2020 Chevrolet Equinox Key Fob Programming Guide

Quick reference

Step-by-step on-board programming

Good news: If you already have at least one working key fob, you can program additional fobs for your 2020 Chevrolet Equinox at home without any special tools. This procedure will program the remote functions (lock, unlock, remote start) of the new fob. The vehicle can have up to 8 fobs programmed to it.

Important: This procedure is for adding a new key when you already have one. If you have lost all your keys, you will need to contact a locksmith or the dealer as this procedure will not work.

1. Go to the vehicle and take all your key fobs with you, both old and new.
2. Unlock the driver's door and get in the car.
3. Insert the key blade of the existing, working key fob into the key lock cylinder on the driver's door. It's located on the outside of the door, of course.
4. Turn the key in the lock cylinder 5 times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) should now display "Ready for Remote #2" (or #3, #4, etc.).
5. Place the new, unprogrammed key fob into the transmitter pocket. The pocket is located inside the center console storage area.
6. Press the unlock button on the new key fob. You will hear a beep, confirming that the fob has been programmed successfully. The DIC will now prompt you to program the next remote.
7. To program another key fob, simply repeat steps 5 and 6.
8. Once you have programmed all your key fobs, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.

Battery replacement

Replacing the battery in your 2020 Equinox key fob is a simple task you can do at home.

1. First, locate the small button on the side of your key fob. Press it to release the emergency key blade from the fob.
2. Once the key is removed, you can use it to pry open the two halves of the key fob. Insert the key into the slot where it came from and gently twist to separate the casing.
3. Inside, you will find a CR2032 3V coin battery. Carefully remove the old battery, paying attention to the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides.
4. Insert the new CR2032 battery, making sure it is oriented in the same way as the old one. The positive side should be facing up.
5. Snap the two halves of the key fob back together until they click into place.
6. Finally, re-insert the emergency key blade.

Where to buy a replacement fob

• Dealer: The most expensive option, but you are guaranteed to get a genuine OEM fob that is compatible with your vehicle. Expect to pay around $150-$250 for the fob and another $50-$100 for programming and key cutting.
• Locksmith: A more affordable option than the dealer. Automotive locksmiths can supply both OEM and high-quality aftermarket fobs and can program them to your vehicle. They can also cut the emergency key blade. Expect to pay around $100-$200 for the fob and programming.
• Amazon/Online: The cheapest option, with fobs available from $20-$50. However, the quality can be inconsistent, and you may receive a fob that is not compatible with your vehicle or fails prematurely. You will still need to have the key blade cut and the fob programmed by a locksmith or dealer.

If on-board programming isn't supported

While the 2020 Equinox does support on-board programming for adding keys, it's important to understand the role of the immobilizer transponder. The transponder is a small chip inside the key fob that communicates with the vehicle's engine immobilizer system. If the transponder is not programmed to the vehicle, the engine will not start, even if the key blade is cut correctly and the remote functions work.

In a situation where you have lost all your keys (an "all keys lost" scenario), the on-board programming procedure described above will not work. In this case, a locksmith or dealer must use a specialized diagnostic scan tool to connect to the vehicle's computer and program the new keys. This is a more complex and time-consuming process, and the cost will be higher, typically ranging from $200-$400, depending on the labor rates in your area.

Find a mobile locksmith or shop on Repairius.