GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Transmitter Programming with RPO Y41 - North America and Asia

Important:  Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 3 methods for programming keyless entry transmitters. Up to 4 transmitters may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed transmitter is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

The transmitter with #1 on top of it must be programmed first, and transmitter with #2 on top of it must be programmed second; either transmitter may be programmed as the third or fourth transmitter. If replacing a transmitter, ensure that the proper transmitter with the correct number on top of it gets ordered.

A "known" transmitter is one that has already been programmed to the vehicle. It is very important that the transmitter which is to be programmed is NOT placed into the console transmitter pocket until the DIC correctly displays the transmitter number that you wish to program to.

Method 1 - Adding, Replacing, or Invalidating Transmitters (Known Transmitter Available)

This procedure will add or replace transmitters. This procedure requires that you have a known good transmitter available, a replacement transmitter, and a scan tool.

Method 1 is also used for the initial programming of transmitters to a new replacement RCDLR. In this instance, the new RCDLR comes ready to learn the first transmitters introduced. Perform the learn procedure as outlined, with the exception that the new RCDLR does not require a known good transmitter be placed within the interior of the vehicle.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of transmitters (4) have been programmed. If 4 transmitters are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 2 or 3 must be used in this instance.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Place a known transmitter and any new transmitter(s) to be programmed in the cupholder inside the vehicle. DO NOT PLACE ANY TRANSMITTERS IN THE CONSOLE POCKET AT THIS TIME.
  3. Use scan tool to access the following:
  4. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  5. Select the transmitter position you wish to program:
  6.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All transmitters will erase any known transmitters and will cause the DIC to prompt READY FOR transmitter 1, requiring all transmitters to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All transmitters
    • Next Available Slot
    • Program Key Fob 1
    • Program Key Fob 2
    • Program Key Fob 3
    • Program Key Fob 4
  7. After making the selection, a beep should be heard. If a beep is not heard or the DIC displays ELECTRONIC KEY NOT DETECTED, a valid transmitter was not found. Ensure that a valid transmitter has been placed in the cupholder and repeat step 4.
  8. The scan tool will be displaying the current transmitter programming status. Press the PROGRAM soft key on the scan tool to continue with programming. The DIC should respond by displaying: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #X (X = 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position).
  9. With the DIC displaying the correct transmitter position that is to be programmed, place the new/replacement transmitter in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
  10. A beep will occur once the transmitter has been learned.
  11. Depending on the option chosen above, the DIC may display a prompt asking that another transmitter be programmed. If programming additional transmitters, repeat steps 6 and 7, or press the EXIT soft key on the scan tool.
  12. Important: Newly programmed transmitters will not function until program mode has been exited (DIC is blank). This must be done prior to pressing the UNLOCK button in the next step.

  13. Press the UNLOCK button on each transmitter that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 2 - Erasing/Adding Transmitters (No Known Transmitter Available)

This procedure will first erase all known transmitters. The procedure will then program a single transmitter or multiple transmitters. Method 2 is a series of three 10-minute key cycles, for a total of 30 minutes. This procedure requires that you have a replacement transmitter and the vehicle's mechanical key.

Important:  Do not place any known good transmitters within 10 feet of the vehicle when programming with Method 2. If the RCDLR recognizes a known good transmitter during Method 2 programming, the programming mode will resort to Method 1.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Insert the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder located in the driver door handle and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
  3. The DIC will display a message: PRESS START CONTROL TO LEARN.
  4. Press the start control knob.
  5. The DIC will display a message: WAIT 10 MINUTES, and then begin to count down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
  6. Important: Once the timer has expired, it is necessary to proceed to the next step within 5 minutes. Failure to do so will result in the exiting of the program mode and the procedure will have to be restarted at step 1.

  7. When the counter reaches 0, DIC will display: PRESS START CONTROL TO LEARN.
  8. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes.
  9. At the end of the 30 minute cycle, a beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR ELECTRONIC KEY 1. At this time all previously known transmitters have been erased.
  10. Place the new/replacement transmitter in the console bin pocket with the buttons facing forward. When transmitter 1 is programmed, a beep will be heard and the DIC will display: READY FOR ELECTRONIC KEY 2.
  11. Additional transmitters can be programmed by taking transmitter 2 out of the pocket and inserting transmitter 3. If desired, up to 4 transmitters can be programmed. Once 4 transmitters have been learned, the DIC will display a message: MAX ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED, and automatically exit the program mode.
  12. If learning less than 4 transmitters, press the start control knob to exit the program mode.
  13. Important: Newly programmed transmitters will not function until program mode has been exited (DIC is blank). This must be done prior to pressing the UNLOCK button in the next step.

