/Replacing a 5th Gen Camaro Key FOB

Replacing a 5th Gen Camaro Key FOB

Have you ever wondered why dealerships charge $100+ to “program” a new key to your 5th gen Camaro?…. You will, once you see how it’s done.

Like many of you, I take pride in keeping my Camaro & accessories in great condition. If your Camaro is a daily driver, like mine, you know just how difficult this can be! I try my hardest not to drop my key or press the buttons too hard, but over time, and 70,000+ miles of use, it was bound to happen…. my key FOB wore out and I was faced with a decision; replace it, or start using the spare that came with the car. Since the spare key that came with the car has never been used, it’s still in pristine condition. (Obviously I decided to buy a replacement and keep the original spare unused.)

I contacted a few parts departments at some of the local Chevy dealers in the area, and the price of a new key FOB ranged from $30 to $60 for an uncut replacement. I didn’t think that was too unreasonable for an OEM replacement, until I learned that I’d also have to pay to have the key laser cut ($20+), AND pay to have the key programmed to the Car ($80 – $120 depending on which dealership you talk to.) The $30 to $60 replacement FOB quickly became close to $200!.

Rather than hand over my wallet and worn out Key FOB, I decided to do consult the Google-box and reach out to fellow Camaro owners; here’s what I found:

• Replacement FOB’s with uncut keys range from $9 to $60
• Replacement FOB shells are, in my opinion, garbage and not worth the trouble…. spend a few dollars more and just replace the whole FOB.
• The little numbers on the inside of the FOB, where the key folds in, are important!
  (If they don’t match, not all features of the FOB will work properly… I learned the hard way.)
• You can remove the roll pins that hold you cut/uncut key blades in place and swap you cut key into a new FOB.
• You can cut the key blade out of the “recall key” plastic and re-install it into you switchblade key fob.
  (You’ll need just need a 1/16″ roll pin that’s 3/8″ long)
• You can program up to 5 key FOB’s to your Camaro.
  (If you hit the 5 limit, you have to take extra steps to clear all keys from memory before you can add a new one.)
• If you have at least 1 working key that’s programmed to you Camaro, adding another takes less than 10 seconds!
• If you have NO working key fobs and purchased a newly cut key for your Camaro, you don’t need to pay a dealer to program the FOB.
• You do NOT need to pay the dealer to clear keys from memory or add new ones! (You just need time and the ability to follow simple instructions.)

So, how do you replace key FOB?

Step 1: Buy a compatible replacement FOB.

1. Open the key fob and jot down the FCC ID #’s so you can be sure you’re buying the right key FOB.
2. Buy a replacement FOB and verify the FCC ID #’s before purchasing.
   Where to buy a replacement FOB:
   1. You local Chevy dealer.
   2. Amazon
   3. other online retailer

Known 2010-2014 Camaro Remote Start Compatible Key FOB’s:

If you have an automatic with remote start, you NEED an OHT01060512 version!

2 FOB Pack (OHT01060512) – Remote StartSingle FOB (OHT01060512) – Remote Start



$22.41 + Free Prime One-Day Shipping*$14.93 + Free Prime One-Day Shipping*

http://amzn.to/2aGMvQQ — NO CHEVY LOGO ON BACKhttp://amzn.to/2aqLekK — NO CHEVY LOGO ON BACK


Key FOB (01060514) has a Chevy Logo with remote start button, but remote start wasn’t compatible with my 2011 Camaro:
http://amzn.to/2afE3KY

*prices listed were current as of August 9th, 2016. Prices & availability may have changed.

Step 2 (option 1): Have the blank key blade cut for you car

Step 2 (option 2): Swap an existing key blade into the new FOB.

Step 3: Program the FOB to you Camaro.

Programming option #1: “Spare Key” Method

1. Insert your spare key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (don’t start the car)
2. Wait for the security light on the tachometer to turn off.
3. Remove you spare key.
4. Insert the NEW key (the one that hasn’t been programmed yet) into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.
5. The number of keys programmed should now be displayed on the Driver Information Center and your new FOB will be ready to use.

Remember, you can only program 5 keys to you Camaro before you’ll need to use the alternate programming method to reset / unlearn all of the FOB’s that are currently programmed. Also, don’t forget that if you use the “Spare Key Method”, the old key FOB will still be programmed to your car and will still be able to lock/unlock your vehicle. With that being said, it’s probably a good idea to make sure that you destroy the old FOB completely, or keep it in a safe place to prevent anyone from gaining access your vehicle.

Here’s a video I did to show you the complete key blade swap & programming, using the “Spare Key” method:

Programming option #2: “No Spare Key” / “Reset Method”

1. Insert your new key into the ignition.
2. Turn the key to the “ON” position (don’t start the car)
3. Wait 10 minutes for the security light on the tachometer to turn off.
4. Turn the key to the “OFF” position.
   Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the security light remains ON during step 3. — Usually after the 3rd time.
5. Once the security light no longer turns off after waiting 10+ minutes, turn the key to the “OFF” position.
6. If the process was successful, the next time the key is turned to “ON” position, the number of keys programmed should be displayed on the Driver Information Center and your new FOB will be ready to use.

…. tutorial video coming soon.

 

Watch out!

He's got a switchblade Camaro key!
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