Remote Control - Key Fob Programming

[piney]

OK - So my car is an 08 Malibu but it has the same computer crud as the Aura does so I figured I'd ask here:

Is there a programming sequence that can be done by the end-user? My 08 Impala let you program a new key and/or remote via the driver information console. This one, although it has the same driver information interface, does not allow this.

Does anyone know how this can be done? I got an extra remote and want to program it & am too cheap to pay the stealer to do it as that'd be a lot more money.

Thanks for any info.

[onefunkar]

key can be programmed yourself in about 10econds.. i dont know about remote

[piney]

Originally Posted by onefunkar

key can be programmed yourself in about 10econds.. i dont know about remote

What is that process? The Impala had an option when the key was on ACC to add a key and learn a fob. My normal locksmith tells me that there is something not the same with new Malibu although I'm hopeful that the Malibu has the same interface as the Aura.

[ssicarman]

For the remotes you would need a scan tool (tech 2) to program the remote fobs.

For keys, up to ten.

With a previously learned master key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key.
Within 10 seconds of turning OFF the ignition, insert the key to be learned and turn ON the ignition. The vehicle has now learned the new key.

[piney]

Originally Posted by ssicarman

For the remotes you would need a scan tool (tech 2) to program the remote fobs.

For keys, up to ten.

With a previously learned master key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key.
Within 10 seconds of turning OFF the ignition, insert the key to be learned and turn ON the ignition. The vehicle has now learned the new key.

Is the Aura a Circle Plus key too?

Frig, this sucks. I'll have to see if I can get them to give me a decent price on the key and fob. We spend a ton of money on cars there - they need to be make it happen. A spare key and fob for the Impala cost me 20 bucks for both - this'll cost me a buck twenty I'm sure.

[cfisher2]

I went to pick up my all-weather mats a few months ago at my local saturn dealership, and a guy was at the counter cutting a key and setting the ignition pins. I asked him how much it would cost to have another key made up for my aura xr, and he said because of circle plus it would be between $60-70 per key. Hopefully it's cheaper for the the Mailbu, then again you also want the fob, so you might be looking at $100+ for the set.

[snobrdrdan]

Yeah I think it's been posted before, but you can buy a key fob off ebay (just make sure it's the right one) and then you gotta take it to your dealer to have them program it

Should only be like $30-40 (1/2 hr. labor I would think) for them to program it

Or maybe you'll get lucky and have them program it for free. Tell them it all of a sudden stopped working, or you replaced the battery with a new one & it's not working anymore

[AuraDrvr89]

I bought a transponder key for my Aura on eBay for $16.75 including shipping. I probably could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else, but I didn't want a generic key without the Saturn symbol on it.

I also bought a new RKE fob on eBay (I have remote start) oddly enough, it was cheaper than the key at $15.90 including shipping.

The key took me ~5 seconds to program, and my dealer programmed my fob for free.

[metgol]

yep, need to plug into the car to set the fob.

One key cost me $40 at the dealer. Fobs were 60-70, I believe. One key and fob was on them, the second key was on me.

[piney]

Thanks for the feedback and info. What I'm learning is that there is something with how this 08 Mailbu is set up that is different. Talked to the rep at the stealership and they are getting me a key and fob at "cost" - whatever that is - tomorrow. In that we spend a couple few hundred grand a year there, hopefully I won't get too hurt on this key and fob.

[onefunkar]

incidently the plus on the key means its a pk3 plus with rolling codes. when the car is shut off it gives the key a random code. the next time the key is used the car must 1) recognize the code from the key and 2) the key must know the last random code from when it last turned off the car.

[whiteshadow]

Originally Posted by ssicarman

For the remotes you would need a scan tool (tech 2) to program the remote fobs.

For keys, up to ten.

With a previously learned master key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key.
Within 10 seconds of turning OFF the ignition, insert the key to be learned and turn ON the ignition. The vehicle has now learned the new key.

thanks you! i was thinking i wasted 40$ for a key for my aura xr! now my spare key works! next step is getting another remote.

[Badman]

Just for gee whiz. I had a 2000 LS2 which was a Opel Vectra with the Opel Omega engine. I bought it in Colorado Springs and took it to Germany, while there the FOB's didnt work anymore. i decided to sell the car and wanted the FOB's. I took it to the Opel dealer, the first thing the guy did was turned on the ignition. I think he turned it to ACC. he then held the lock and unlock buttons down. I assume that it was supposed to some how communicate with the car. Anyways he had to use the Tech 2 to program the remote. Just thought I would share this info.