  14. Press the UNLOCK button on each transmitter that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 3 - Service Programming System Transmitter Programming

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Once the 10-minute timer has expired, the transmitters can be programmed to particular positions or all known transmitters can be erased. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement transmitter are required to perform this procedure.

  1. Ignition ON, connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement.
  2. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  3. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for transmitter programming" is used.
  4. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10 minute relearn procedure.
  5. When the 10 minute relearn procedure has completed, turn the vehicle OFF.
  6. With the scan tool still connected, access the following:
  7. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  8. Select the transmitter position you wish to program:
  9.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All transmitters will erase any known transmitters and will cause the DIC to prompt READY FOR transmitter 1, requiring all transmitters to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All transmitters
    • Next Available Slot
    • Program Key Fob 1
    • Program Key Fob 2
    • Program Key Fob 3
    • Program Key Fob 4
  10. After making the selection, a beep should be heard. If a beep is not heard or the DIC displays ELECTRONIC KEY NOT DETECTED, a valid transmitter was not found. Ensure that a valid transmitter has been placed in the cupholder and repeat step 4.
  11. The scan tool will be displaying the current transmitter programming status. Press the PROGRAM soft key on the scan tool to continue with programming. The DIC should respond by displaying: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #X (X = 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position).
  12. With the DIC displaying the correct transmitter position that is to be programmed, place the new/replacement transmitter in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
  13. A beep will occur once the transmitter has been learned.
  14. Depending on the option chosen above, the DIC may display a prompt asking that another transmitter be programmed. If programming additional transmitters, repeat steps 9 and 10, or press the EXIT soft key on the scan tool.
  15. Important: Newly programmed transmitters will not function until program mode has been exited (DIC is blank). This must be done prior to pressing the UNLOCK button in the next step.

  16. Press the UNLOCK button on each transmitter that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Transmitter Programming with RPO Y41 - Canada and Europe

Important:  Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 2 methods for programming keyless entry transmitters. Up to 4 transmitters may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed transmitter is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

The transmitter with #1 on top of it must be programmed first, and transmitter with #2 on top of it must be programmed second; either transmitter may be programmed as the third or fourth transmitter. If replacing a transmitter, ensure that the proper transmitter with the correct number on top of it gets ordered.

A "known" transmitter is one that has already been programmed to the vehicle. It is very important that the transmitter which is to be programmed is NOT placed into the console transmitter pocket until the DIC correctly displays the transmitter number that you wish to program to.

Method 1 - Adding, Replacing, or Invalidating Transmitters (Known Transmitter Available)

This procedure will add or replace transmitters. This procedure requires that you have two known transmitters available, a replacement transmitter, and a scan tool.

Method 1 is also used for the initial programming of transmitters to a new replacement RCDLR. In this instance, the new RCDLR comes ready to learn the first transmitters introduced. Perform the learn procedure as outlined, with the exception that the new RCDLR does not require a known transmitter be placed within the interior of the vehicle.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of transmitters (4) have been programmed. If 4 transmitters are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 2 must be used in this instance.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Place two known transmitters and any new transmitter(s) to be programmed in the cupholder inside the vehicle. DO NOT PLACE ANY TRANSMITTERS IN THE CONSOLE POCKET AT THIS TIME.
  3. Use scan tool to access the following:
  4. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  5. Select the transmitter position you wish to program:
  6.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All transmitters will erase any known transmitters and will cause the DIC to prompt READY FOR transmitter 1, requiring all transmitters to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All transmitters
    • Next Available Slot
    • Program Key Fob 1
    • Program Key Fob 2
    • Program Key Fob 3
    • Program Key Fob 4
  7. After making the selection, a beep should be heard. If a beep is not heard or the DIC displays ELECTRONIC KEY NOT DETECTED, a valid transmitter was not found. Ensure that a valid transmitter has been placed in the cupholder and repeat step 4.
  8. The scan tool will be displaying the current transmitter programming status. Press the PROGRAM soft key on the scan tool to continue with programming. The DIC should respond by displaying: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #X (X = 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position).
  9. With the DIC displaying the correct transmitter position that is to be programmed, place the new/replacement transmitter in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
  10. A beep will occur once the transmitter has been learned.
  11. Depending on the option chosen above, the DIC may display a prompt asking that another transmitter be programmed. If programming additional transmitters, repeat steps 6 and 7, or press the EXIT soft key on the scan tool.
  12. Important: Newly programmed transmitters will not function until program mode has been exited (DIC is blank). This must be done prior to pressing the UNLOCK button in the next step.

