New remotes can a new remote be programed without going to the dealer

Sounds like the circuitry has a short in the remotes

My experience with frequently-used vehicle remotes (any make) is this:
1. When relatively new or in good condition, if remote stops working, the button battery inside is dead or too low.

2. If battery is new, & remote still doesn't work, a solder joint on the circuit board inside may have come loose or broken.(You can try re-soldering using a low-heat pencil iron & thin RESIN-core solder -- even if you're not great at it, what do you have to lose?)

3. It's rather unusual for even an older, well-used remote to simply lose its programming.If this is the problem, it may be cheaper to buy a new after-market remote (or pair of remotes) that you can program yourself (only works with some brands & years of vehicles, so READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THEIR WEBSITE BEFORE BUYING AN AFTER-MARKET REMOTE), instead of going to the dealer for a normally HIGH-priced programming job.

4. Used OEM remotes that match yours exactly (check the part # of your remote & the used one you're considering) can often be purchased from a local auto wrecker (now called "auto recycler") for cheap ($5 to $10 is common), but will need programming.I always go thru the many they have, looking for one that appears new or like-new.

5. IF YOU MUST GET PROGRAMMING FROM A DEALER, usually it's the SAME PRICE whether you have 1 remote or several remotes/keys programmed at the same time.Since dealer programming is pricey, I always have 3-4 remotes and/or chip-keys programmed at the same time.(My dear wife loses chip-keys & remotes from time-to-time, so I keep a few spares on-hand.I've found inexpensive after-market chip-key blanks at some key cutters and/or auto parts stores, altho they still require programming after the copy is cut from yours.)

CAUTION:Some OEM anti-theft systems require that ALL remotes & chip-keys be programmed/re-programmed at the same time, whether they're original, used or new.Determine this IN ADVANCE, so you know what you're faced with.The good news is that for those vehicle manufacturers, dealers normally don't charge more to program/re-program multiple remotes and/or chip-keys, if all are being done AT THE SAME TIME.

6. If all else fails & you MUST buy a new OEM remote (which will require programming), try 2 things -- First, see if the dealer will make you a package deal on buying the remote (or 2 remotes, or a remote & a chip-key) AND doing the programming for a lower combined price.Second, it may be cheaper to buy a new OEM remote from a dealer who's had one in stock for a long time & wants to blow it out (or buy from online OEM seller) & then pay the normal programming price.See the CAUTION above.

There are lots of options here, so hopefully something is useful to you.

lock smith will do it cheaper than dealer about half the cost

I have programmed my 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix remotes without going to dealer. Cadilac dealer could not for some reason, but I was able to. I don't know if your Olds is similar.

the remote to my volvo 2002 s60 stopped working and i took it to a regular auto repair shop, and the guy reprogrammed it for me. i was fortunate that he new how. so all this talk about it cant be done, and that you must take it to the dealer is a bunch of bull....

Cheapest place I find is the Salvage Yard for only $5.00. The bad news is that to program the new remote, you need a tech2 scanner to set that up. Most Transmission shop has a Tech2 scanner now and i am sure you can get them to help you program the new remote for a much better price then the Dealer.
The scan tool is necessary to enter the programming mode on the newer vehicles. There just isn't any other way to do it. Your's being the first year, you may get lucky that you can reprogram it with this instruction which is the 2005 Montana's reprogram.

IMPORTANT: Before entering programming mode, have in possession all of the remotes you will be useing on the vehicle. Once you program the remote. all previous remotes that were programmed will be erased from memory. The other remotes will not be functional until you program the them again.


1. Remove the key from the ignition.


2. Remove the "BCM PRGRM" fuse from the fuse panel. Use the legend on the fuse panel to properly locate the "BCM PRGRM" fuse. Fuse panel is accessed by opening the front passenger door.


3. Close all of the doors.


4. Close the liftgate.


5. Insert the key into the ignition, and turn to the ACC position.


6. Turn the key to OFF and then back to ACC within 1 second.


7. Open and close any vehicle door. A chime will be heard
when the system enters into programming mode.


8. Press and hold the remote LOCK and UNLOCK buttons
simultaneously for 14 seconds.


IMPORTANT: After 7 seconds, a chime may be heard confirming successful synchronization. It is necessary to wait
approximately 14 seconds for a second chime that will confirm successful programming.


9. Repeat step 8 now for each additional remotes to be
programmed including any existing remotes.


10. Remove key from ignition.


11. Install the "BCM PRGRM" fuse back into the fuse panel and test remote(s).


Good luck and thank you for using FIxya.

i think so when you program a new remote it comes blank.you are not programing the remote you are programmikg the car

The dealer should be able to program it for you. When I bought mine, the dealer could not find the keyless remote, they took another remote for a different van and they just programmed it right there and then.

You can go to the dealer and have the new remote and the car re-programed so they match and the old luck transmitter with not work on your car. Good luck

those remotes need to be set with the obd system.
some cars you can program the remote by turning on and off the ignition,or in other cases the key in and out until the hazards flash,then hit a button and done.
yours has to be set at the dealer