GM key programming procedure: prerequisites, Techline Connect steps, and transmitter pocket locations by vehicle
GM key programming reference for Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, BrightDrop, and Cruise vehicles. Covers Techline Connect prerequisites, the VTD (Vehicle Theft Deterrent) and Immobilizer Learn programming flow, and the transmitter pocket location for every covered GM model by year and trim.
Programming a key on a GM vehicle and need to know where the transmitter pocket is, or which Techline Connect routine to run? GM key programming runs through Techline Connect under either VTD (Vehicle Theft Deterrent) or Immobilizer Learn, and requires the key fob to be placed in a specific pocket location that varies by year, make, and model. Here's the full procedure and the transmitter pocket location for every supported GM vehicle.
Source: ALLDATA Document ID 6000693 / GM Techline Connect.
Prerequisites for GM key programming
- Connect to the vehicle using Techline Connect.
- Ensure a battery charger is connected to the vehicle - low voltage can prevent key programming from completing.
- Place the key fob / transmitter in the correct Transmitter Pocket Location for the specific vehicle (see locations below).
Note: For exact Transmitter Pocket Location with graphics, refer to the Owner's Manual: Keys, Doors, and Windows > Keys and Locks > Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (or Specific Cylinder Unit for Single Key - Random Code System for Police and Municipality Vehicles).
Key programming tips
- Correct transmitter pocket placement is critical - ensure the key fob is seated in the exact location for the vehicle before initiating programming.
- Scan the vehicle for codes before starting - there must be no U-codes (network/communication codes) present in the vehicle prior to beginning the programming procedure. Resolve any U-codes first.
How to run the key programming procedure in Techline Connect
Step 1: In Techline Connect, navigate to Module Programming.
Step 2: Select VTD (Vehicle Theft Deterrent) and follow the on-screen programming steps.
Note: If VTD is not listed, look for Immobilizer Learn - this is an alternate label used on some vehicles for the same procedure.
Chevrolet transmitter pocket locations
On the 2019 and newer Chevrolet Blazer, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder.
On the 2024 and newer Chevrolet Blazer EV, the transmitter pocket is the front storage bin with the buttons facing down.
On the 2018 and newer Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the 2017 and newer Chevrolet Bolt EV, the transmitter pocket is the center console beneath the storage tray.
On the 2016 and newer Chevrolet Camaro, the transmitter pocket is the rearward cupholder.
On the 2019 to 2022 Chevrolet Cheyenne LTD, the transmitter pocket is inside the middle lower compartment for bench seat vehicles, or the pocket between the front cupholders for bucket seat vehicles.
On the 2022 and newer Chevrolet Cheyenne New Model, the transmitter pocket is the rearward pocket between the shift lever and cupholder for bucket seat vehicles, the inside middle seat storage compartment for bench seat vehicles, or above the Stop/Start button for Special Service Vehicles.
On the 2023 and newer Chevrolet Colorado, the transmitter pocket is the right cupholder.
On the 2005 to 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the transmitter pocket is the glove box. On the 2014 to 2019 Corvette, it is the steering column. On the 2020 and newer Corvette, it is the forward cupholder.
On the 2009 to 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, the transmitter pocket is the storage area next to the accessory power outlet. On the 2016 and newer Cruze (Gen II), it is the forward cupholder for automatic transmission vehicles and the rearward cupholder for manual transmission vehicles.
On the 2018 and newer Chevrolet Equinox, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder. On the 2024 and newer Equinox EV, it is the rearward cupholder.
On the 2014 to 2020 Chevrolet Impala, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2013 to 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the transmitter pocket is the rear of the center console. On the 2017 and newer Malibu, it is the rear of the center console with the buttons facing the rear of the car.
On the 2021 and newer Chevrolet Onix, the transmitter pocket is the rearward cupholder.
On the 2024 and newer Chevrolet Silverado EV, the transmitter pocket is the left cupholder.
On the 2019 to 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD, the transmitter pocket is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles or the pocket between the front cupholders for bucket seat vehicles.
On the 2022 and newer Chevrolet Silverado 1500 New Model, the transmitter pocket is the rearward pocket between the shift lever and cupholder for bucket seat vehicles, the inside middle seat storage compartment for bench seat vehicles, or above the Stop/Start button for Special Service Vehicles.
On the 2020 to 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, the transmitter pocket is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles or the pocket between the front cupholders for bucket seat vehicles. On the 2024 and newer Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, it is the left cupholder for bucket seat vehicles or the inside middle seat storage compartment for bench seat vehicles.
On the 2017 to 2020 Chevrolet Sonic, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder.
On the 2020 and newer Chevrolet Spark, the transmitter pocket is the center console next to the parking brake lever with the buttons facing the front of the vehicle.
