2004-2006 Pontiac GTO Key Programming

GTO Key The Pontiac GTO key. It’s big, it’s bad, and we love it! Sometimes these bad boys need to be replaced though. The rubber pieces over the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the FOB have a tendency to wear out. And don’t even get me started on how small they made the trunk release button on the key FOB, So anyways, this is the process for getting a new key.

Need a new key for your 2004-2006 Goat? I’ll show you where to get the key and how to program it yourself.

 

You can get new GTO keys from here: GTOG8TA.COM

 

You will need to have your new key cut. I’m assuming you have at least one working key, so find an Auto Dealership parts counter that cuts the GTO style key. Hint: Hyundai and Kia also use these style keys. I also just recently had a new key cut at a Chevy Dealership. Just make sure where ever you go to have the key cut can laser cut the key. Once your new key is cut, you now need to program it so it works with your vehicle.

 

DOWNLOAD (.pdf format):
2004-2006 Pontiac GTO Key Programming

 

Programming KEY FOB

  1. Turn the ignition to ON, then wait 10 minutes for the next step in the programming sequence. – After the 10 minutes has elapsed, the car horn will chirp once. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position within 5 minutes after the horn has sounded, then to the ON position within 5 seconds after switching it OFF. 
  2. Leave the key to the ON position for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes have elapsed, the car horn will chirp twice. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position within 5 minutes after the horn has sounded, then to the ON position within 5 seconds after switching it OFF. 
  3. Leave the key to the ON position for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes have elapsed, the car horn will chirp 3 times. – Verify that the security indicator in the instrument cluster has stopped flashing and attempt to start the vehicle. – Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the key from the ignition switch. 
  4. Move approximately 3 meters (10 ft) away from the vehicle and test the transmitter functions to validate that the transmitter has been programmed successfully.

Watch the video below on how to properly program your new 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO key FOB:

Video provided by Max Performance GTOG8TA.com

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24 Comments

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  1. Father in law has the 05 gto, has purchased replacement original holden key, car horn beeped 3 times, but security light never stopped blinking after 3rd horn beep. What step did we skip?
    Does it matter if doors and hood are open or closed?

    1. Good question. I dont think it matterrs if the doors are opened or closed to be honest. And the security light probably will not turn off until after the third time of the process and the key is programmed.

  2. Eric

    Submitted on 07/26/23 at 6:20 am

    Since the original Pontiac FOB was not serviceable from the typical user’s standpoint, I am wondering if these Holden versions are of the same construction? In other words, you couldn’t just pop open the original FOB and simply replace the battery. Are the Holden variants constructed the same way?

    1. The “Holden” key fobs are identical to the Pontiac FOB’s. I have purchased both and both work. The only difference is the the logo on the FOB itself. The original Pontiac GTO FOB’s are discontinued while the Holden are FOB’s are still available.

      Just replacing the battery in the FOB’s has never worked for me. Once you crack open the unit, it never seems to go together the same way. Your best bet is just to get the Holden key FOB and swap the cut key to the new FOB.

      Hope this helps and thank you for vising the website.

    2. Lloyd

      The problem with 2004 to 2006 GTOs the key fob has a battery that is welded to the electronics so to get the key off you have to break it

  3. Mike boice

    Submitted on 07/17/23 at 10:19 pm

    When I buy a new fob do I have to use the blank that came with it or can I use the key off the old fob that I’m replacing

    1. You can use your key from the old FOB you are replacing. No need to have a key cut. It is held in by just 2 crews. Inset your old key into the new FOB, and program the new FOB. Great question and thank you for visiting.

  4. BaconHeart

    Submitted on 06/05/23 at 1:22 pm

    This is a FYI that describes my Nightmare fob experience on my 2005.Hope this helps. Long story short..I tried SEVERAL Key fobs ( Let’s call them eBay etc..). Not one of them would chirp horn at all I then purchased a Real HOLDEN fob @aboit $100. It programmed the first try and working perfect.Spend the money y’all Save Headaches. PEACE

  5. Daniel Munn

    Submitted on 05/05/23 at 12:09 pm

    Can more than one key, say 2+ be programed and how?
    05 GTO

    1. Absolutely. You can program 10 keys to the same vehicle if you desire. But only one key can be programmed at a time. And the key FOB being used must be brand new and has never been programmed to another vehicle. Only new key FOB’s can be programmed to your vehicle. Hope this helps. Thank you for visiting my website and thank you for your question.

  6. Phil Frankenberry

    Submitted on 02/02/23 at 3:34 pm

    Been having an issue with the car attempting to start but stopping, pull key back and start again and it starts right up. The dealer can’t figure out the issue and said it was the BCM but they say they can’t get keys to program to a new BCM. Help?

    1. The problem COULD be in the ignition ring that reads the chip in the key. I Googled up the BCM replacement and found some posts that say you can program a new key to a new and even used BCM. Might have something to do with the “VATS” (vehicle anti-theft system). Maybe you can have it disabled to make it work. I highly doubt your BCM is bad if you can get the car started and stay running, as well as the functions of the key working (locking/unlocking doors). Your problem could be as simple as just getting a new key. The dealership should have at least one old-school mechanic who is familiar with these cars. And the dealership would have the TECH 2 programmer to connect the BCM with the ignition. Unfortunately pin pointing out electrical problems is no easy task. You may have to do a little more searching on the internet to see what can and has been done for people with similar issues. I can understand your frustration. Check out the FaceBook GTO groups and post your issue as well. You may get some answers you are looking for.

