From 2000 onward, Chevrolet Impala models use immobilizer-equipped transponder or smart keys that must be electronically programmed to the vehicle’s anti-theft system. Earlier keyed-ignition models typically use an onboard programming or OBD-assisted process for keys and separate remotes, while 2014–2019 push‑to‑start models use a proximity fob that is added to the vehicle through a guided programming sequence. For late-model proximity fobs, locksmiths often rely on professional diagnostic tools or OEM procedures to register the new fob to the car’s security system.
Key types used on the Impala:
transponder chip key with separate keyless-entry remote (non-flip) (2000-2013)
remote-head flip key (switchblade-style, keyed ignition) (primarily fleet-style/base 2014-2016 where equipped, alongside separate remotes)
smart/proximity key fob for push‑button start (keyless start) (2014-2019)
2000–2005 Chevrolet Impala
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (18 steps)
2) Preparation Steps
Turn ignition to ON
1 Ignition: Turn to ACC or ON; radio off; do not crank engine
Press / hold a fob button
2 Radio display: Press and hold DISP for ≥5 seconds until "settings" displays
Programming step
3 Navigation: Use SEEK up/down until "FOB PROG" appears
Press / hold a fob button
4 Submenu entry: Press PREV or NEXT to enter submenu; current selection marked with asterisk
Programming step
5 Initial selection: "BEGIN" displayed before starting programming
3) Programming Procedure
Press / hold a fob button
1 Start: Press DISP to start programming
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 First transmitter: When "PUSH FOB" flashes, press & hold LOCK + UNLOCK simultaneously for 15 seconds
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
3 Verification: Chime heard to confirm transmitter learned
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Additional transmitters: Repeat LOCK+UNLOCK procedure for each additional transmitter
Programming step
5 Capacity: Up to four remotes total per vehicle; DISP need not be pressed again for additional remotes
4) Exiting Programming Mode
Programming step
1 Exit feature: "EXIT" allows exit from customization programming
Programming step
2 Navigation to exit: Scroll until "EXIT" appears on display
Press / hold a fob button
3 Execution: Press DISP to exit programming
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
4 Verification: Chime heard to verify exit
Programming step
5 Option: Either exit programming or continue to next available vehicle feature
5) Troubleshooting & Replacement
Programming step
1 Key fob not working prompt: Suggests trying battery replacement
Programming step
2 Recommendation: Battery replacement suggested before other actions
Programming step
3 Support: Contact locksmith via provided phone number for local assistance
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (18 steps)
Vehicle Compatibility and Notes
Programming step
1 Applies to 2007 Chevrolet Impala keyless entry remote fob (smart key)
Programming step
2 Procedure differs for vehicles with or without Driver Information Center (DIC) buttons
Programming step
3 Vehicle must be in Park (P) for DIC-less procedure, with key in ON position (as far as possible without cranking)
Programming step
4 Exit programming mode by turning key off and removing key
Programming Procedure — Vehicles with Driver Information Center Buttons
Insert the key
1 Insert key and turn to ON position to access Driver Information Center
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press vehicle information button until "PRESS TO RELEARN REMOTE KEY" displays
Press / hold a fob button
3 Press set/reset button until "REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE" displays
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Press and hold lock and unlock buttons on first remote simultaneously for ~15 seconds until chime sounds
Programming step
5 Repeat set/reset and button-hold steps to program additional remotes
Programming Procedure — Vehicles without Driver Information Center Buttons
Programming step
1 Ensure vehicle in Park (P) with key in ON position (as far as possible without cranking)
This year needs a programmer/scan tool - there is no owner-followable onboard sequence. A mobile locksmith confirms your key type and FCC ID, then programs it on site.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (25 steps)
Vehicle capacity and general notes
Programming step
1 Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work
Programming step
2 Replacement transmitters available if one is lost or stolen
Programming step
3 Vehicle can be reprogrammed to invalidate lost/stolen transmitters
Programming step
4 Up to eight transmitters can be matched to each vehicle
Programming step
5 Canadian regulations require dealer involvement for certain procedures
Programming with a recognized key (key-ignition vehicles)
Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key and turn to ON/RUN
Remove the key
2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove original key
Insert the key
3 Insert new key and turn to ON/RUN within five seconds to program
Programming step
4 Security light turns off once new key is programmed
Programming step
5 Repeat steps if additional keys need programming; dealer required if key lost/damaged
Programming without a recognized key (key-ignition vehicles)
Insert the key
1 Insert new key into ignition and turn to ON/RUN; security light comes on
Wait / timing window
2 Wait 10 minutes until security light turns off, then turn to LOCK/OFF
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Repeat the ON/RUN and wait cycle two more times (three total)
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 After third cycle, key is learned and all previously known keys no longer work
Programming step
5 Remaining keys can be learned afterward using recognized-key procedure
Programming with a recognized transmitter (keyless-access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off and at least one recognized transmitter plus new transmitters present
Programming step
2 Place recognized transmitter(s) in cup holder
Remove the key
3 Remove key lock cylinder cap, insert key in driver door lock, turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #2–5
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter in center console transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press UNLOCK; repeat for additional transmitters, then hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
Programming without a recognized transmitter (keyless-access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Feature not available in Canada; procedure takes ~30 minutes and requires all transmitters present
Remove the key
2 Remove key lock cylinder cap, insert key in driver door lock, turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC prompts PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat this step two more times
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 After third cycle, previously known transmitters no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1; place new transmitter in console pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press UNLOCK; repeat for additional transmitters, then hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode
Exact steps source-verified for this year/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). Steps below are source-verified for this year/equipment path.
