Are you a proud owner of a 2012 Chevy Silverado and facing the hassle of replacing or adding key fobs? It’s a common frustration. Many Silverado owners discover that the convenient in-vehicle DIC (Driver Information Center) programming method, available in older models, is no longer an option for 2011 and newer trucks. The dealership often seems like the only solution, and that usually comes with a hefty price tag. You might have even stumbled upon online discussions echoing this problem, like forum threads about programming key fobs for 2011 Silverado 1500 models, leaving you believing expensive dealer programming is your only route.
But what if there was a simple, cost-effective way to program your 2012 Silverado key fob yourself, right in your driveway? The good news is, there is! Thanks to innovative aftermarket solutions like the Dorman OBD2 keyless programmer, you can easily program new or replacement key fobs for your 2012 Silverado without the need for expensive dealer visits or specialized equipment like a Tech II scanner.
Dorman, a trusted name in automotive parts, offers a fantastic solution: replacement key fobs that conveniently include an OBD II key fob programmer module. This all-in-one package, often priced between $50 and $75, puts the power of key fob programming directly in your hands. Imagine the savings and convenience! No more scheduling appointments, no more towing your truck to the dealer, and definitely no more exorbitant programming fees.
For 2012 Silverado owners, this Dorman OBD2 keyless programmer is a game-changer. It bypasses the need for the dealer’s Tech II tool and simplifies the entire process. One Silverado owner successfully used the Dorman 99162 kit, purchased for around $50 from RockAuto, to program multiple key fobs for their 2011 Silverado. They programmed the new fob that came with the kit, an additional fob bought separately, and even reprogrammed their original fob, all for under $75 total.
The programming procedure with the Dorman OBD2 module is remarkably straightforward, making it accessible even for those with minimal automotive experience. The kit comes with clear, step-by-step instructions, and the process itself is quick and easy to follow:
- Ignition ON: Turn your 2012 Silverado’s ignition to the “ON” position. This means the electrical system is active, but the engine is not started.
- Close Doors: Ensure all doors of your Silverado are fully closed. This is crucial for the programming module to communicate correctly with the vehicle’s system.
- Plug in OBD2 Module: Locate your Silverado’s OBD II port (usually found under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and firmly plug in the Dorman OBD2 programmer module. Once connected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) in your instrument cluster should display a message indicating that a relearning process is active. This is similar to the manual relearn procedure found on older Silverado models (2008-2010).
- Wait for Chime: Give the module a moment to initialize and communicate with your Silverado’s computer. You will hear a chime sound from the module, signaling that it’s ready to learn a new key fob.
- Program Key Fob: Take the key fob you wish to program (it can be the new fob included with the kit, a separately purchased compatible fob, or even your existing fob to reprogram it). Press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons simultaneously on the fob. Keep holding them until you hear another chime from the Dorman module. This second chime confirms that the fob’s signal has been successfully learned and programmed by your 2012 Silverado’s system. Release the buttons after the chime.
- Program Additional Fobs (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program (new spares or reprogramming existing ones), immediately repeat step 5 for each additional fob. The Dorman module allows you to program multiple fobs in a single programming session.
- Relearning Deactivated: After you have programmed all desired key fobs, or if you wait too long between programming steps, the Dorman module will deactivate the relearning mode. This is indicated by the module chiming constantly. Once you hear the continuous chiming, the programming session is complete, and you can unplug the OBD2 module.
- Limited Uses (Security Feature): It’s worth noting that each Dorman OBD2 programmer module has a security feature that limits its use to approximately 3 programming cycles. This is generally more than sufficient for most users needing to program a couple of new fobs and reprogram existing ones.
By using the Dorman OBD2 keyless programmer, 2012 Silverado owners can avoid the typically high costs associated with dealer key fob programming. The savings can be significant, potentially hundreds of dollars compared to dealer charges. This DIY solution not only saves you money but also offers the convenience of programming your key fobs on your own schedule, without the need for appointments or specialized tools. As long as any separately purchased key fobs are confirmed to be compatible with your 2012 Silverado, the Dorman module will handle the programming seamlessly. This makes it an ideal, budget-friendly, and efficient way to manage your 2012 Silverado’s keyless entry system.
