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Not able to get 98 GP into key fob reprogramming mode

joneser005

joneser005

New member
Having trouble getting my 98 GP to enter key fob programming mode.

I've tried two methods:

Method 1: Hold unlock + insert/remove key 3x - does nothing for me
http://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/6cj9p-pontiac-grand-prix-program-remote-1998-pontiac.html

Method 2: Pull Mall Pgm fuse, enter accessory mode twice, open/close door.
http://www.northcoastkeyless.com/19...eyless-entry-remote-programming-instructions/

Method 2 seems to be the popular method on the net. When I use this method, the car chimes once, then twice, then 3x, then 4x, as if it is prompting me to make a choice. The door open/close does not bring the car into program mode as the link describes.

Any thoughts?

Happy Halloween!
- Robb
 


The BillBoost method should do the trick:

BillBoost37 said:
97-03 GP
IMPORTANT: Before entering programming mode, have in possession all of the remotes you
will be useing on the vehicle. Once you program the remote. all previous remotes that were
programmed will be erased from memory. The other remotes will not be functional until you
program the them again.

1. Remove the key from the ignition.

2. Close all doors.

3. Remove the "MALL PGM" fuse from the fuse panel. Use the legend on the fuse panel or
*** owner's manual to properly locate the "MALL PGM" fuse.

4. Insert the key into the ignition, and turn to the ACC position.

5. Turn the key to OFF and then back to ACC within 1 second.

6. Open and close any vehicle door. A chime will be heard when the system enters into
*** programming mode.

7. Press and hold the remote LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for 14 seconds.
************* IMPORTANT: After 7 seconds, a chime may be heard confirming successful
*** synchronization. It is necessary to wait approximately 14 seconds for a second chime
*** that will confirm successful programming.

8. Repeat step 7 now for each additional remotes to be programmed including any existing
* * remotes.

9. Remove key from ignition.

10. Install the "MALL PGM" fuse back into the fuse panel and test remote(s).
Click to expand...
 
Billboost method worked for me for like a day, then I went back to having to mash lock/unlock 10 ft away from the vehicle, seems to only work if I'm right next to the door...
 
Thanks for the suggestions, but the 'BillBoost' method (hey, that is catchy!) isn't working for me, hence this thread.

@Jnibbs24: mine were acting like that, too. Changing the battery didn't help. Cleaning the circuit board contacts with a q-tip and running alcohol did help a little. I'm thinking the problem is the pads under the rubber buttons are losing their connectivity &/or metal on pads wearing thin or have developed a thin layer of something the alcohol doesn't remove. I can trigger the buttons with the screwdriver on my pocket knife without range issues, but it is still somewhat iffy when it triggers.
 
Yeah I even tried putting foil in only helped a little bit. I don't have a stock radio shop I can't buy a new fob n program myself... Bluhhh
 


joneser005 said:
Having trouble getting my 98 GP to enter key fob programming mode.

I've tried two methods:

Method 1: Hold unlock + insert/remove key 3x - does nothing for me
http://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/6cj9p-pontiac-grand-prix-program-remote-1998-pontiac.html

Method 2: Pull Mall Pgm fuse, enter accessory mode twice, open/close door.
http://www.northcoastkeyless.com/19...eyless-entry-remote-programming-instructions/

Method 2 seems to be the popular method on the net. When I use this method, the car chimes once, then twice, then 3x, then 4x, as if it is prompting me to make a choice. The door open/close does not bring the car into program mode as the link describes.

Any thoughts?

Happy Halloween!
- Robb
Click to expand...

OP, did you ever resolve this problem? I picked up a 98 GTP, and it will not go into program mode either. Have tried the BillBoost method, the 97-04 Regal Method, and another method or two just for fun but can never get into program mode.
 
Never did. Options are to make repairs to original fobs or maybe to replace the faulty programming unit whatever/whereever that is.
 
Some Auto Parts stores have a Fob tester display where you point your remote at the tester and it'll tell the signal strength. I did this at Advance Auto parts and it definitely showed my Fob was the issue.
 


Thanks for the replies. Mine is an issue with the BCM. I finally got further with it, but now it will flash the codes 1,2,3,4 and still not go into program mode. I have found in the service manual how to clear the codes, and will post back if it makes a difference.
 
So I'm not EXACTLY sure at what point it worked so I'll do a play by play of my experiance.

First I tried the Billboost method. Nada.

Then I found the other method. Still nada.

So then I started experimenting.

In all cases, when I did the Billboost method it wouldn't ding once to signify "time to program".

Mine would ding once AND flash light the Seat Belt Warning lamp in time with the single ding
Then it would do 2 dings with the light flashing twice in synch.
Then 3
Then four

Then it would repeat 1,2,3,4. SO I canceled the "programming (key off)" and tried again. Same result.

On the 3rd attempt I'm a little hazy on the actual step but it occurred in one of 2 ways.

Pull PGM Fuse as Billboost states
Key to ACC/Off/ACC. open door close door
Either I let it cycle 3 times in a row (1,2,3,4..1,2,3,4..1,2,3,4) and it stopped then I held the unlock/lock key for a few seconds at which time I got a single beep. Continuously holding it did nothing else for 15 seconds.

OR

During the cycle (of it doing it's 1,2,3,4 crap) I held both Unlock/Lock and which time the cycle stopped and nothing happened for a few seconds then a single ding.

In BOTH cases after the first fob, I grabbed the second one and again after a few seconds of holding Lock/unlock I got a single Ding. This time I held it for 30 seconds with no further ding.
Turned off key, replaced Fuse and tested both fobs to find them successful working.


I guess the point I'm trying to make is that instead of entering a "program" mode that is stated in Method 2 my particular girl had her own way of doing things with the way I described.

Follow his procedure to the point of turning on the ACC the 2nd time and open/close the door but instead while it's doing it's thing, hold down both buttons and see if it stops cycling and wait for a single ding.....OR ......let it ding until it stops on its own then hit the buttons.

Reason why I state the 2 different ways is the fact I mighta hit the buttons when it finished on it's 3rd cycle as a coincidance OR I did interrupt it. Dunno, my FOBS were working and didn't care lol
 
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