What year ranges does this guide cover?

This guide covers Chevrolet Sonic year clusters 2012u20132013, 2014u20132016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Does this guide program the remote only, or also the transponder?

The guide distinguishes ignition key learning (security light confirmation) from transmitter learning (Driver Information Center prompts and placement steps where listed). Some situations may still require professional equipment-based programming.

What if the steps do not work even when followed exactly?

If the listed verification checkpoint is not reached (security light turning off or the specified Driver Information Center message), confirm the correct year range, prerequisites, and timing requirements. If the procedure still fails at the checkpoint, professional programming support may be required.

When should DIY attempts stop and professional help be used?

Stop when the scenario matches an explicit boundary such as all keys lost for 2012u20132013, when three 10-minute cycles cannot be completed uninterrupted, or when remaining methods would reset known transmitters and disable currently working access.

Chevrolet Sonic Key Fob Programming by Year

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

☎ Call (833) 439-8636

Find your year

Year	DIY onboard?	How it programs	Working fob?	Erase risk	Confidence	Best next step
2012–2013	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	—	—	High	Follow the steps below
2014–2016	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (1 working)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2017	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (1 working)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below
2018	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (1 working)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below
2019	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (2 working)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below
2020	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Yes	High	Follow the steps below

Chevrolet Sonic key types & programming facts

US/Canada Chevrolet Sonic models from 2012–2020 use a key-to-start ignition with a remote-head flip key that combines the mechanical blade and keyless entry remote in a single unit. Programming a replacement remote/flip key generally involves an onboard procedure in the vehicle, and may require at least one working key or a locksmith/dealer with proper equipment depending on the situation and immobilizer status. Cutting the mechanical key blade is a separate step usually completed by a locksmith or dealer before or during programming.

Key types used on the Sonic:

remote-head flip key (integrated key and remote, key-to-start ignition) (2012-2020)

2012–2013 Chevrolet Sonic

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 (13 steps)

Programming with Recognized Transmitter

Insert the key

1 Insert original key into ignition; turn to ON/RUN position.

Programming step

2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove it.

Insert the key

3 Insert new key; turn to ON/RUN within five seconds.

Programming step

4 Security light will turn off indicating successful programming.

Programming step

5 Repeat process for additional keys if needed.

Programming without Recognized Transmitter

Programming step

1 All keys lost requires locksmith assistance.

Programming step

2 Find local automotive locksmith via Low Rate Locksmith.

Programming step

3 Driving to locksmith may reduce costs compared to having them come to vehicle.

Programming step

4 Locksmith will use specialized equipment for programming.

Programming step

5 Ensure vehicle is operational for easier access to locksmith.

Key Fob Specifications

Programming step

1 2012 Chevrolet Sonic uses keyless entry remote fob.

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

2 Key fob allows for remote locking/unlocking of doors.

Programming step

3 Smart key technology enhances security features.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2012–2013 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2012–2013 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2014–2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Programming with a Recognized Transmitter

Insert the key

1 Insert original key into ignition; turn to ON/RUN.

Programming step

2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove.

Insert the key

3 Insert new key; turn to ON/RUN within five seconds.

Programming step

4 Security light will turn off if programming is successful.

Programming step

5 Repeat steps for additional keys as needed.

Programming without Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert new vehicle key into ignition.

Turn ignition to ON

2 Turn to ON/RUN; observe security light activation.

Wait / timing window

3 Wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off.

Turn ignition to ON

4 Turn ignition to LOCK/OFF after waiting.

Programming step

5 Repeat process two additional times for successful key learning.

Important Notes

Programming step

1 All previously known keys will be deactivated after new key programming.

Programming step

2 Vehicle must be off during initial programming without recognized keys.

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

3 Security light behavior is crucial for confirming programming success.

Programming step

4 Timing is essential; steps must be completed promptly.

Programming step

5 Retain all keys during programming process for best results.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2014–2016 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2014–2016 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert original key, turn ignition on.

Remove the key

2 Turn ignition off and remove original key.

Insert the key

3 Insert second original key, turn ignition on, then off.

Insert the key

4 Insert new key and turn ignition on within five seconds.

Programming step

5 Repeat process for additional keys as needed.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert new key into ignition and turn on.

Wait / timing window

2 Wait for security light to turn off (approximately 10 minutes).

Turn ignition to ON

3 Turn ignition off after waiting.

Programming step

4 Repeat the process two more times for successful programming.

Insert the key

5 Insert second key and turn ignition on to learn it.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters

Programming step

1 Requires two recognized transmitters.

Programming step

2 Place recognized keys in transmitter pocket inside center console.

Programming step

3 Unlock driver door five times with new transmitter key.

Press / hold a fob button

4 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn new transmitter.

Programming step

5 Repeat process for additional transmitters and exit programming mode.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step

1 Unlock driver door five times with vehicle key to initiate learning.

Press / hold a fob button

2 Wait for DIC to prompt to press ENGINE START/STOP.

Wait / timing window

3 Repeat waiting process two additional times.

Press / hold a fob button

4 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Remove and press UNLOCK to complete programming for additional transmitters.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2017 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2017 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert original key in ignition; turn on ignition.

