Across 2000‑2014, most GMC Yukon models use a transponder‑based ignition key; programming adds the new chip key to the vehicle’s immobilizer memory, and any remote functions (if equipped) are programmed to the body control module. From 2021 with push‑to‑start Yukons, a smart proximity fob must be learned to the vehicle so it can both authorize engine start and operate passive entry, usually requiring at least two working fobs or specialized equipment. In all years, any existing remotes/fobs present during programming remain programmed, and Yukon owners typically must have all keys/fobs available so the system can recognize each one during a single programming session.
remote-head key (RHK – integrated key + remote buttons) (approx. 2007-2014 (GMT900 generation; Yukon with twist-key ignition and factory keyless entry) [exact year boundaries vary by trim; verify by VIN])
smart/proximity key (push-to-start smart fob with emergency insert key) (2021 (K2UL/K2UG successor generation with push-button start))
Common fob FCC IDs: YG0G21TB2 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.
2000–2006 GMC Yukon
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 Steps
Close the doors
1 Close all vehicle doors before beginning
Insert the key
2 Insert key into the ignition as initial step
Press / hold a fob button
3 Hold down the power UNLOCK button on driver door panel and continue holding until step 9
Programming step
4 Perform steps 5 through 8 in fairly rapid succession
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Ensure readiness for transmitter programming after step 9 when vehicle locks and unlocks automatically
Ignition Cycle Sequence
Turn ignition to ON
1 Turn ignition switch to the ON position (as far as possible without starting engine)
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Turn ignition switch to the OFF position immediately after ON
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn ignition switch to the ON position again
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Turn ignition switch to the OFF position again
Press / hold a fob button
5 These four steps (5–8) performed rapidly trigger entry to programming when combined with held unlock button
Transmitter Programming
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 Release power unlock button on door panel; vehicle will lock and unlock automatically (step 9)
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 Hold down LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter simultaneously until door locks and unlocks (may take up to 30 seconds) (step 10)
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Repeat holding LOCK and UNLOCK on the transmitter as required (step 11)
Programming step
4 Include each additional transmitter (including any existing transmitters) during repetition
Turn ignition to ON
5 Turn ignition switch to the ON position to exit transmitter programming mode (step 12)
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 (17 steps)
Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons — entry
Programming step
1 Key must be inserted and turned to ON to access Driver Information Center
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press vehicle information button until "PRESS TO RELEARN REMOTE KEY" displays
Press / hold a fob button
3 Press set/reset button until "REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE" displays
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Press and hold lock and unlock on remote simultaneously for ~15 seconds
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
5 Chime indicates remote programming success
Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons — follow-up
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 Repeat simultaneous lock/unlock step to program additional remotes
Programming step
2 Exit programming by turning key off and removing key
Programming step
3 Test remote(s) after programming
Vehicles without Driver Information Center Buttons — entry
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be in Park (P) with key in ON position (as far as possible without cranking)
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 (25 steps)
Vehicle prerequisites
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off for programming procedures.
Programming step
2 All remotes to be programmed must be present during the procedure.
Programming step
3 For single-programming method, vehicle must already have one programmed Smart Key.
Programming step
4 For no-programmed-keys method, feature not available in Canada and takes ~30 minutes.
Programming step
5 Vehicles with separate key and remote are not on-board programmable and require a professional.
Programming with one programmed Smart Key
Remove the key
1 Remove key from the currently programmed remote before starting.
Programming step
2 Place the programmed remote in cupholder or passenger seat during steps.
Insert the key
3 Insert key into driver door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds to prompt DIC.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new remote in console remote pocket/insert and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 After learning each remote, remove and press unlock or lock; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit when finished.
Programming with no programmed Smart Key
Remove the key
1 Remove vehicle key from remote before beginning.
Insert the key
2 Insert key into driver door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING.
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait ~10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat this press step two more times.
Programming step
4 After third press, all previous remotes stop working and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Place new remote in remote pocket/insert and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn each remote; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit when all remotes programmed.
Remote pocket/insert and console location
Programming step
1 Remote pocket/insert located in front of center console storage area between driver and front passenger seats.
Programming step
2 Access requires opening center console storage area and the storage tray.
Programming step
3 New remote must be placed in remote pocket/insert during learning steps.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 After learning, remove remote from pocket/insert and confirm by pressing unlock or lock.
