battery drained.

Edited May 1, 2025 by scokill

[Jack6389]

On 4/25/2025 at 10:07 PM, Jack6389 said:

 

 

2021 Silverado 1500 RST with 6.2, Push button start/stop.  I had one key fob, tried to program a second one. First locksmith could not get a fob to program. Got to the message that says ready to learn remote 1. Placed new fob in pocket between the cup holders. Press start/ stop button and nothing happened. Drove home and then the original fob stopped working. The original fob would not do anything. DIC kept saying no remote detected. Could not start the truck, etc.  called mobile locksmith, they worked for like two hours, using programmers, their fobs, the gm computer, etc. No Luck! Had trucked towed to dealership. Now five days later, the dealership can’t get anything fobs to program or work. Was able to get truck started once they said but nothing else.  Have had GM engineers investigating as well. Anyone have this happen? Any ideas? Bout ready to just wire a key type ignition in, lol..

 

• So it turned out that the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) or also referred to as Anti-Theft Module or Passive Entry Passive Start Module (PEPS) or just the Immobilizer Module was faulty. GM Part Number 13516352

  Then the new module required advanced EEPROM reprogramming to function correctly. 
  (From web search) In vehicles, EEPROMs are integral to various control modules, including the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM). They store critical data such as immobilizer codes, key fob identifiers, and security algorithms. If the EEPROM within a TDM becomes corrupted or fails, it can lead to issues like:

• Inability to program or recognize key fobs
• “No Crank/No Start” conditions
• Persistent “Service Theft Deterrent System” message

• Anyways, it is fixed, and I have two new key fobs.

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[scokill]

Add this to the list of things that can cause this.  Mine had no problems for awhile and now one trip to the car wash and it happened.  Went away quickly though.  Maddening.