Show the programming methods (25 steps)
Programming requirements
Programming step
1 Vehicle not on-board programmable; requires qualified professional locksmith or dealer.
Programming step
2 Specialized computer equipment used by locksmith to program smart key remote fob.
Programming step
3 Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work; lost/stolen transmitters can be replaced and vehicle reprogrammed.
Programming step
4 Each vehicle can have up to eight transmitters matched to it.
Programming step
5 Canadian regulations require dealer for certain procedures (no owner remote-learn in Canada for keyless access first-key procedure).
Programming with a recognized key (Key vehicles)
Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key, turn to ON/RUN to begin programming sequence.
Remove the key
2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove original key before inserting new key.
Insert the key
3 Insert new key and turn to ON/RUN within five seconds; security light turns off once programming completes.
Programming step
4 Repeat steps to program additional keys; dealer required if key lost or damaged for replacement.
Programming step
5 If programming without a recognized transmitter not applicable, use the recognized-key procedure to add remaining keys after first-key learn.
Programming without a recognized key (Key vehicles)
Programming step
1 Procedure available when no currently recognized keys exist; takes approximately 30 minutes for first key.
Programming step
2 Vehicle must be off and all keys to be programmed must be present.
Insert the key
3 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off, then turn to LOCK/OFF.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Repeat ON/RUN wait and LOCK/OFF cycle two more times; after third ON/RUN the key is learned and previous keys no longer work.
Programming step
5 Remaining keys can be learned afterward via the recognized-key programming procedure.
Programming with a recognized transmitter (Keyless Access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off; at least one recognized transmitter and all new transmitters must be present.
Remove the key
2 Place recognized transmitter(s) in cup holder; remove key lock cylinder cap and insert key in driver door cylinder.
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter in center console transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC confirms learning and readiness for next transmitter.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press UNLOCK; repeat for additional transmitters, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit.
Programming without a recognized transmitter (Keyless Access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Procedure available when no recognized transmitters; not available in Canada; takes approximately 30 minutes.
Remove the key
2 Remove key lock cylinder cap, insert key in driver door cylinder, turn counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds to start REMOTE LEARN PENDING.
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat this step two more times so previous transmitters are erased.