Programming step
5 Return the key back into the remote after programming is complete.
Professional programming (separate key and remote)
Programming step
1 Vehicles with separate key and remote require a qualified professional for programming.
Programming step
2 Locksmith or dealer must use specialized computer equipment to program smart key fobs.
Programming step
3 Locating an automotive locksmith can be done via Low Rate Locksmith.
Programming step
4 Driving vehicle to locksmith may reduce cost compared with mobile service.
Programming step
5 On-board programming not available for this configuration; professional visit required.
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 (19 steps)
Vehicle types & when professional programming required
Programming step
1 Separate key and remote configuration requires qualified professional for programming
Programming step
2 Vehicle not onboard programmable in separate-key configuration
Programming step
3 Specialized computer equipment used by locksmiths for smart key programming
Programming step
4 Driving vehicle to locksmith may reduce service cost if vehicle remains mobile
Step-by-step: programming when two smart keys present
Remove the key
1 Remove key from a programmed remote before starting
Programming step
2 Place programmed remotes in cupholder or passenger seat during procedure
Insert the key
3 Insert vehicle key into driver door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds
Programming step
4 Place new remote in remote pocket/insert, open center console storage and storage tray
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Press ENGINE START/STOP; when DIC confirms learning, remove remote and press unlock or lock to finalize; repeat for additional remotes
Programming without any programmed smart keys (sequence)
Programming step
1 Procedure allows programming up to eight remotes; feature unavailable in Canada
Remove the key
2 Remove vehicle key from remote before beginning
Insert the key
3 Insert key into driver door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds to initiate REMOTE LEARN PENDING
Hold fob to START button
4 Wait ~10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat this press step a total of three times
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 After third cycle, DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1 and previously known remotes are erased but can be relearned during the process
Completing learn cycles & final steps
Programming step
1 Place each new remote in remote pocket/insert located in front of center console storage area
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn each remote; DIC indicates readiness for next remote after each learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 After learning each remote, remove remote and press unlock or lock to confirm; repeat for additional remotes
Press / hold a fob button
4 When all remotes programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for approximately 12 seconds to exit programming mode
Turn ignition to ON
5 Return vehicle key back into the remote after programming completion
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 (16 steps)
Programming with recognized remote keys — front bench seat
Programming step
1 Requirement: Two recognized remote keys must be present and vehicle in RUN
Programming step
2 Place two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat
Programming step
3 Scroll DIC to Remote Key Learn menu; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #3, 4, 5, ETC.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new remote key into backup pocket in lower console bin and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Remove new remote and press UNLOCK or LOCK; repeat for additional remotes; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Programming with recognized remote keys — no front bench seat
Programming step
1 Requirement: Two recognized remote keys must be present and vehicle in RUN
Programming step
2 Place two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat
Programming step
3 Scroll DIC to Remote Key Learn menu; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #3, 4, 5, ETC.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new remote key into backup pocket in left cupholder and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Remove new remote and press UNLOCK or LOCK; repeat for additional remotes; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Programming without recognized remote keys
Programming step
1 Condition: Two currently recognized remote keys not available
Programming step
2 Recommendation: Locate an automotive locksmith using Low Rate Locksmith
Programming step
3 Cost-saving tip: Drive vehicle to locksmith if vehicle remains mobile to avoid on-site fees
Programming step
4 Locksmith action: Hook up specialized computer equipment to vehicle to program smart key remote fob
Programming step
5 Alternative: Professional service required for remote key programming when no recognized keys exist
Key fob maintenance and replacements
Programming step
1 Troubleshooting: Suggestion to check or replace key fob battery if not working
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
2000–2006
Route verified
General guidance
2007–2010
Route verified
General guidance
2015–2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017–2020
Route verified
General guidance
2021
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does my GMC Yukon use a regular key or a smart fob?
Early models (2000s) generally use transponder chip or remote‑head keys, while 2021 Yukon uses a smart proximity fob with an emergency insert key. Check your ignition type and fob style or VIN to confirm.
Can I program a 2021 GMC Yukon fob myself?
Some 2021 Yukon trims support onboard programming if you already have two recognized smart keys, using the vehicle’s “Remote Key Learn” menu and backup pocket; otherwise dealer or locksmith programming is needed.
What FCC ID does a 2021 GMC Yukon smart key use?
One OEM 2021 Yukon smart key fob is listed with FCC ID YG0G21TB2 and GM part number 13537964; always match FCC ID and part number to your VIN and existing fob before purchase.
Can you program a Yukon 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 Yukon fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
