Key Fobs?

[Reyestrec]

I have a 2011 Chevy Tahoe LTZ and need a replacement key fob. Could you please let me know whether I can use the newer style key fob, or if I need to use the OEM version?

 

[Foggy]

I have a 2011 Chevy Tahoe LTZ and need a replacement key fob. Could you please let me know whether I can use the newer style key fob, or if I need to use the OEM version?

View attachment 475003View attachment 475005

I'm pretty sure only the OEM fobs will work correctly , unless
you change out the transponder too

 

[LegalBrief]

You can get fabs on eBay… it’s mhz based.. so u may find a new style with correct frequency..

 

[mikez71]

Thought I heard that the flip keys are too long and will interfere with the shifter...

 

[KelZu]

You can upgrade the key fobs but you’ll need to take it to the dealership to be paired to your vehicle. So factor in additional costs. I have a 2013 with 2020 fobs and they work great.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

Actually I’d recommend you look at BoostAuto aftermarket key fobs.

Retrofit Key Fobs

Shop all Boost Auto Retrofit Key Fobs. Our GM 2020 and 2015 style keyless entry fobs make for a great addition to your truck or SUV. Key features include keyless entry, chrome finish and accents, direct OEM replacement, DIY OBD programming, available with remote start or without remote start...

boostautoparts.com

These are what I got for my 2010 Suburban to differentiate its keys from my 2009 Tahoe.
Simple subjective opinion but I think the range on them are better than OEM, but they are sealed without replaceable batteries. Have had them a few years and haven’t replaced them yet.

Edit: looking into it more, it looks like the ability to program key fobs was a mid-generation challenge as of 2011 so this wouldn’t help.

 

[TeapotNY]

I went with the same ones you have on the bottom for my 2011 suburban Lt, thankfully I have a buddy with a scanner that saved me from the stealership & locksmith. Unfortunately they removed the ability for us to add a fob from the info center. That’s a pre 2011 feature only now.

 

[fredcook]

For our Tahoes, we have these fobs...

Our 2013 uses the one on the left from Amazon (link), our 2008 uses the one on the right from Boost Auto (link). Either will work on either year model. You can program these yourself in a couple of minutes. Some people use scan tools, but all they really do is step you through the process.

Note that the flip out key on the left fob is useless. There isn't enough room around the ignition for it. You just continue to use your original key. The fob on the right does have a pullout key that i believe can be used as a valet key. I don't use it myself, so unconfirmed.

 

[West 1]

In my 08 Denali i have had 2 of the cheap Amazon key fobs fail recently. Both started acting up, randomly opening the rear hatch or the horn would start tooting, door locks would lock or unlock just from picking up the fob without pushing any buttons. Those were $25 fobs, I just ordered a Boost Fob based on the reading here. $103 for one fob, if it solves these issues worth every penny. Fingers crossed for now.

 

[homesick]

You can get fabs on eBay… it’s mhz based.. so u may find a new style with correct frequency..

That's where I got mine.

After finding the rear hatch open on a few mornings [and I park in the driveway], I ordered fobs without the hatch buttons. Problem solved.

joe

 

[homesick]

You can upgrade the key fobs but you’ll need to take it to the dealership to be paired to your vehicle. So factor in additional costs. I have a 2013 with 2020 fobs and they work great.

I don't remember having to do that. Maybe you can learn how, on the web.

joe

 

[West 1]

There is nothing needed to program a 2008 Key fob. Very easy, the dash will walk you through programming.

I am curious about the Keys. I have 2 blank keys I wanted to have cut as spares. The local locksmith told me they would not work and I needed to buy their key for $85? At that point I needed at least one more key so I paid the $85 and it works. I did not notice them do any programming, they just grabbed a key off the board and cut it?

Maybe I will just take my blank key up to Lowes and let the key machine cut it and see if the car will start?
Even it the car does not start it should unlock the door and work as a hide a key.

 

[ianbis]

@West 1 - I purchased (2) two keys for my 2011 Chevrolet Suburban on Amazon (approx. $10.00) and had them cut by a Locksmith for $25 total and programmed them myself.

Of note: the correct key for my model year Suburban has a "+" on the blade.

To program the new key/s you must have an original key that works.


1. Insert an existing programmed working key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn ignition to the ON position for 5 seconds, then back to OFF position.

3. Remove the existing key and within 5 seconds insert new key that needs to be programmed and turn it to the ON position for 5 seconds.

4. Turn key OFF then back to ON. The key is now programmed. Start vehicle to test key.

The techs at Home Depot, Lowes and ACE refused to cut my Amazon acquired keys even though I assured them I would pay the fee regardless of if they worked or not. HD tech had a pretty spirited debate with me. He was convinced that the keys did not have a transponder/chip/dohickey/whatchamacallit in it. I finally shut him up by saying I read it on the internet so it must be real, he started smirking, then I finished my sentence by saying it also says so in the owner's manual (yup I'm the guy who reads the Owner's Manual). The Ace tech said they would only cut their own blanks because they were afraid my key blanks might damage their key cutting equipment.

As always, your mileage may vary, this procedure worked on my vehicle, it may not work on your vehicle and may even cause your vehicle to burn excessive fuel.

 

[West 1]

My local Lowes, the Ace Hardware and locksmith refused to cut the new keys I have already, they would only cut one they provided for $85, said it was for insurance reasons. Yeah right. It is for profit reasons. Anyhow they did cut a key that works as a hide a key for me for $10 but it will not start the truck only open the doors and set off the alarm at the same time, you need to have a key to put in the ignition that actually works to kill the alarm. I still have 2 blanks I would like to get cut if I can find a shop that will do it.

One of those STUPID moments we have: a couple years ago a good friend who owned a locksmith shop passed away, his wife offered me one of the key cutting machines. He had 3 or 4 in his shop. At that time I encouraged her to sell it with his other tools. Sure wish I would have accepted it. Hindsight is always 20/20 as they say.

 

[homesick]

My local Lowes, the Ace Hardware and locksmith refused to cut the new keys I have already, they would only cut one they provided for $85, said it was for insurance reasons. Yeah right. It is for profit reasons. Anyhow they did cut a key that works as a hide a key for me for $10 but it will not start the truck only open the doors and set off the alarm at the same time, you need to have a key to put in the ignition that actually works to kill the alarm. I still have 2 blanks I would like to get cut if I can find a shop that will do it.

One of those STUPID moments we have: a couple years ago a good friend who owned a locksmith shop passed away, his wife offered me one of the key cutting machines. He had 3 or 4 in his shop. At that time I encouraged her to sell it with his other tools. Sure wish I would have accepted it. Hindsight is always 20/20 as they say.

Try eBay.

joe

 

[ianbis]

I got my keys on Amazon from keyless2go, they have a locksmith finder (installer locator) on their website (just add .com). You might want to take a look.