Thread: 04+ keyfob programming with an Impala radio?

So, I've found some info on certain year GP's being able to pull their module, put it in an Impala/Monte Carlo (from 00-05) program the keyfob on it and then put it back in your GP, because the Impala/Monte you can do it via the radio. What about taking an Impala/Monte 00-05 radio and installing it in a GP? I believe the plugs on the backside are the same, just not sure about the rest of it, the actual programming.

So, has anyone been brave enough (or perhaps foolhardy enough) to try this?

It wouldn't at all surprise me if GM used a lot of the same wiring in the GP's as they did the Impalas, thats why I'm wondering if this would/could work. Plus a used Impala radio might be cheaper than an hour of labor at the dealer for a 5 minute job. Labor rate around here is $91/hr!!

I believe 00-05 Impala radios.

Yup this method works, I did it all the time using my moms impalas when i needed remotes to my grand prix as well as when i was selling remotes locally offering programming included...problem was once my mom sold her impala I needed a way to do it lol.

So I went to the junkyard and got the following from a 2000 impala... BCM, Ignition switch, Radio, Keyless reciever connector, all other connectors too, Small speaker, etc whatever else is in the pic. I got all these components from the SAME car so the passkey security, Vin matching for radio all matches up and works.

Once pieced together using wiring diagrams I now have this setup where I supply 12 volts, plug in keyless reciever and turn the key to on as stated in the impala owners manual and procced to program, when programmed the speaker beeps as it would in the car to confirm programming.

So with this being said I can certainly confirm it works to use an impala or monte carlo to program grand prix remotes... If i can find a grand prix to experiment on I can try just using the impala radio but i beleave the ignition must be turned fully on and this would ultimatly put the radio into theftlock mode. " I do not currently have my gp anymore due to someone smashing into it and destroying it"

Sorry to hear about the loss of your GP, one of my last Luminas (I've had 5, yes I'm a GM W-Body guy) was smashed by some stupid girl in a Mercury Sable (damn Ford drivers, grr).

But anyway, your setup looks pretty complicated, but cool. What year GP did you have to try this on, I hear this supposedly only works on 04-05 GP's but trying things outside the box there generally isn't a lot of details out there. So you also got the key from the Impala you took everything out of I assume (as you took the ignition lock as well) then how did you program your keyfobs to your GP with this method, plugin your GP's BCM in-line with your setup you've got in the pic? Problem is around here most junkyards pull the radio immediately when a vehicle comes in so matching up everything from 1 car would be difficult. Not to mention the expense of all of those pieces would probably cost more than the dealer's reprogram charge.

Definitely cool info, though.