On the 2025 and newer Chevrolet Spin, the transmitter pocket is the center console pocket forward of the cupholders.
On the 2015 to 2020 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area. On the 2021 and newer Suburban and Tahoe, it is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles, the left cupholder for bucket seat vehicles, or above the Stop/Start button for Special Service Vehicles (5W4 or 9C1).
On the 2020 and newer Chevrolet Trailblazer, the transmitter pocket is the center console rearward pocket.
On the 2018 to 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, the transmitter pocket is the center console beneath the liner. On the 2024 and newer Traverse (new body style), it is the left cupholder.
On the 2017 to 2022 Chevrolet Trax, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder. On the 2024 and newer Trax, it is the pocket rearward of the cupholders.
On the 2011 to 2015 Chevrolet Volt, the transmitter pocket is the instrument panel storage compartment. On the 2016 to 2019 Volt, it is the center console storage area.
GMC transmitter pocket locations
On the 2017 to 2019 GMC Acadia, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area. On the 2020 and newer Acadia, it is the center console beneath the liner.
On the 2023 and newer GMC Canyon, the transmitter pocket is the right cupholder.
On the 2022 and newer GMC Hummer EV, the transmitter pocket is the rearward cupholder.
On the 2019 to 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 LTD, the transmitter pocket is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles or the pocket between the front cupholders for bucket seat vehicles. On the 2022 and newer Sierra 1500 New Model, it is the rearward pocket between the shift lever and cupholder for bucket seat vehicles or the inside middle seat storage compartment for bench seat vehicles.
On the 2020 to 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, the transmitter pocket is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles or the pocket between the front cupholders for bucket seat vehicles. On the 2024 and newer Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, it is the left cupholder for bucket seat vehicles, the inside middle seat storage compartment for bench seat vehicles, or the insert to the left of the cupholders on Denali trims.
On the 2018 and newer GMC Terrain, the transmitter pocket is the left cupholder.
On the 2015 to 2020 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area. On the 2021 and newer Yukon and Yukon XL, it is inside the middle seat lower compartment for bench seat vehicles or the left cupholder for bucket seat vehicles.
Cadillac transmitter pocket locations
On the 2013 to 2019 Cadillac ATS, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2020 and newer Cadillac CT4 and CT5, the transmitter pocket is the rearward cupholder for both automatic and manual transmission vehicles.
On the 2016 and newer Cadillac CT6, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2010 to 2019 Cadillac CTS, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2014 and 2016 Cadillac ELR, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area with the buttons facing down.
On the 2015 to 2020 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area. On the 2021 and newer Escalade and Escalade ESV, it is the forward cupholder.
On the 2023 and newer Cadillac Lyriq, the transmitter pocket is the rearward cupholder with the buttons facing down.
On the 2010 to 2016 Cadillac SRX, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area beneath the storage tray.
On the 2005 to 2011 Cadillac STS, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2007 to 2009 Cadillac XLR, the transmitter pocket is the glove box.
On the 2019 and newer Cadillac XT4, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder.
On the 2017 and newer Cadillac XT5 and the 2020 and newer Cadillac XT6, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area beneath the storage tray.
On the 2013 to 2019 Cadillac XTS, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
Buick transmitter pocket locations
On the 2018 and newer Buick Enclave, the transmitter pocket is the center console beneath the liner.
On the 2017 and newer Buick Encore, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder.
On the 2020 and newer Buick Encore GX, the transmitter pocket is the rearward center console pocket.
On the 2016 to 2020 Buick Envision, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder. On the 2021 and newer Envision, it is the center console.
On the 2024 and newer Buick Envista, the transmitter pocket is the pocket rearward of the cupholders.
On the 2010 to 2019 Buick LaCrosse, the transmitter pocket is the center console storage area.
On the 2012 to 2017 Buick Regal, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder. On the 2018 to 2020 Regal, it is the storage bin with the lock icon forward of the shift lever.
On the 2012 to 2017 Buick Verano, the transmitter pocket is the forward cupholder.
BrightDrop and Cruise transmitter pocket locations
On the 2022 BrightDrop EV600, the 2024 and newer BrightDrop Zevo 400, and the 2023 and newer BrightDrop Zevo 600, the transmitter pocket is the storage compartment above and behind the infotainment display.
On the 2024 and newer Cruise Origin, the transmitter pocket is the rear left of the center console.
Important notes about GM key programming
Applies to 2024 and newer GM vehicles for the most recent entries. Always verify with ALLDATA or the applicable Owner's Manual for the most current placement.
If you need help connecting to a GM vehicle through Techline Connect, locating the transmitter pocket on a specific GM vehicle, resolving U-codes before key programming, or troubleshooting a failed VTD or Immobilizer Learn procedure, contact AETools at https://aetools.us or call us directly.