If for some reason one of your keys need reprogramming because it won't start the car, do not let the dealer associate a monetary amount for doing this. The process of reprogramming your key takes about 2 minutes. The bad key has to be placed on the steering column, the good key in the ignition. Turn the ignition to start, do not crank the car, then count to 20. Reverse the keys and do the process again. This process should reset the chip in the bad key.

The Zip

Ooooooo neat! Will that work in my 03?

If for some reason one of your keys need reprogramming because it won't start the car, do not let the dealer associate a monetary amount for doing this. The process of reprogramming your key takes about 2 minutes. The bad key has to be placed on the steering column, the good key in the ignition. Turn the ignition to start, do not crank the car, then count to 20. Reverse the keys and do the process again. This process should reset the chip in the bad key.

The Zip

Wow. I never heard of that. :coolgleam
I wonder if you could 'reprogram' someone else's keys as a prank doing that? :lildevil:

Would the same procedure work if you bought a spare key and had it cut? Other car makes list the procedure in the owners manual. I couldn't find anything for the CTS.

Would the same procedure work if you bought a spare key and had it cut? Other car makes list the procedure in the owners manual. I couldn't find anything for the CTS.
The dealer said this worked because of the chip that is installed in the keys. My response to you would be if the spare key was cut with a compatible chip inside, then the possibility of the procedure working is likely.

Hmm. That's not exactly how we do it, it has to be a NEW key with no chip memory yet:

You may add up to 10 additional master keys or valet keys using this procedure when a learned master key is available.
This procedure adds keys only. The procedure does not erase previously learned keys.
The keys to be learned must duplicate the mechanical cut of the current key.
If more than one valet key is to be learned, immediately precede each valet key with a learned master key.

With a previously learned master key, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key.
Within 10 seconds insert the key to be learned. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF. The vehicle has now learned the new key.

Would the same procedure work if you bought a spare key and had it cut? Other car makes list the procedure in the owners manual. I couldn't find anything for the CTS.
That's the only way for it to work. It has to be a unlearned key. Once the chip learns the car, it cannot be reprogrammed with this procedure.