2017 Chevrolet Suburban Key Fob Programming Guide

As a locksmith and ASE-certified electrical technician, I handle key fob replacements for full-size GM SUVs almost every day. The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban is a massive, highly equipped family hauler, and its smart key system controls everything from the ignition to the power liftgate. Losing a fob or dealing with a dead remote can be a huge hassle, but fortunately, GM designed this system to be relatively DIY-friendly if you already have a working remote.

Here is your comprehensive guide to replacing and programming your 2017 Chevrolet Suburban key fob.

Quick reference

Step-by-step on-board programming

If your 2017 Suburban is equipped with the push-to-start system and you have at least one recognized (working) key fob, you can program a new one yourself. If you have lost all your keys, on-board programming is much more difficult and usually requires a professional scan tool to bypass the security wait times safely.

Here is the procedure for adding a new fob when you already have one working fob:

1. Prepare the vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is off. Keep your recognized (working) key fob(s) and your new, unprogrammed key fob(s) with you.
2. Access the door lock: Remove the plastic keyhole cover on the driver's side exterior door handle (there is a small slot on the bottom to pry it off).
3. Trigger programming mode: Insert the emergency physical key (from your working fob) into the driver's door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the Unlock position five (5) times within 10 seconds.
4. Check the dash: The Driver Information Center (DIC) on your dashboard will display "Ready for Remote #2" (or #3, #4, depending on how many keys are currently programmed).
5. Place the new fob in the programming slot: Open the center console storage bin. Locate the transmitter pocket (a small designated slot at the bottom of the console or under the rubber mat). Place the new, unprogrammed fob into this slot.
6. Program the fob: Press the Engine Start/Stop button once. The DIC will update to show that the remote has been programmed and will prompt you for the next remote.
7. Finish the sequence: Remove the newly programmed fob from the center console. Press the Unlock button on the new remote to confirm it has synced.
8. Exit programming: Press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button for 12 seconds to exit programming mode. Test all functions (lock, unlock, remote start, liftgate) on the new fob.

Battery replacement

If your Suburban is displaying a "Replace Battery in Remote Key" message, or if you have to hold the fob right next to the door handle to get it to work, you likely just need a new battery. The 2017 Suburban fob uses a standard CR2032 battery.

1. Press the small chrome button on the side or top of the fob to release the emergency physical key.
2. Pull the emergency key out.
3. Look into the slot where the key was resting. You will see a small pry point. Use a flathead screwdriver or the tip of the emergency key to gently twist and split the two halves of the plastic fob shell apart.
4. Remove the old circuit board and battery.
5. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing down toward the back cover.
6. Snap the two halves of the fob shell tightly back together and reinsert the emergency key.

Where to buy a replacement fob

You have three main avenues when sourcing a replacement fob, each with its own pros and cons:

• The Dealership: Going straight to a Chevy dealer guarantees you get a genuine OEM fob (PN 13580804). The downside is the cost. Expect to pay between $200 and $300 for the fob, plus another $100+ if you need them to cut the emergency blade and program it for you.
• A Local Automotive Locksmith: Locksmiths can often provide high-quality aftermarket fobs or OEM refurbished fobs. They will cut the high-security emergency blade on-site and program the fob to your SUV. This is a great middle-ground, usually costing $150 to $250 total.
• Online (Amazon/eBay): You can buy unbranded aftermarket fobs online for $20 to $50. This is the cheapest route if you plan to program it yourself using the on-board method. However, you will still need to take the blank emergency key to a locksmith or dealer to have it laser-cut, which usually costs $30 to $50. Be aware that the build quality on cheap online fobs can be hit-or-miss.

If on-board programming isn't supported

If you have lost all of your working key fobs, you cannot use the quick on-board add-a-key method. While GM does have an "all keys lost" on-board procedure that involves three 10-minute wait cycles, it is notoriously finicky, frequently drains the vehicle's battery, and often fails on newer global A electrical architectures without a smart-power supply attached.

In an all-keys-lost scenario, the vehicle's immobilizer system locks down the ignition. A professional locksmith or dealer will need to connect an advanced bi-directional scan tool (like an Autel IM608 or GM GDS2) to the OBD2 port. They will ping the immobilizer module, clear the old keys from the system, and force the ECU to accept the new transponders. If you need a professional to do this, expect to pay a service/programming fee of $100 to $200 on top of the cost of the keys.

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