Bulletin No.: PIC6401
Published date: 02/3/2020

Preliminary Information
PIC6401 Key & Transmitter Programming
Models
Brand:
Chevrolet

Model:
Camaro

Model Years:
2010 - 2015

VIN:
from
All

Engine:

to
All

All

Transmissions:
All

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition / Concern
Involved
Region or North America
Country
Some technicians may questions the key and/or transmitter learning procedure for the 5th Generation
Camaro (2010 - 2015). With the various ignition key recalls that have been released on the vehicle,
Condition there may be confusion in the eld on what is needed to be done, what parts are used, and how the
various learning procedures are completed.
Correction:
This PIC is meant to help clear up the questions surrounding the key and transmitter programming procedures
related to these vehicles.
Originally, recall 14294 was released, which required dealership technicians to remove the key blade from
the original ip key/RKE transmitter assemblies. They would then provide two new stand alone keys to the
customer, each with two separate key rings.
Later on, recall N192223230 was released to accomplish the same thing on switchblade key / transmitter
assemblies that were sold as GM service parts. The purpose of both recalls remains the same.
The servicing technician is to remove the switchblade shanks of the transmitter assemblies, program two new
ignition keys to the vehicle, and attach these new keys to the transmitters with two key rings each. When done
properly, this should take the average technician less than 30 minutes to complete.
The rst thing that the servicing tech will need to do is to verify that the transmitter in question has the correct PN
and that it has not been previously programmed to a di erent VIN. (See also PIT4945H on this issue.)
The second thing that the servicing tech will need to check is that the ipper door on the ignition lock cylinder is
not stuck in place. These vehicles use a small door over the ignition lock cylinder as a "key-in-ignition" switch.
Sometimes these ipper doors can become stuck open due to lack of maintenance. This is a moving part and will
require periodic lubrication. (See also PIT5119F on this issue.) This can be used as a piece of diagnostic
information. When this ipper door sticks in place the RKE operation becomes inoperative and the key-in-ignition
chime will continue to sound, even when the key has been removed from the ignition lock cylinder.
If the concern remains after checking the previously listed items, the concern is almost always narrowed down to
performing the learn procedure incorrectly. To understand the procedure, it is important to understand exactly
what each part is.
Transmitter - The transmitter incorporates all the electronics required to operate the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system.

Ignition Key - The ignition key is a key with a black plastic head that contains a small transponder embedded
inside. When the IMMO coil is powered up, it energizes the transponder embedded in the head of this key. The
key then transmits or broadcasts a packet of information that is picked up by the RCDLR and carried to the BCM.

Service Key - The service key is a basic metal key that does not contain any electronics. This key cannot start the
vehicle because it does not contain the electronics necessary to provide the vehicle immobilizer system the
information it needs to allow vehicle starting. There are multiple PN service keys. One PN is for an uncut
(uncoded) key and there is another PN for a precut (coded) key. A picture of the service key can be seen below.
PN 23489478 is for the uncoded key and PN 23425557 is for the coded key. (Check with your Part's Department
for any possibly supersessions.)

There are two di erent ways to program keys / transmitters to these vehicles. Dealership technicians should
refer to Service Information (SI) for the document titled "Transmitter Programming" to review the speci c
instructions on how to perform the following procedures.
Keys / transmitters may be either "added" or "replaced". If a key is "added", this simply adds another
programmed key to the BCMs list of programmed devices. This does NOT erase any keys or transmitters that
were previously learned to the vehicle. This procedure will simply program a key or a transmitter to the next
available slot in the BCM's memory. A maximum of 8 keys / transmitters may be learned to a Global A vehicle.
If a key or transmitter is "replaced", this means that the procedure will rst erase all the known keys and
transmitters that were previously learned to the vehicle. This procedure is typically used when the customer has
lost a key or transmitter. This procedure will ensure that the lost device will not be able to be used to access or
start the vehicle in the future.
Each selection (adding or replacing) also has two available methods to complete the procedure. The servicing
technician may select to use the Service Programming System (SPS) or without SPS programming.
For the recall procedure, typically, the technician will be able to use the "Adding Transmitters - Without SPS"
procedure. This is also known as the "Turn-and-Burn" procedure. Keep in mind, that this procedure will NOT
erase previously learned keys or transmitters.

1) With a previously learned key, turn the ignition ON.
2) Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
3) Within 10 seconds of turning OFF the ignition, insert the key to be learned and turn ON the ignition. The vehicle
has now learned the new key.
4) To add transmitters, repeat steps 1 - 3 with a transmitter and service key. Hold the service key securely against
the transmitter as seen in the photo below for the entire time that the key is inserted into the ignition. Place the
service key at the end of the transmitter so it is centered with the key blade projecting outward from the
transmitter. Hold the service key on the side of the transmitter with the Chevrolet emblem to maintain full
contact between the service key and transmitter.

5) Verify each transmitter and key is operating properly. Operate each of the keyless entry functions and use the
vehicle key to start the vehicle. When verifying operation, make sure that no other transmitters or keys are near
the vehicle.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When attempting to learn a transmitter to the vehicle, the service key MUST be used. Do NOT
use the regular ignition key with the black plastic head as seen in the photo below. This will NOT learn the
transmitter as there is already a transponder embedded in the head of this style ignition key. THIS ATTEMPT WILL
NOT WORK.

INCORRECT transmitter programming procedure being attempted.
Once the required programming procedure has been completed, the technician MUST return the various keys
and transmitters back to the customer in the following manner. No other con gurations are acceptable. There
must be a transmitter without the blade attached. The larger key ring (18.9 mm) must be attached to the
transmitter itself. The ignition key must be attached by the smaller key ring (16 mm). The two photos below
show the correct con guration of the transmitter, the key rings, and the key.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is
resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

Version History
Version
Modi ed

1
2-03-2020 - Created

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