Press / hold a fob button
4 DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1; place new transmitter in center console transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn each transmitter.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press UNLOCK to confirm; repeat for additional transmitters, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (25 steps)
Vehicle types & applicability
Programming step
1 Differentiates between "Key Vehicles" and "Keyless Access Vehicles"
Programming step
2 Canadian regulations require dealer assistance for first-key programming on some procedures
Programming step
3 Key vehicles: procedures available for programming with or without two recognized keys
Programming step
4 Keyless access vehicles: procedures for programming with or without two recognized transmitters
Programming step
5 Keyless access without recognized transmitters not available in Canada
Programming with two recognized keys (Key Vehicles)
Programming step
1 Purpose: adding a transmitter, not replacing one
Insert the key
2 Step sequence: insert original key → ON/RUN → LOCK/OFF → remove, repeat with second original within 5 seconds
Insert the key
3 Insert new key within 5 seconds after second key removal and turn to ON/RUN
Programming step
4 Security light turns off once new key is programmed
Programming step
5 Repeat steps to program additional keys
Programming without two recognized keys (Key Vehicles)
Programming step
1 Procedure used when no recognized key is available; takes ~30 minutes for first key
Insert the key
2 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light illuminates
Wait / timing window
3 Wait 10 minutes until security light turns off, then turn to LOCK/OFF
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Repeat the ON/RUN → wait 10 minutes → LOCK/OFF cycle two more times; after third ON/RUN the key is learned and prior keys stop working
Insert the key
5 To learn a second key: LOCK/OFF, insert second key and rotate to ON/RUN; thereafter additional keys can be added using the two-recognized-keys procedure
Programming with recognized transmitters (Keyless Access Vehicles)
Programming step
1 Requirement: two recognized transmitters present; vehicle must be off; all transmitters present
Programming step
2 Place two recognized keys in front cup holder
Remove the key
3 Remove key lock cylinder cap; insert vehicle key of new transmitter into driver door cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #n
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter in front cup holder and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC confirms learning
Press / hold a fob button
5 To program additional transmitters repeat process; press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode; return vehicle key into transmitter
Programming without recognized transmitters (Keyless Access Vehicles)
Programming step
1 Used when two recognized transmitters are not available; procedure not available in Canada; takes ~30 minutes
Remove the key
2 Remove key lock cylinder cap; insert vehicle key into driver door cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN; press ENGINE START/STOP, DIC returns to REMOTE LEARN PENDING; repeat this wait-and-press cycle two more times until READY FOR REMOTE #1 displays and prior transmitters are erased
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Place transmitter in front cup holder and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn each transmitter; remove transmitter and press UNLOCK or LOCK to confirm; repeat to add more transmitters
Press / hold a fob button
5 After programming all transmitters press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode; return vehicle key to transmitter
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (32 steps)
Vehicle capacity and general notes
Programming step
1 Up to eight transmitters can be matched to each vehicle
Programming step
2 Programming with two recognized transmitters available
Programming step
3 Programming without recognized transmitters available (not in Canada)
Programming step
4 Without recognized transmitters, procedure takes approximately 30 minutes
Programming step
5 Vehicle must be off and all transmitters to be programmed must be present
Programming with recognized transmitters (step sequence)
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert key into driver door handle lock cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds
Programming step
3 DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP with new transmitter in pocket; DIC shows when learned
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press Unlock; repeat steps for additional transmitters
Programming without recognized transmitters (step sequence)
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert key into driver door lock cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING again
Press / hold a fob button
4 Repeat the press step two additional times; after third time, previously known transmitters no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1
Press / hold a fob button
5 Place new transmitter in center console transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn; remove transmitter and press Unlock to complete each transmitter, repeating for additional units
Vehicle capacity and general notes
Programming step
1 Up to eight transmitters can be matched to the vehicle.
Programming step
2 Two recognized transmitters required for simplified programming method.
Programming step
3 Procedure without recognized transmitters takes approximately 30 minutes.
Programming step
4 Programming without recognized transmitters not available in Canada.
Programming step
5 Vehicle must be off and all transmitters to be programmed must be present.
Programming with recognized transmitters — preparation
Programming step
1 Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
Remove the key
2 Remove the key lock cylinder cap before beginning.
Insert the key
3 Insert vehicle key into driver door handle key lock cylinder.
Turn ignition to ON
4 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
Programming step
5 DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5 when ready.
Programming with recognized transmitters — learning sequence
Programming step
1 Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket inside center console.
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press ENGINE START/STOP to initiate learning for the placed transmitter.
Programming step
3 DIC indicates when transmitter is learned and ready for next transmitter.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Remove transmitter from pocket and press Unlock to confirm learning.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode after all transmitters are learned.
Programming without recognized transmitters — steps
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert key in driver door handle cylinder.
Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.
Year
Route status
Exact steps
2000–2005
Route verified
General guidance
2006
Route verified
General guidance
2007–2010
Route verified
General guidance
2011–2013
Route verified (tool)
Professional route
2014–2015
Route verified
General guidance
2016
Route verified
Source-verified
2017–2018
Route verified
General guidance
2019
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does my Chevrolet Impala use a transponder or a smart key?
2000–2013 Impalas generally use a transponder key with a separate remote, while many 2014–2019 models use a smart key fob with push‑button start and keyless entry.
Can I program a replacement remote or fob myself for an Impala?
Some 2000–2013 Impala remotes can be programmed onboard following specific sequences, but later push‑to‑start smart fobs usually require professional equipment or dealer/locksmith programming.
If I lose all keys to my Impala, can a locksmith still make one?
Yes, an automotive locksmith can originate and program new keys or fobs to most Impalas using security-approved procedures and diagnostic equipment, though costs and methods vary by year and key type.
Can you program a Impala key fob without going to the dealership?
For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.
Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?
It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.
What if my year says professional programming required?
Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.
How much does it cost?
It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.
Need your Impala fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.