C7 Corvette Key Fob Programming

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

When programming a new key fob to a C7 Corvette, there are two methods: the Short Programming Method and the Long Programming Method.

Key fobs are also known as Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters.

Pre-Warnings & Considerations

AFTERMARKET RADIO DISCLAIMER: When attempting to enter the programming mode, aftermarket radios may cause problems. The radio generates a code indicating that the radio security feature is not communicating properly with the ECM. If you have an aftermarket radio and did not purchase the door chime and OnStar harness, you may be unable to enter programming mode.

SHORT VS. LONG METHOD DISCLAIMER: To do the Short Programming Method to add Fob #3 through 8, 2017 and newer Corvette models require Fob #1 & Fob #2 to be present. If you do not have Fob #1 and Fob #2 and you want to add Fob #3 through 8, you must complete the Long Programming Method to obtain Fob #1 and Fob #2 first.

CANADIAN DISCLAIMER: Canadian Corvette models can perform the Short Programming Procedure without a dealer, but require a dealer to perform the Long Programming Method.

EUROPEAN DISCLAIMER: European Corvette models are unable to perform either the short or long procedure. The dealer must program all key fobs.

BATTERY DISCLAIMER: Because this process can take a long time “on battery,” it may be a good idea to connect a battery charger to the car during programming to ensure that the battery does not discharge to the point where the programming fails or the car will not start.

Key Fob Programming Prep: Steering Column Slot Setup & Testing

Step 1A: Turn your Corvette off. If you have an automatic, place the transmission in park. If you have a manual, place your transmission in reverse.

Step 2A: Open the trunk/rear hatch.

Step 3A: Take the physical key out of the recognized key fob. Insert the key fob transmitter into the cupholder and the physical key into the trunk/rear hatch keyhole. In less than 5 seconds, turn the key five times.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) will now beep, light up, and display “Ready for Remote #“. The # will represent the next key fob to be added.

Step 4A: Insert the working key fob transmitter from the cup holder into the steering column remote slot, buttons facing up.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “Known Remote“. This indicates that the slot is operational.

Step 5A: Take the key fob out of the steering column slot. To exit programming mode, press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.

NOTE: Failure to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob renders the fob inoperable. The UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is required for proper transmitter operation. To complete the programming and confirm system operation, press the UNLOCK button on each key fob transmitter.

Short Programming Method: Procedure to Add a New C7 Corvette Key Fob to a Current Set of Programmed Key Fobs

Use this procedure if you already have working key fobs for your Corvette and want to add more.

Step 1B: Turn your Corvette off. If you have an automatic, place the transmission in park. If you have a manual, place your transmission in reverse.

Step 2B: Open the trunk/rear hatch.

Step 3B: Take the physical key from a known key fob. Remove the working key fob transmitter from the vicinity of the vehicle. Insert the physical key into the keyhole in the trunk/rear hatch. Turn the key five times in less than 5 seconds.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) will now beep, light up, and display “Ready for Remote #“. The # will represent the next key fob to be added.

• Regardless of any designation on the key fob’s casing, the first key fob transmitter you insert after this step becomes the next sequentially numbered key fob.

Step 4B: Insert the new key fob transmitter into the steering column remote slot, buttons facing up.

When the key fob has been programmed completely, the DIC will beep and say “Ready for the next remote.”

NOTE: To complete the programming and confirm system operation, remove the key fob from the steering column slot and press the UNLOCK button. Failure to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob renders the fob inoperable. The UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is required for proper transmitter operation.

If you need to program more key fobs (a maximum of eight can be programmed to one Corvette), repeat Step 4B.

Step 5B: When you are finished programming, exit programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.

NOTE: After adding new key fobs, test each one with the vehicle separately. When testing, make sure all other key fobs are removed from the vehicle’s vicinity.

Long Programming Method: Procedure to Add a New C7 Corvette Key Fob without a Current Set of Programmed Key Fobs

Use this procedure if you do NOT have a working key fob for your Corvette and want to add one.

Step 1C: Turn your Corvette off. If you have an automatic, place the transmission in park. If you have a manual, place your transmission in reverse.

Step 2C: Open the trunk/rear hatch.

Step 3C: You must have a physical key to continue. Insert the physical key into the trunk/rear hatch keyhole. In less than 5 seconds, turn the key five times.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) will now beep, light up, and display “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn“.

• It is critical to make sure that no old key fobs are located anywhere near the vehicle.
• Before proceeding, it is recommended that you test your steering column slot for functionality using the Steering Column Key Fob Slot Testing Procedure. If the slot does not work, you must take your Corvette to a dealer to have the key fob programmed.

If you want to exit programming at this point, press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.

NOTE: For the next few steps, while waiting for the ten-minute countdowns, you may close the trunk/hatch and car door. If your car has an autolock, keep a window open to allow access.

Step 4C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will notify you that you must wait 10 minutes and will begin counting down.

When the first ten-minute countdown is complete, the DIC will again say “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.

Step 5C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button again. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will notify you that you must wait another 10 minutes and will begin counting down.

When the second ten-minute countdown is complete, the DIC will again say “Press Engine Start/stop Button to learn”.

Step 6C: Press the Engine Start/Stop button again. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will notify you that you must wait another 10 minutes and will begin counting down.

When the third ten-minute countdown is complete, the DIC will say “Remote learn pending, please wait.”

• At this point in the procedure, any previously programmed key fob will no longer work with the Corvette.

After waiting, the DIC will beep and say “Ready for remote #1 – 8”.

• Regardless of any designation on the key fob’s casing, the first key fob transmitter you insert after this step becomes the next sequentially numbered key fob.

Step 7C: Insert the new key fob transmitter into the steering column remote slot, buttons facing up, and press the Engine Start/Stop button.

When the key fob has been programmed completely, the DIC will beep and say “Ready for the next remote.”

NOTE: To complete the programming and confirm system operation, press the UNLOCK button on each key fob. Failure to press the UNLOCK button on each newly programmed key fob renders the fob inoperable. The UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is required for proper transmitter operation.

If you need to program more key fobs (a maximum of eight can be programmed to one Corvette), repeat Step 7C.

Step 8C: When you are finished programming, exit programming mode by pressing and holding the Engine Start/Stop button for approximately 12 seconds.

Reported C7 Corvette Key Fob Programming Conditions

PROBLEM: All power inside the Corvette may not function properly after programming a new key fob.

SOLUTION: Hold down the intrusion sensor bypass button for 10 seconds. This button is located on the lower left side of the dash, immediately to the right of the trunk/rear hatch release button.