  13. Press the UNLOCK button on each transmitter that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Method 2 - Service Programming System Transmitter Programming

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Once the 10-minute timer has expired, the transmitters can be programmed to particular positions or all known transmitters can be erased. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement transmitter are required to perform this procedure.

  1. Ignition ON, connect a scan tool to the vehicle in the pass-thru arrangement.
  2. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  3. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions, using the Legacy Pass-Thru method. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for transmitter programming" is used.
  4. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10 minute relearn procedure.
  5. When the 10 minute relearn procedure has completed, turn the vehicle OFF.
  6. With the scan tool still connected, access the following:
  7. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Setup
    • Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
    • Program Key Fobs
  8. Select the transmitter position you wish to program:
  9.    Important: Selecting Invalidate All transmitters will erase any known transmitters and will cause the DIC to prompt READY FOR transmitter 1, requiring all transmitters to be relearned to the vehicle.

    • Invalidate All transmitters
    • Next Available Slot
    • Program Key Fob 1
    • Program Key Fob 2
    • Program Key Fob 3
    • Program Key Fob 4
  10. After making the selection, a beep should be heard. If a beep is not heard or the DIC displays ELECTRONIC KEY NOT DETECTED, a valid transmitter was not found. Ensure that a valid transmitter has been placed in the cupholder and repeat step 4.
  11. The scan tool will be displaying the current transmitter programming status. Press the PROGRAM soft key on the scan tool to continue with programming. The DIC should respond by displaying: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #X (X = 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on the selected position).
  12. With the DIC displaying the correct transmitter position that is to be programmed, place the new/replacement transmitter in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
  13. A beep will occur once the transmitter has been learned.
  14. Depending on the option chosen above, the DIC may display a prompt asking that another transmitter be programmed. If programming additional transmitters, repeat steps 9 and 10, or press the EXIT soft key on the scan tool.
  15. Important: Newly programmed transmitters will not function until program mode has been exited (DIC is blank). This must be done prior to pressing the UNLOCK button in the next step.

  16. Press the UNLOCK button on each transmitter that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

Transmitter Programming without RPO Y41

Next Available Slot

Note: 

   • On some vehicles, keyless entry transmitters may also be programmed using the driver information center (DIC). Refer to the vehicle owners manual for information.
   • Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This prevents the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle.

This procedure will program keyless entry transmitters in sequential order. If two transmitters are currently learned to the vehicle as transmitters 1 and 2, using this procedure will learn the next transmitter as transmitter 3, and so on.

  1. With a scan tool, access the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver Module Setup menu. Select Program Key Fobs.
  2. Select Next Available Slot. The vehicle chime will sound two times to indicate programming mode has been entered. Follow the on-screen instructions. After each transmitter has been programmed, the vehicle chime will sound to confirm the programming.
  3. When all the desired transmitters have been programmed, cycle the ignition from ON to OFF, exit the vehicle, and operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation.

Invalidate All Fobs

Note: 

   • On some vehicles, keyless entry transmitters may also be programmed using the driver information center (DIC). Refer to the vehicle owners manual for information.
   •  All transmitters which are to be recognized by the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) must be programmed in a single programming sequence. Once the Invalidate All Fobs selection is made, all learned transmitters are erased. If all existing transmitters associated with the vehicle are not learned at this time, they will become inoperative and require additional programming.
   • Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This prevents the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle.

This procedure will first erase all known keyless entry transmitters. After all transmitters are erased, the procedure will begin to program keyless entry transmitters in sequential order, beginning with transmitter 1.

  1. With a scan tool, access the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver Module Setup menu. Select Program Key Fobs.
  2. Select Invalidate All Fobs. This will erase all learned transmitters and prepare the RCDLR to learn new transmitters. Follow the on-screen instructions. After each transmitter has been programmed, the vehicle chime will sound to confirm the programming.
  3. When all the desired transmitters have been programmed, cycle the ignition from ON to OFF, exit the vehicle, and operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation.

Transmitter Slot Programming

Transmitter slot programming allows a single transmitter to be programmed into a specific slot without affecting any of the other programmed transmitters. By using slot programming, the transmitter originally programmed to a specific slot is erased and the new transmitter is learned in its placed.

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, select Body.
  4. Select Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR).
  5. Select Module Setup.
  6. Select Program Key Fobs.
  7. Select the key fob desired to be programmed.
  8. Follow the scan tool on screen instructions.
  9. Remove the scan tool.
  10. Exit the vehicle. Operate all functions on transmitters to verify correct system operation.