Can GM key fob be unprogrammed from vehicle?

[ammolab]

Bought a new 2025 Colorado and waited after the LONG painful sale process for them to find my second key, owners manual and wheel lock key. After the weekend they were to call me. No call today (Monday) and no response to emails. I called the sales manager and no apology or sympathy just a, “hey mistakes happen” The mistake is they gave my key, owners manual and wheel lock key to another customer. He said if he programs a new key he can kill the one given away. Is that true? How does he know which key to kill.

(edit - MOD)

 

[SC Maintenance]

Given the key is of no use to the other guy he will likely return it.

Usually you can remove the key codes stored in the BCU / ECU. You usually want to anyway since there is a limit to the number of key codes it will store.

 

[dishdude]

Yes the missing fob can be deleted from the truck.

 

[researcher]

What I think the manager means is that the 2nd key would be "killed" in that the code programmed from that key into your vehicle is deleted from the computer. And because of that it will not be able to work with your vehicle. I'd definitely let them delete all the keys in the ecu/bcm/computer and start again with your existing key and the new key. That way you know that nothing else but your keys are the ones programmed to your vehicle.

Maybe that's going too far, but hey I'm a BITOG member, going beyond the normal.. IS normal!

 

[clinebarger]

They can delete the missing Fob.

 

[michaelluscher]

When they program the replacement to your truck, they can erase it from your vehicle, rendering it useless

Technically the other person will still have the emergency door key cut, but since they don't know what vehicle it belongs to (and can't search for it by pushing the button) it's rendered useless to them

I'd ask for 2 extras (for a total of 3) just for your inconvenience IMO, because that's some pretty poor attitude
Threaten to slam them on the surveys you'll get if they don't comply (respectfully)

 

[daves87rs]

If they can’t take care of a simple job with keys…….

 

[clinebarger]

If they can’t take care of a simple job with keys…….

The dealer will want the mechanic to do it for free as it's a in-house mistake. Nobody at fault gets held accountable.

The sales guy that made commission on the sale needs to get in a car & drive to pick-up the missing Fob with the other owners correct Fob....Then deliver your Fob to you.

 

[JMJNet]

Is the stealership still going to give you another key?

 

[zzyzzx]

You should not have signed the paperwork and taken possession of the vehicle without the second key.

 

[fdcg27]

Given the key is of no use to the other guy he will likely return it.

We bought a new Accord years ago that came with two regular keys plus a valet key.
You could lock the remote trunk release and the valet key would only allow access to the door locks and ignition but not the trunk.
There came a time years later when I wanted to give the valet key to a third party and I discovered that it was not the key for our car.
My point is that whomever has the wrong key may not discover this for some time.

 

[Tdbo]

You should not have signed the paperwork and taken possession of the vehicle without the second key.

Or at least, had it clearly written into the sales contract.
I had something similar happen years ago while buying a new truck. The dealer provided an additional piece of paperwork with my name on it that was clearly printed on it "We owe you." It listed the item in question and was signed off on by the sales manager. It was honored the following week without issue when the part came in.

 

[SC Maintenance]

We bought a new Accord years ago that came with two regular keys plus a valet key.
You could lock the remote trunk release and the valet key would only allow access to the door locks and ignition but not the trunk.
There came a time years later when I wanted to give the valet key to a third party and I discovered that it was not the key for our car.
My point is that whomever has the wrong key may not discover this for some time.

True but the OP said it was 2nd key not the valet key, so presumably if they try it in anything it won't work.

If they throw it in the drawer and forget about it then ya. I would try a new key at least once. Maybe I am odd.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You should not have signed the paperwork and taken possession of the vehicle without the second key.

Thats really good advice. I think you can sign the purchase agreement, but its not really sold until you take possession.

Of course this assumes you did not need the ride.

 

[wings&wheels]

Bought a new 2025 Colorado and waited after the LONG painful sale process for them to find my second key, owners manual and wheel lock key. After the weekend they were to call me. No call today (Monday) and no response to emails. I called the sales manager and no apology or sympathy just a, “hey mistakes happen” The mistake is they gave my key, owners manual and wheel lock key to another customer. He said if he programs a new key he can kill the one given away. Is that true? How does he know which key to kill.

(edit - MOD)

...and why is this your problem? You agreed and paid for two keys and wheel lock key with your new vehicle and that is what you should get regardless of how they solve it, what keys they "kill", etc. I'd give your contact one more shot, then escalate as far up the dealer then manufacturer chain as you can get until this is resolved.

 

[ammolab]

You should not have signed the paperwork and taken possession of the vehicle without the second key.

Thats really good advice. I think you can sign the purchase agreement, but its not really sold until you take possession.

Of course this assumes you did not need the ride.

Sounds good, but I needed the ride home. I asked about the second key BEFORE the deal was done and they said it was in “make ready”. So I sent the wife home (40 miles). Later I’m in the truck, motor running and the sales crew is canvassing the dealership looking for my key, owners manual and wheel lock master.

Now waiting for the ordered key (VIN specific for the metal tailgate key) etc. Glad to know keys can be deleted as it’s possible a dealer employee stole it and my info/address is available to them. I guess if in a crook’s possession the metal key ALWAYS works. The “gave it to another customer” story less likely as they would return it as useless.

 

[ammolab]

Update: The dealership owner, who does seem to give a bit, says they contacted all customers who were delivered cars during the 24 hours my truck was at the lot. My stuff is not with any of them. My key etc are for sure lost at the shop or stolen by an employee