Programming a new Remote Keyless Entry Fob?

[WetOne]

Has anyone successfully programmed a fob? Lost one of the keys, so ordered a new one from the local Chevy dealer. Had my locksmith cut it to match, figuring that I would follow the owners manual instructions to program it.
The first step, after turning off the car and sticking the original key into the "ignition" on the steering column, is to take the new key and unlock the driver's door 5 times in 10 seconds. This should enable a key logging function to appear on the information center.
No matter how I try to turn the key 5 times , I cannot enable the key logging function.
I even asked the electric car specialist at OnStar, but they had nothing beyond the owner's manual to offer.
Any ideas?

 

[amndrin]

We had the same issue. Best part was when we called the dealership and explained several times it was the EV Spark which is different the guys says np he knows how to do it 100% and to come in on saturday. We show up saturday after the 1.5 hour drive to the dealership and he goes straight into the car and starts trying to turn the key wondering why it wont turn. Ended up having to go home and come back again on another day mid week so they could call into chevy. Sweet solid 4 hour loss on the day b/c this guy was an arrogant idiot hooray!.

 

[Pegasus]

The first step, after turning off the car and sticking the original key into the "ignition" on the steering column, is to take the new key and unlock the driver's door 5 times in 10 seconds.

Have you tried swapping the two keys' positions? I vaguely remember that the _new_ key needed to be in the "ignition" slot, but it's been awhile since I read the manual.

 

[econoline]

I have a 2016 and am experiencing the same issue, can't get it to go into the programming mode. I tried a the keys both ways but it didn't make a difference. Has anyone successfully programmed the remote using the method in the owner's manual?

 

[sachan0101]

Same questions here. One of my factory key fob's unlock bottom "caved in". I have only one functional fob now to unlock my Spark EV. I would also like to know what's the experiences of my fellow Spark EV owner about replacing, programming a new fob. BTW, I lived in a mid-west State that Spark EV was not sold. I am pretty sure the Chevy dealerships around here are as clueless as I am regarding this matter....


Any help? Please!!

 

[shootist2004]

I need the same help as well with my 2014. instructions don't work.
there are instructions how to program a fob when there is no working fob but it will change the code and the working fob will be useless. I don't want to ruin my only good fob. there must be an answer some where..........

 

[SparkE]

There was a recent post on this forum (last 2 days) that had info on key fobs for Spark, and why some don't work, and a possible solution. I am too lazy to look (I don't have the problem) but if somebody finds it, please post a link here.

 

[SparkE]

There was a recent post on this forum (last 2 days) that had info on key fobs for Spark, and why some don't work, and a possible solution. I am too lazy to look (I don't have the problem) but if somebody finds it, please post a link here.

OK, somebody updated the thread, and so I just saw it :

http://www.mychevysparkev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4783


In case some of you are trying to figure this out, I might have an update. Picked up a 2015 Spark EV for myself a few weeks ago and needed to make a spare as well. I ordered the same part pfn did (GM 94543206). Had a locksmith who programs keys as well come out to my house. He spent about 1.5 hours trying to program it to no avail. Even tried the method outlined in this thread.

After doing some research, the locksmith told me that this key apparently does not have the proximity sensor found in our original keys, which might explain why our cars are not picking up the key. I looked around and it seems like the part number we need (9513950 for the 15') is extremely rare/no longer manufactured. There is an eBay listing - https://tinyurl.com/y8upx6gm with a set of used transmitters, so we could get new blades cut and try them out. Anyone willing to chance it with me?

 

[TheLondonBroiler]

From the other thread - Help programming RKE transmitter for 2016

After doing some research, the locksmith told me that this key apparently does not have the proximity sensor found in our original keys

This seems to likely be the case. I'm taking a shot in the dark with a different key/remote that has not been discussed (costs $30, I'm on the hook for 20% restocking + shipping ($10) if it doesn't work). I have two working keys already, but I'd like to solve this puzzle, and having another spare wouldn't hurt.

If you're someone who is ready to crack and go to the dealer, hang on for a week if possible, I should have the remote key Sat or Mon,(Edit, I just found out the seller shipped via DHL..... so it's going to be sometime next week.... probably later in the week) and I'll post whether or not it was successful (and details if it is successful).

