How to Program a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Ignition Smart Chip Key Transponder
Step by Step How to Programming Instructions:
**If you have a regular key or a remote head key**, follow these instructions:
1. Ensure you have two already programmed working keys. If you don’t, you’ll need a locksmith to program a second key for you. Locate a locksmith in your area at [LocateALocksmith.com](https://www.LocateALocksmith.com).
2. Insert the first programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position for 5 seconds.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove it.
4. Within 30 seconds of turning the first key to the LOCK position, insert the second programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. About 10 seconds later, the immobilizer light will start blinking.
5. When the immobilizer light starts blinking, turn the second key to the LOCK position and remove it. Within 30 seconds after removing the second key, insert the new unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do this no more than 30 seconds after the immobilizer light starts blinking. When programming is complete, the immobilizer light will come on for 3 seconds and then go off. If an error occurs, the immobilizer light will go off during the procedure.
6. To program another key, repeat steps 1 through 4.
**If you have a remote head key**, you have only programmed the key portion. Follow this procedure to program the remote portion:
1. Have all current and new remotes you want to program.
2. Using a programmed remote, press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds. Then press and hold the LOCK button.
3. Within 10 seconds of pressing the LOCK button, release the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons in sequence. At this time, all remotes except for the one used in step 2 and 3 are erased, and the doors will lock and unlock to inform you that you are in programming mode.
4. Within 60 seconds after step 3, program the remaining remotes by:
a. Pressing both LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for 2 seconds.
b. Release both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for 1 second.
c. Press the UNLOCK button and release. If programming is successful, the door locks will lock and unlock. Repeat step 4 within 60 seconds for each additional remote you wish to program.
5. If no additional remotes are programmed within 60 seconds after step 4, the vehicle will exit programming mode.
**If you have a Smart Key system**, follow these instructions to add a key to the system:
1. Ensure you have two already programmed working Smart Keys and one properly cut emergency key. If you don’t, you’ll need a locksmith to program a second key for you. Locate a locksmith in your area at [LocateALocksmith.com](https://www.LocateALocksmith.com).
2. To add a new smart key to the system, it will require two procedures. The first procedure programs the fob to start the vehicle, and the second programs the key fob buttons.
Procedure 1:
1. Remove the emergency key from the back of the Smart Key.
2. While pushing the lock release buttons (A), remove the cover of the ignition switch.
3. Insert the emergency key into the ignition switch.
4. Insert the first programmed Smart Key into the emergency key.
5. Turn the emergency key with the Smart Key to the ON position for 5 seconds.
6. Turn the emergency key with the Smart Key to the LOCK position. Within 30 seconds after doing so, remove the Smart Key from the emergency key, insert the second programmed Smart Key into the emergency key, and turn it to the ON position. About 10 seconds later, the immobilizer light will start to blink.
7. When the immobilizer light starts blinking, turn the second programmed Smart Key to the LOCK position and remove it. Within 30 seconds after doing so, insert the new unprogrammed Smart Key into the emergency key and turn it to the ON position. Perform this operation no more than 30 seconds after the immobilizer light starts blinking. When programming is complete, the immobilizer light will come on for 3 seconds, then go off. If an error occurs, the immobilizer light will go off during the procedure.
8. If you wish to program another Smart Key, repeat the process from step 1.
Procedure 2:
1. Remove the emergency key from the back of the Smart Key.
2. While pushing the lock release buttons (A), remove the cover of the ignition switch.
3. Insert the emergency key into the ignition switch.
4. Insert the first programmed Smart Key into the emergency key.
5. Turn the emergency key with the Smart Key to the ON position. (Perform the following procedure within 30 seconds.)
6. Remove the Smart Key from the emergency key.
7. With the first programmed Smart Key, press the UNLOCK button and the LOCK button simultaneously for 4 to 10 seconds.
8. Release in sequence the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons within 10 seconds of pressing the LOCK button in step 7. (Perform the following procedure within 30 seconds.)
9. With the second programmed Smart Key, press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds and press the LOCK button during this time.
10. Release in sequence the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons within 10 seconds of pressing the LOCK button in step 9, and the immobilizer light will blink on the information screen in the multi-information display. (Perform the following procedure within 60 seconds.)
11. Press the LOCK button twice with the new unprogrammed Smart Key, and the immobilizer light will come on for 30 seconds on the information screen in the multi-information display.
12. Programming is complete.
