Losing a car key or needing a spare is a common hassle for vehicle owners. If you own a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado and find yourself in this situation without a recognized second key, you might think a trip to the dealership is your only option. However, you can actually program a new key yourself using a procedure outlined in your owner’s manual. This guide will walk you through the process, saving you time and potentially money.
Programming Your 2017 Colorado Key Without Two Recognized Keys
According to the owner’s manual for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, programming a new key when you don’t have two already working keys requires a specific, albeit time-consuming, procedure. This method essentially allows your vehicle to recognize a new key as the primary key, even without previous keys present for verification. Be patient, as this process can take around 30 minutes for the first key. Ensure your vehicle is turned off and you have all the keys you intend to program with you before starting.
Here are the steps to program your 2017 Chevy Colorado key:
- Insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. You’ll notice the security light illuminating on your dashboard.
- Wait for 10 minutes. Keep the ignition in the ON/RUN position and patiently wait until the security light turns off. This waiting period is crucial for the system to begin the learning process.
- Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position. Once the security light goes off, turn the ignition back to the LOCK/OFF position.
- Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. You will need to go through the 10-minute wait with the security light on, followed by turning the ignition off, a total of three times. This repetition is a security measure to ensure proper programming.
- After the third repetition, turn the ignition to ON/RUN again. This time, after turning to ON/RUN, the new key should be recognized. A message might appear on your Driver Information Center (DIC) indicating that the key has been learned. At this point, any previously known keys will no longer function with your vehicle as this procedure resets the key recognition.
- To program a second key immediately, turn the ignition to OFF. Then, insert the second key you wish to program into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position. The system should now learn this second key quickly. If successful, a message confirming the second key has been learned may also appear on the DIC.
After completing these steps, test both keys to ensure they start your 2017 Chevy Colorado. You should now have two working keys, programmed without needing a trip to the dealership for this part of the process.
Important Note on Key Fobs and Remotes
While this procedure programs the key to start your vehicle, it’s important to note that it might not program the key fob (remote) functions at the same time. For programming the remote functions of your key fob for your 2017 Chevy Colorado, you may still need to visit a dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. They have specialized equipment to program the remote features to work with your vehicle’s security system.
This DIY key programming method is a helpful solution for getting a spare key operational for your 2017 Chevy Colorado. Just remember to consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions specific to your vehicle model and year.