Remove the key

2 Turn ignition off; remove the key.

Insert the key

3 Within five seconds, insert second original key; turn on ignition.

Remove the key

4 Turn ignition off; remove the key.

Insert the key

5 Insert new key; turn ignition on within five seconds; security light will turn off.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert new key into ignition; turn on ignition.

Programming step

2 Security light will illuminate.

Wait / timing window

3 Wait 10 minutes until security light turns off.

Turn ignition to ON

4 Turn ignition off.

Turn ignition to ON

5 Repeat process two more times; after third time, turn ignition on; key learned.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Programming step

1 Place two recognized transmitters in front cupholder.

Insert the key

2 Insert new transmitter key into driver door lock; turn counterclockwise five times in 10 seconds.

Programming step

3 DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5.

Press / hold a fob button

4 Place new transmitter in front cupholder; press ENGINE START/STOP.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Remove transmitter; press unlock to complete programming.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Insert the key

1 Insert transmitter key into driver door lock; turn counterclockwise five times in 10 seconds.

Hold fob to START button

2 Wait 10 minutes; DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.

Programming step

3 Repeat process two additional times; previously known transmitters will no longer work.

Programming step

4 Place new transmitter in front cupholder.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC indicates readiness for programming additional transmitters.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2018 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2018 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2019 Chevrolet Sonic

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert original key into ignition and turn on.

Remove the key

2 Turn ignition off and remove key.

Insert the key

3 Insert second original key within five seconds and turn on.

Remove the key

4 Turn ignition off and remove second key.

Insert the key

5 Insert new key and turn ignition on; security light turns off when programmed.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert new key into ignition and turn on; security light activates.

Wait / timing window

2 Wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off.

Turn ignition to ON

3 Turn ignition off.

Turn ignition to ON

4 Repeat process two more times, then turn ignition on after third attempt.

Turn ignition to ON

5 To program second key, insert it and turn ignition on.

Programming with Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Programming step

1 Place two recognized transmitters in front cupholder.

Insert the key

2 Insert new transmitter key into driver door lock and turn counterclockwise five times.

Programming step

3 DIC displays "READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5."

Press / hold a fob button

4 Place new transmitter in cupholder and press ENGINE START/STOP.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Remove transmitter and press unlock to complete programming.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Insert the key

1 Insert key into driver door lock and turn counterclockwise five times.

Wait / timing window

2 Wait for DIC to display "REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT."

Press / hold a fob button

3 After 10 minutes, press ENGINE START/STOP when prompted.

Programming step

4 Repeat previous step two additional times.

Press / hold a fob button

5 Place new transmitter in cupholder and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2019 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2019 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2020 Chevrolet Sonic

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (20 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Keys

Insert the key

1 Insert the original key and turn on the ignition.

Remove the key

2 Turn off ignition and remove the key.

Insert the key

3 Insert the second original key and turn on the ignition within five seconds.

Insert the key

4 Insert the new key and turn on the ignition; security light indicates successful programming.

Programming step

5 Repeat the process for additional keys as needed.

Programming without Two Recognized Keys

Programming step

1 Requires new key insertion into ignition.

Turn ignition to ON

2 Turn on ignition; security light will activate.

Wait / timing window

3 Wait 10 minutes for the security light to turn off.

Programming step

4 Repeat the process two more times for successful key learning.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

5 After three cycles, the ignition is turned on to confirm learning.

Programming Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Programming step

1 Place two recognized transmitters in the front cupholder.

Insert the key

2 Insert key of new transmitter into driver door lock and turn counterclockwise five times.

Programming step

3 DIC displays readiness for additional transmitters.

Press / hold a fob button

4 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn the new transmitter.

Programming step

5 Repeat steps for additional transmitters as needed.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters (Smart Key)

Insert the key

1 Insert vehicle key into driver door lock and turn counterclockwise five times.

Wait / timing window

2 Wait for DIC to display REMOTE LEARN PENDING message.

Wait / timing window

3 Repeat the waiting process two more times to reset known transmitters.

Press / hold a fob button

4 Place new transmitter in front cupholder and press ENGINE START/STOP.

Wait / timing window

5 Exit programming mode by holding ENGINE START/STOP for 10 seconds after programming completes.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2020 Sonic

Strattec Smart Key Fob (FCC ID HYQ4AA)Smart KeyView fob →Aftermarket 3-Button Remote Head Key (FCC ID LXPT003)Remote KeyView fob →Aftermarket Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2020 Sonic: Sonic key replacement & all compatible fobs →

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.

Year	Route status	Exact steps
2012–2013	Route verified	General guidance
2014–2016	Route verified	General guidance
2017	Route verified	General guidance
2018	Route verified	General guidance
2019	Route verified	General guidance
2020	Route verified	General guidance

Common questions

Does my Chevrolet Sonic use a separate remote and key or a flip key?

Most 2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic models in the US and Canada use a remote-head flip key that combines the key blade with the keyless entry remote in one unit.

Can I program a replacement key fob for my Sonic myself?

Some Sonic remote/flip keys can be programmed with onboard procedures in the vehicle, but situations without a working key may require professional programming by a locksmith or dealer.

Is my Chevrolet Sonic a push‑button start with a smart key?

US/Canada Chevrolet Sonic models from 2012–2020 are key‑to‑start and typically use a flip-style remote key rather than a proximity smart key push‑button start system.

Can you program a Sonic 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 Sonic fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.

Call (833) 439-8636 Get a quote