3 keys programmed message 2013 LaCrosse

[Kennyk84]

Why am I getting 3 keys programmed message when I only have 2 keys?

 

[MelsRegal]

Did you just buy this car?
Are you programming a new key fob?

 

[Kennyk84]

Did you just buy this car?
Are you programming a new key fob?

No, I've had this car for 5 years. Last month I took a eleven hour trip to Ohio and check engine light came on, but went out while there. On my way back to Georgia the check engine light came on again. I was scheduled to get my brakes replaced the weekend I got back and was going to a diagnostic test ran, but the light went out on the way to the repair shop. About a day after getting my brakes done is when I first noticed the 3 keys programmed message. I didn't see the message again for about 2 weeks. Yesterday my car had a hesitation when cranking like it wasn't going to start, but today it didn't start. I did some research and found that it could be the key fob, so I tried my other key and it hesitated, but did start. Thanks for any help you can share.

 

[MelsRegal]

You need to have the car scanned for codes in history for the check engine light and you need to ask the shop that worked on the brakes if they had a fob issue while the car was in their shop.

 

[kevinande]

To address the initial question. You have owned an 8 year old car for 5 years. It is therefore logical to assume that one of the previous owners (assuming more than one) failed to turn in one of the keys when the car was sold. Someone before you had another key made and failed to delete the other programmed key. I don't know what the cost would be, however if it bothers you. You can bring the dealership both of your keys and have them delete the key that is not present. No idea what that would cost though.

Take it somewhere and see if there are any codes stored. Some ECU's store a code even if the light goes out. If not you will have to wait until the light returns and take it in. The other option is you can get a relatively affordable code reader from an auto parts store. This way you can read the code yourself when the light comes back on. The presents of the key only tells the ECU that key is authorized to allow the vehicle to be started. It has no bearing on whether or not the car will actually start. If there is hesitation while attempting to start, clearly you have an issue that needs to be resolved and it is quite possible that the answer lies in that elusive check engine light.

 

[Kennyk84]

Thanks for the responses. I went and got a diagnostic test done and was told I needed to replace the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. I will get that replaced and hopefully the check engine light won't come back. As for the 3 keys programmed message, I will monitor it to see if it continues to come back. Thanks again.

 

[FrogFan]

As for the 3 keys programmed message, I will monitor it to see if it continues to come back. Thanks again.

Did this message appear in response to something you did? I ask because I recently programmed a new fob for my 2013. That process requires, among other steps, using the "hard key" to unlock the drivers side door and 5 presses of the "start" button (my car has PEPS). Upon executing these steps, the message "x keys programmed" appears. Then you proceed to execute additional steps to add a new fob.

You can't really "delete" a fob, but you can "start over" and program the system to accept only the fobs you have, effectively deleting fobs you don't have. On a 2013, you can do this yourself (see the manual) or you could take it to the dealer. The process is a bit tricky, so if you're nervous about it, I'd recommend taking it to the dealer. It doesn't involve buying a new fob, just programming the existing ones

 

[Kennyk84]

Did this message appear in response to something you did? I ask because I recently programmed a new fob for my 2013. That process requires, among other steps, using the "hard key" to unlock the drivers side door and 5 presses of the "start" button (my car has PEPS). Upon executing these steps, the message "x keys programmed" appears. Then you proceed to execute additional steps to add a new fob.

You can't really "delete" a fob, but you can "start over" and program the system to accept only the fobs you have, effectively deleting fobs you don't have. On a 2013, you can do this yourself (see the manual) or you could take it to the dealer. The process is a bit tricky, so if you're nervous about it, I'd recommend taking it to the dealer. It doesn't involve buying a new fob, just programming the existing ones

No, this appeared after having some work done on my car. Whether someone at that shop did something, I'm not aware.

 

[FrogFan]

No, this appeared after having some work done on my car. Whether someone at that shop did something, I'm not aware.

Ah, well, as far as I know (I'm no expert), this message should not appear unprompted. I agree with others who've responded here. Ask the person who did the work what he/she did, and, depending on the response, take the car to a dealer and ask them to program the system to accept only the fobs you have in your possession.