 

[Td911]

I purchased a 2016 Spark LT1 2 weeks ago from a Seattle Chevy dealer and I needed a 2nd key fob made. The parts department ordered it and it came in a week. They cut the key fine but when they tried to program the fob the car wouldn’t go into programming so they had to connect the car to their computer and and it went fine. The service advisor said some of the Spark ev fobs need to be programmed that way. $62 for the fob, $68 to program it., but I got the salesman to cover the programming part. Done and it works.

 

[donarudo]

That's great to hear. I am in Seattle too, with the same problem. Which dealer did you go to, may I ask?

 

[TheLondonBroiler]

I purchased a 2016 Spark LT1 2 weeks ago from a Seattle Chevy dealer and I needed a 2nd key fob made. The parts department ordered it and it came in a week. They cut the key fine but when they tried to program the fob the car wouldn’t go into programming so they had to connect the car to their computer and and it went fine. The service advisor said some of the Spark ev fobs need to be programmed that way. $62 for the fob, $68 to program it., but I got the salesman to cover the programming part. Done and it works.

Good to hear. Even @ $130, that seems like a bargain compared to what most charge. I discovered that the programming procedure GM outlined in the manual is actually impossible due to a hardware limitation, which I outlined in a similar thread on this forum.

 

[user 1908]

I’ve contacted several third party locksmiths and nobody will touch it. From all my research it appears the fob can only be programmed by a Chevy dealer. My local Buick dealer can’t even do it. It must be a Chevy dealer.

 

[two20142lts]

Even thought the manual gives instructions it does not work only a dealer or level scan tool will work. I got the dealer to do it for 50.00

 

[SparkyAZ]

Our 2016 Spark EV only came with 1 key so I ordered one from the local Chevy dealer and they called me 2 days later that it was in. I had to wait over an hour for them to install it, they had issues and had to use a computer and make some phone calls. They also don't have a clue about EV's because he said I had a Bolt, I said you mean Spark? lol In the end it only cost $65 for the 2nd key fob and they didn't charge for the install!

 

[ZNuts]

So, does anyone know the procedure they used? The dealer I bought from ordered another one for me delivered but they are like 50 miles away and I figure I would have to give detailed instruction for a local dealer to program it.

 

[user 1908]

Dealership gave me two fobs but only one was programmed. You MUST go to the dealer to get it programmed. I used some of my GM Rewards credits to get it for about $40.

 

[Synthax]

Felt the need to come and set things straight with how much misinformation there is about Spark EV's key shenanigans. It's definitely true that there's no way to pair keys without a GM specific scan tool, and not just any basic one will do. As far as the whole "GM doesn't make Spark EV keys anymore so you have to buy a stupid expensive one off eBay" is definitely not true. GM still has them available for sale. They made at least 2 models of key, and the one I'm certain they're still making is part #94543206. This key works just fine, as long as your dealer can figure out how to get the car into pairing mode. I'm not sure if the '14 or '16 supports this key, but I see no reason GM would have changed anything with they car side of thing between the years. According to Chevrolet's EV team, there's really not officially a 2016 model year, they made no changes between '15 and '16 like they did between '14 and '15, so I'm not 100% certain that this model# works on '14, but check with your VIN on GMPartsDirect and it will confirm which model you need to buy. Good luck, at least Bolt exists so most dealers know how to handle EVs now.

 

[Porsche]

Disclaimer, I haven't actually bought one and tried it yet, but I'm pretty sure that there are a number of Chevy key fobs that have slightly different graphics, but are otherwise the same. If I'm not mistaken, the Chevy Volt key is nearly identical, and more readily found. They're available various places, including Ebay for maybe half the price or less. You can even find new, empty housings for sale for even less. In my case, the elastomer keys wore out on one remote, currently held in place with scotch tape I can just move the guts, metal key included so no re-cut needed, into a fresh housing for less than $7.

For example, Some of the Camaro remote start key fobs are the same, but have a trunk release graphic in place of the "stop DC fast charge " button (plug / off on the lower left). The Volt key fob is nearly identical to the Spark's, has a similar plug symbol to the Spark, but is missing the "off" graphic. Now, I haven't verified this, but I'll just bet the the codes are the same. I'd be willing to spend $15 or $20 to find out, especially with free returns. Oh, some of them specifically say "not for keyless start", so check carefully.

 

[Anonymous]

To program your keyless-entry remote, press and hold the "LOCK" and "UNLOCK" buttons on the key fob simultaneously until the locks cycle once more. This could take up to 30 seconds, so be patient