Dealership can't program new keyless remote

**Matticus** · 12-11-2012

Hey everyone!

My wife went to the dealership to get a second key and new keyless entry remote for our 2005 Grand Prix GP today and they said they couldn't get the remote to program. The key works fine, but the guy said he thinks he can't program the remote because the check engine light is on. Anyone had experience with this? Is the check engine light really to blame for not being able to program the remote?

(The car has been giving me a p0420 off and on for about a year now (it seems to turn off when it's warm outside) despite changing the catalytic converter and both 02 sensors--->I may ask more about the engine code problem in a different section.)

**Tony Mendez** · 12-11-2012

Never heard a check engine light causing a problem with a key fob learn. Not saying its not a possibility but I have yet to encounter it. Maybe they are having issues with their Tech 2 or its the human factor.... I have seen both of those many times.

**stealthee** · 12-11-2012

Could definitely be the cause. CEL being on will disable the factory remote start, so I could see it causing issues with key FOB learning. What is the CEL on for?

**Matticus** · 12-11-2012

Thanks for responding guys. Do you think if I just reset it and take it in before it comes on again it will be programmable? I figure that's what I will try...I don't know why they didn't just try that, but I am often amazed at things dealership do and don't do.

The car has been giving me a p0420 (catalyst below efficiency) off and on for about a year now (it seems to turn off when it's warm outside) despite changing the catalytic converter and both 02 sensors

**GMCustomerService** · 12-13-2012

Matticus,
If you would like for us to check into this further, please contact us privately (include the last 8 digits of your VIN and a brief recap of the situation).

Regards,
Sarah (Assisting Louis), GM Customer Service

**Swiggles** · 12-13-2012

Don't you just hold the lock and unlock buttons at the same time to program the remotes? Or is that just the 97-03 ones?

**TLSheff** · 12-13-2012

97-03 ones are DIY easy. 04+ require a computer (Tech2 @ Dealership, or similar) to put the car in learning mode and learn them.

**fubar569** · 12-13-2012

clear the CEL on your own or see if the dealer will with the tech 2

hookup tech 2 (if you cleared CEL yourself)

learn remotes

it really is that simple. I just had to have a new one done for the GXP. the original wore right out...that's all it took. well that and 125 OTD for the keyfob at my local dealer.

**Matticus** · 12-14-2012

I cleared the check engine light and went back in and they got it programmed. When I told the tech what the guy said the day before about the CEL, he gave me a quizzical look as if to say "really?...sounds like that guy didn't know what he was doing". So, I don't know if it actually was the CEL or if the tech just didn't know what he was doing or a combination of both. Either way, problem solved!

**TLSheff** · 12-14-2012

Would have been an ID10T error for sure. A Tech2 is a wonderful tool that has a multitude of abilities, including clearing the CEL lights. It would have taken about 15 seconds to clear the code and be at the point to program the fob with an experienced technician.

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