Chevrolet Cruze Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a Cruze fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

Find your year

YearDIY onboard?How it programsWorking fob?Erase riskConfidenceBest next step
2011YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)PossibleMedFollow the steps below
2012YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)None knownMedFollow the steps below
2013YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)PossibleMedFollow the steps below
2014–2015YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)YesMedFollow the steps below
2016YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)YesMedFollow the steps below
2017YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)YesMedFollow the steps below
2018–2019YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)YesMedFollow the steps below

Chevrolet Cruze key types & programming facts

For the Chevrolet Cruze, the provided sources indicate onboard programming routes for certain flip-key and remote configurations, including 2011 and 2011-2016 Cruze applications. Programming involves adding a new key or remote to the vehicle using an existing programmed key or an in-vehicle learn procedure, rather than a special bench or EEPROM process.

Key types used on the Cruze:

  • flip key fob / remote-head key with transponder chip (2011-2016)
  • transponder key / standard key with remote entry option (2019)
  • smart / proximity push-to-start key (unknown for Cruze USA/Canada 2011-2019; no source in provided results directly confirms this for the model)

Common fob FCC IDs: OHT01060512, V2T0100512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (14 steps)

Programming with Existing Key

Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key into ignition.
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key to ON/RUN position.
Programming step
3 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove it.
Insert the key
4 Insert new key within five seconds to ON/RUN position.
Programming step
5 Security light indicates successful programming.

Steps for Additional Key Programming

Programming step
1 Repeat initial programming steps for each additional key.
Programming step
2 Ensure original key is recognized by vehicle.
Wait / timing window
3 Timing of new key insertion critical (within five seconds).
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
4 Confirm security light status after each programming attempt.
Programming step
5 Maintain records of all programmed keys for future reference.

Locksmith Services

Programming step
1 Verify locksmith expertise in automotive key programming.
Programming step
2 Inquire about costs for mobile service versus in-shop service.
Programming step
3 Ensure locksmith has necessary equipment for programming.
Programming step
4 Check reviews or references for locksmith services.
Keys & fobs that fit the 2011 Cruze

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Programming with Existing Key

Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key into ignition.
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key to ON/RUN position.
Remove the key
3 Switch to LOCK/OFF and remove key.
Insert the key
4 Insert new key within five seconds and turn to ON/RUN.
Programming step
5 Security light indicates successful programming.

Programming Without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Requires all transmitters present for programming.
Insert the key
2 Insert vehicle key into driver door lock, unlock five times.
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait for DIC to display "PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN."
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Repeat ignition press sequence for three cycles.
Programming step
5 Access transmitter slot and insert recognized transmitter.

Adding Additional Smart Keys

Programming step
1 One recognized smart key needed to program additional keys.
Programming step
2 Access transmitter slot by removing plastic trim piece.
Programming step
3 Unlock driver door five times with new key.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter in slot and press ignition.
Programming step
5 Repeat for each additional transmitter, exit programming mode afterward.
Keys & fobs that fit the 2012 Cruze

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Lost Keys

Programming step
1 Locate a local automotive locksmith using provided contact.
Programming step
2 Drive to locksmith if vehicle is operational to save costs.
Programming step
3 Locksmith connects computer equipment to vehicle for programming.
Programming step
4 A single programmed key required for adding additional keys.
Programming step
5 Security light indicates successful programming.

Programming New Transmitters

Insert the key
1 Insert key into driver door lock; unlock five times within 10 seconds.
Wait / timing window
2 DIC displays "REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT."
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait 10 minutes for DIC to display "PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN."
Programming step
4 Repeat ignition process two additional times to clear previous transmitters.
Programming step
5 DIC will indicate readiness for new transmitter programming.

Steps to Program Additional Transmitters

Programming step
1 Remove plastic trim to access transmitter slot near console.
Programming step
2 Extend key blade from recognized transmitter and insert into slot.
Press / hold a fob button
3 Press ignition to learn new transmitter; DIC confirms readiness.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Remove transmitter and press unlock to finalize programming.
Programming step
5 Repeat process for additional transmitters, exit programming by holding ignition.

Adding Smart Keys

Programming step
1 New remote programming requires at least one recognized remote.
Programming step
2 Access transmitter slot by removing plastic trim.
Programming step
3 Unlock driver door five times with new transmitter key.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Insert new transmitter into slot and press ignition to learn.
Programming step
5 Repeat for additional smart keys, exiting programming mode after completion.
Keys & fobs that fit the 2013 Cruze

2014–2015 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Preparation & Requirements

Programming step
1 Key blade must be cut to work in the ignition before programming
Programming step
2 All keys to be programmed must be present when required
Programming step
3 Vehicle must be off for first-key programming procedure
Programming step
4 Procedure duration for first key: approximately 30 minutes
Programming step
5 Security light used as indicator of programming progress

