2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Key Fob Programming Guide

Quick reference

Step-by-step on-board programming

Good news for 2015 Silverado 1500 owners: you can program a new key fob yourself without any special tools, as long as you have at least one working key. If you've lost all your keys, you will need to have a locksmith or the dealer program a new key using a scan tool.

This procedure will program both the remote functions (lock/unlock) and the immobilizer transponder chip for the new key. Note that the key blade itself must be cut by a locksmith or dealer to match your vehicle's ignition and door locks.

Here are the steps to program a new key:

1. Insert your original, working key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine) and then turn it back to OFF. Remove the key.
3. Within five seconds, insert the new, uncut key you want to program into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. The vehicle’s security light on the dashboard should illuminate and then turn off after a few seconds. This indicates that the new key has been successfully programmed.
5. To verify, remove the new key and use the remote buttons to lock and unlock the doors. You should also be able to start the engine with the new key (once it is cut).
6. If you have additional keys to program, repeat steps 3-5 for each new key.

Battery replacement

If your key fob’s range is decreasing or it stops working intermittently, the first thing to check is the battery. The 2015 Silverado 1500 key fob uses a single CR2032 3V coin battery, which is readily available at most electronics stores, supermarkets, and online.

To replace the battery:

1. Look for a small slot or seam on the side of the key fob case.
2. Carefully pry the two halves of the fob apart using a small flathead screwdriver or a coin. Be gentle to avoid cracking the plastic.
3. Once open, you will see the green circuit board and the round CR2032 battery.
4. Gently pop the old battery out of its holder. Take note of the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides.
5. Slide the new battery into place, ensuring the positive side is facing the correct direction (usually down, towards the circuit board).
6. Snap the two halves of the key fob back together until they click securely.
7. Test the fob’s functions to ensure the battery was installed correctly.

Where to buy a replacement fob

You have several options for purchasing a new key fob, each with its own pros and cons:

• Chevrolet Dealership: This is the most expensive option, often running from $150 to $250+ for the fob and programming. However, you are guaranteed to get a genuine OEM part that is correct for your vehicle.
• Automotive Locksmith: A professional locksmith can typically provide and program a new key for less than the dealer, usually in the $100 to $200 range. They can also cut the key blade on-site. Many locksmiths offer both OEM and high-quality aftermarket fobs.
• Online (Amazon, eBay, etc.): You can find replacement fobs online for as little as $20-$50. While this is the cheapest route, there is a risk of receiving a low-quality or incorrect part. Be sure to match the FCC ID (M3N-32337100) and verify the seller has good reviews. You will still need to have the key blade cut by a locksmith.

If on-board programming isn't supported

While the 2015 Silverado 1500 does support on-board programming if you have a working key, this is not the case for all vehicles or situations. If you lose all your existing keys, the vehicle’s computer has no way to authorize a new key. In this "all keys lost" scenario, the on-board procedure will not work.

You will need to contact a mobile automotive locksmith or a Chevrolet dealership. They will use a diagnostic scan tool that plugs into your vehicle's OBD-II port to communicate with the immobilizer system and program the new key transponder directly. This process is more complex and requires specialized equipment, so the cost is higher, typically ranging from $200 to $400 or more, depending on the labor and parts involved.

The immobilizer transponder is a small chip inside the key head that communicates with a receiver around the ignition switch. Without this electronic "handshake," the engine will not start, preventing theft. This is why simply cutting a new key blade is not enough to get your truck running.

Find a mobile locksmith or shop on Repairius.