GMC Terrain Quiz
Keys, Doors and Windows

Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle

In this manual: Keys, Doors and Windows
Introduction — 1In Brief — 46Keys, Doors and Windows — 37Seats and Restraints — 60Storage — 6Instruments and Controls — 58Lighting — 16Infotainment System — 1Climate Control — 8Driving and Operation — 128Vehicle Care — 75Service and Maintenance — 8Technical Data — 5Customer Information — 18OnStar — 6Connected Services — 4
24steps
~144min
5/5difficulty
Done 0 of 24

Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer.

The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen transmitters will no longer work. Up to eight transmitters can be matched to each vehicle.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

A new transmitter can be programmed to the vehicle when two recognized transmitters are available.

To program, the vehicle must be off and all transmitters, both currently recognized and new, must be with you.

GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
  1. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
  2. Remove the key lock cylinder cover on the driver door handle. Refer to Door Locks. Insert the key into the lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds, with the new transmitter in the cupholder.

    The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, etc.

  3. Remove the two recognized transmitters from the cupholder.
  4. Place the new transmitter in the cupholder.
  5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will display that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
  6. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press.GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the VehicleorGMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicleon the RKE transmitter.

    To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 4–6.

    When all additional transmitters have been programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

  7. Insert the key back into the transmitter.
  8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. Refer to Door Locks.

Programming Without a Recognized Transmitter

If two currently recognized transmitters are not available, follow this procedure to program up to eight transmitters. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off, and all transmitters you want to program must be with you.

  1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. Refer to Door Locks. Insert the vehicle's transmitter key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.

    The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN WAIT, PLEASE WAIT.

  2. Wait 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP.

    The DIC display again shows REMOTE LEARN WAIT, PLEASE WAIT.

  3. Repeat step 2 two more times. After the third time, all previously known transmitters will no longer work with the vehicle. The remaining transmitters can be learned during the following steps.

    The DIC display should now show READY FOR REMOTE NO. 1.

    GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
  4. Place the new transmitter in the cupholder.
  5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will display that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
  6. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press.GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the VehicleorGMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicleon the RKE transmitter.

    To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 4–6.

    When all additional transmitters have been programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

  7. Insert the key back into the transmitter.
  8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. Refer to Door Locks.

Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery

When starting the vehicle, if the transmitter battery is low, the DIC may display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY DETECTED. PLACE KEY IN TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.

To start the vehicle:

GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
  1. Place the transmitter in the cupholder.
  2. When the vehicle is in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP.

    Replace the transmitter battery as soon as possible.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery in the transmitter soon if REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY is displayed on the DIC.

To replace the battery:

  1. Press the button on the side of the RKE transmitter to remove the key. Never remove the key without pressing the button.
    GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
  2. Insert a thin flat object into the center of the transmitter to separate and remove the back cover.
    GMC Terrain. Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
  3. Lift out the battery using a flat object.
  4. Remove the battery.
  5. Insert the new battery with the positive side facing the back cover. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
  6. Snap the transmitter closed.

Test yourself

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