Programming with One Recognized Transmitter

Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key into ignition and turn to ON/RUN
Remove the key
2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove the original key
Insert the key
3 Insert new key and turn to ON/RUN within five seconds
Turn ignition to ON
4 Security light will turn off once the key has been programmed
Programming step
5 Repeat steps for additional keys to be programmed

Programming with No Recognized Transmitters (First Key)

Insert the key
1 Insert new vehicle key into the ignition and turn to ON/RUN; security light will come on
Wait / timing window
2 Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn ignition to LOCK/OFF after light turns off
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Repeat the ON/RUN then LOCK/OFF cycle two more times (three cycles total)
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 After the third ON/RUN cycle the key is learned and all previously known keys will no longer work
Keys & fobs that fit the 2014–2015 Cruze

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Procedure for adding a transmitter, not replacing.
Insert the key
2 Insert original key, turn to ON/RUN position.
Remove the key
3 Turn key to LOCK/OFF, remove the key.
Insert the key
4 Insert second original key, turn to ON/RUN position within five seconds.
Insert the key
5 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light indicates successful programming.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Applicable when no recognized keys are available.
Insert the key
2 Insert new vehicle key, turn to ON/RUN; security light activates.
Wait / timing window
3 Wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off.
Turn ignition to ON
4 Turn ignition to LOCK/OFF and repeat the process two more times.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 After three cycles, turn to ON/RUN; previously known keys will no longer work.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Requires two recognized transmitters present.
Programming step
2 Place recognized keys in front cup holder.
Remove the key
3 Remove key lock cylinder cap, unlock door five times with new transmitter key.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP after placing new transmitter in cup holder.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Press UNLOCK or LOCK on the new transmitter to complete programming.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Procedure to program up to eight transmitters without recognized ones.
Programming step
2 Unlock door five times with vehicle key to initiate learning mode.
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait for DIC to display PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place transmitter in front cup holder, press ENGINE START/STOP.
Wait / timing window
5 Repeat process to program additional transmitters; exit programming by holding ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Procedure for adding a transmitter, not replacing.
Insert the key
2 Insert original key, turn to ON/RUN position.
Programming step
3 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove.
Insert the key
4 Insert second original key, turn to ON/RUN.
Insert the key
5 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light indicates successful programming.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Applicable when no recognized key is available.
Insert the key
2 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light activates.
Wait / timing window
3 Wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off.
Programming step
4 Repeat process two more times for successful learning.
Wait / timing window
5 Second key programming follows the two recognized keys method.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Requires two recognized transmitters to begin.
Programming step
2 Place recognized keys in front cup holder.
Programming step
3 Use vehicle key to unlock driver door five times.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn new transmitter.
Programming step
5 Repeat process for additional transmitters until all are programmed.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Procedure for programming up to eight transmitters.
Programming step
2 Unlock driver door five times with vehicle key.
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait for DIC to display PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.
Programming step
4 Follow prompts to learn new transmitters.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Press ENGINE START/STOP to complete programming and exit mode.

2018–2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Procedure for adding a transmitter, not replacing.
Insert the key
2 Insert original key, turn to ON/RUN position.
Remove the key
3 Remove key, insert second original key, turn to ON/RUN.
Insert the key
4 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light turns off.
Programming step
5 Repeat process for additional keys if needed.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Programming step
1 Applicable when no recognized key is available.
Insert the key
2 Insert new key, turn to ON/RUN; security light activates.
Wait / timing window
3 Wait 10 minutes until security light turns off.
Turn ignition to ON
4 Turn ignition to LOCK/OFF; repeat process two more times.
Turn ignition to ON
5 After third attempt, turn to ON/RUN; previously known keys will be disabled.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Requires two recognized transmitters for programming.
Programming step
2 Place recognized keys in front cup holder.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Turn new transmitter key in driver door lock five times to unlock.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn new transmitter; DIC displays readiness.
Programming step
5 Repeat process for additional transmitters; exit programming after all are learned.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Procedure for programming up to eight transmitters without recognized ones.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 Turn key in driver door lock five times to unlock; DIC shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING.
Press / hold a fob button
3 Wait 10 minutes; press ENGINE START/STOP when prompted.
Programming step
4 Repeat the process two additional times; previously known transmitters will be disabled.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Place transmitter in cup holder, press ENGINE START/STOP to learn.

How we validate this guide

Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.

YearRoute statusExact steps
2011Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2012Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2013Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2014–2015Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2016Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2017Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2018–2019Route verifiedGeneral guidance

Common questions

What kind of key does a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze use?

The 2011 Cruze is listed with a flip key fob using HU100 keyway and an ID46 transponder chip.

Can the Cruze key or remote be programmed onboard?

Yes. The provided sources show onboard programming procedures for Cruze flip-key and remote applications, including 2011 and 2011-2016 coverage.

Which FCC IDs are associated with Cruze remotes in the sources?

The sources list OHT01060512, V2T0100512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, and AVL-B01T2AC for Cruze applications.

Can you program a Cruze key fob without going to the dealership?

For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.

Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?

It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.

What if my year says professional programming required?

Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.

How much does it cost?

It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.

Need your Cruze fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
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