Thread: Brand new noob. First question....

Hi guys. I have a 2004 Grand Prix GT. The dealer gave me one key and that was all. So I was thinking about ordering the remotes off eBay but they all say, must take to the dealer. Why? It used to be so easy to program GM remotes. So my question is, IS there a way that I can program the remotes without getting raped by the dealer. I was quoted $100 for one remote and $55 for programming, ha yeah right!! Remotes are like $10 on eBay! I just need to know how to program them. They also quoted me $53 for a new key that was cut and programmed. That didn't seem so bad in comparison to the remote. So, that is my first question on this site!

Why do dealerships have to do crap like that? They make them require tech 2 scanners when before, anyone with half a brain could turn the ignition key a few times and press a button or two to program their remotes as long as they had their key. That's the type of crap that ticks me off about GM. I got this car for my son and I admit it is nice looking compared to his 2002 Taurus SEL but I've always had such bad luck with GM's breaking down all the time so I hope this car proves me wrong.

I have had good luck with local lock smiths. Many times they can program the key fob. Worth a call. I did that for my 02 gp fob and for my wife's 05 town and country. They only charged me for the fob, no programming charge.

Here are some instructions I found to program the FOB (for an 02 though, not sure if its the same for 04)

2. Remove the MALL /BCM PGM Fuse from the fuse box. Fuse will be named MALL or BCM. Use the legend on the fuse panel or owner's manual to properly locate the "MALL/BCM PGM" fuse.

3. Close all doors and insert key into the ignition. Turn ignition to ACC then back to OFF then back to ACC. (do this step quickly, you will end in the ACC position) IMPORTANT: ACC is the position all the way back towards you, OFF is the position where you can remove the key from the ignition.

4. Open and close driver side door, vehicle will chime signaling programming mode.

5. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons down on the remote you are programming. Vehicle will chime twice signaling successful programming. Repeat this step for additional remotes you would like to program to this vehicle. IMPORTANT: After 7 seconds, a chime may be heard confirming successful synchronization. It is necessary to wait approximately 14 seconds for a second chime that will confirm successful programming.

6. Remove key from ignition.

7. Install the "MALL/BCM PGM" fuse back into the fuse panel and test remote(s).

8. Programming is now complete.