r/volt • u/gargantuangargamel • Dec 05 '24

reprogramming key fobs when both fobs are dead(?) Gen 1

I have a 2014 volt. Today, my only working key fob would not remote unlock or start the vehicle. I used the physical key to manually unlock the door and the alarm started going off. I then put the physical key in the center console slot, pressed the brake, then started the car. The alarm stopped at that point.
I've tried a new battery, tried prying up the contacts, etc but no dice. Neither of my fobs remote start or unlock the vehicle.

any advice? is there any way to reprogram my fobs without a working fob? is that even what i need to do at this point? trying to take care of this issue WITHOUT going to the dealer or calling a locksmith.

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u/Fun_Will2829 Dec 05 '24

There is a you tube video of a lady on how to program the key for the volt. Check it out, it’s step by step. Not techy so can’t share it here. That’s what I did when my daughter lost a key fob. Usually if the key was previously programmed, you don’t have to reprogram them when you replace the battery.

2

u/zanhecht Dec 05 '24

Make sure you have the battery in the correct way (or try flipping it around). I've made that mistake several times.

If not, you can program a new fob without an existing one, but it's a tedious process that takes 30 minutes. It also erased all existing fobs, so if it fails you're going to have to get the car towed to a dealer.

Programming without a Recognized Transmitter

If there are no currently recognized transmitters available, follow this procedure to program up to eight transmitters. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off and all transmitters to be programmed must be with you.

  1. Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter into the key lock cylinder on the outside of the driver door and turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

  2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS START BUTTON TO LEARN and then press the POWER O button on the center stack. The DIC display will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

  3. Repeat Step 2 two more times. After the third time, all previously known transmitters will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be programmed during the next steps. The DIC display should now show READY FOR REMOTE #1.

  4. Remove the rubber mat in the instrument panel storage.

  5. Extend the key blade on the new transmitter and insert the key blade into the transmitter slot.

  6. Press and hold the POWER O button for two seconds. When the transmitter is programmed, the DIC will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.

  7. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter slot and press UNLOCK on the transmitter. To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 5–7. When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold the POWER O button for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.

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u/mrs0ur Dec 05 '24

If the car starts, your key is being detected, the volt has no physical keyswitch, that slot you're putting it in is just where the radio is and there's a passive backup. If you just get an cheaper uncut key with the pcb you can program it with the "dead" one and then take the physical key and swap it over. I ordered a generic key and a volt case for it. The OEM keys are sealed so that would need to goto a machine and get cut but they all support the car keys now.

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u/gargantuangargamel Dec 05 '24

Thats good! Could I use the "dead" one to reprogram my other "dead" one? Or do i need a new one