  7. tony

    Submitted on 12/18/22 at 7:45 pm

    hi i’m tony i’ve gotten three different fob all 3 will not program they are aftermarket but i can’t get the horn to even beep once very frustrated an can’t afford to have locksmith do it for $200 my gto is an ‘06 please help

    1. The replacement FOB has to be the factory unit as described in this article. There are Holden key FOB’s available throughout the internet, but I do recommend purchasing them from the links in this article. The BCM (body control module) is not going to recognize any aftermarket key fobs and you will be unable to program the key.

      Considering the key FOB kit itself is over $119 as seen here:

      https://gtog8ta.com/04-06-gto/04-06-gto-remote-key-fob-kit-holden-logo/

      maybe you should just pay the locksmith the $200 and save yourself hundreds in aggravation. I realize this may not be ideal for your situation, but will be worth it in the long run.

  8. Christopher Marek

    Submitted on 06/06/22 at 11:54 am
    HI there. I own a 2004 GTO and I recently purchased a couple of FOBS with keys from the GTO/G8 website after the battery in my original FOB died, but the battery was since replaced and I got it working again. I want to make it to where all my FOBS work on my car at the same time. Will I be able to do that using the 30 minute procedure you outlined, or will the car only recognize just one FOB at a time?

    1. Submitted on 06/06/22 at 12:19 pm
      You can program as many FOB’S/Keys as you like I have 3 keys for each of my GTO’s. You can only program one at a time as the key needs to be in the ignition to program. Have the key blades cut at any Chevy dealership, they should be able to cut the key. Bring the original key with you of course so they can copy it. Just follow the steps for each Key you want to program. Always a smart idea to have extra keys. Thank you for the question and for visiting my website.

  9. Kevin Tuck

    I got a new key and tried to program it. The horn never did beep and after about 30 minutes the security light with the lock went out. Car starts with the key but it won’t lock unlock and trunk release don’t work. I did put an aftermarket radio in a few years ago. Would that have something to do with the programming issues?

    1. One issue could be the key was never programmed correctly, which is why the car does not recognize the lock/unlock features. Could be a bad key fob. I’m a bit hesitant about this being the case though because you say the car starts and runs with the new key. If the key wasn’t programmed, the car should not start.

      You may have another issue involving the BCM (body control module).

      “The other control module that received the “engine start” command is the engine computer. We’ll call it the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM is ready to start the engine, but it needs information from the BCM first, since the BCM controls the keyless entry system of the vehicle.”

      I would start with getting a new key FOB, and trying to program that one following the instructions. If that doesn’t work you may need to look into the BCM. There is always the famous wire rubbing from the BCM that you can read about in almost every Pontiac GTO Forum. Located under the glove box, locate the wiring harness and see if the wiring is rubbed through where the wiring rubs on a metal bracket. It may have cut into the wiring harness causing a short or broken wire.

      Hope this helps.

  10. Patrick Jones

    I have an 06 gto i bought a new key fob just for back up i tryed to program it like u said but it blew the horn one time after 10 min i turned it back off for 5 sec than back on for 10 min the horn blew one time again i thought it was supposed to blow twice than three time on the next round

    1. It has been awhile since I personally have programmed a key. The horn definitely sounds when it is ready to turn the key to the off position and back on again. According to GTOG8TA video and my memory, it should beep once, then twice then three times to complete the programming. The key needs to be turned to the “off” position and back on WITHIN 5 seconds to continue programming. Try doing it again and be sure to turn the key off and on within 5 seconds. Sounds like it didnt take which is why you are only getting the 1 horn beep. You should definitely get 2 beeps on the second step and three on the third.

      GTOG8TA Key Programming Video
      https://youtu.be/VPIQr4lTREE

      1. Mikey

        Submitted on 09/11/22 at 9:59 pm

        I have tried this several times. With a new key fob which has a good battery. The horn never blows and the key will not start the car.

        1. Submitted on 09/12/22 12:10pm

          Where was the new key FOB purchased from? Possibly a bad FOB or the FOB has been previously programmed to another vehicle. If the FOB is good and brand new, for whatever reason the BCM (body control module) is not recognizing a key is in the ignition. Disconnect the car battery for 10 minutes and try again. More than likely it is the FOB itself, and a new FOB should be purchased.

  11. mike

    I have 2 dealerships in okla, city make a new key and new ignition with fob and they tried programming and it still does not work. do you know why or have suggestions

    1. Never had that happen. Can throw out a few suggestions. Try disconnecting the battery for 10+ minutes. Then try again. Did you put a new lock cylinder in? If so, make sure the FOB reader is plugged in (The plastic ring that slides over the lock cylinder). Is the new FOB a “OFFICIAL” GTO replacement such as the replacements sold here: https://gtog8ta.com/04-06-gto/04-06-pontiac-gto-oem-key-fob-remote-kit/

      Be sure to follow the instructions exactly. Wait for the car to chirp before turning the key to the off position and back to the on position. Do not remove the key from the ignition during programming.

      Hope this helps.

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