whopper

Ahhhh good- 3 sessions!!! I knew there was a limit, just wasn't positive on the number.

treff-7 - be also aware that some people have not had good luck with the dorman units - some have, some haven't. So buy locally perhaps to ease returning it if it doesn't work out for you.

J W Davis

I had to give up on programming my three new fob I bought on ebay, they were just junk. Time wasted cost me more than the new replacements I bought today at the dealership. My cost for three new GM fobs was just over 100.00 jobber cost.
Took 5 minutes to program with remote start with tech 2 unit at local auto shop I use for such thins.
All is right with the world and the HHR again. It seems u get what you pay for after all.

donbrew

But, the program module has been said to work on OE fobs.

I guess you could do a cost/benefit analysis. Depending on the shop charges for programming it might be worth it to throw the clone away that comes with the programmer.

You can get the clone fobs on eBay for $2, OE fobs for $25.

When Dorman started selling them they came with OE fobs.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Yes, I can confirm that the Dorman programmer works on ACDelco (OE) fobs.

treff-7

The programmer should work with any key ( as long as the key is compatible with the car). The only thing it does is to set the car's computer to key programming mode.
If I do get the dorman programmer I might try to record the data stream and build a programmer for it.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Except it programs the car to accept the FOB(s).

donbrew

The key is programmed by following the directions in the Owner Manual, it has nothing to do with the fob.

Probably a typo, but...

It is analagous to pushing the button on your garage door opener to synchronize the rolling code key.

treff-7

It was a typo. I meant fob instead of key.
So the programmer sets the computer to FOB programming mode. As far as I know the programmer does not give any information to the computer about the new fob other than the fact that there is a new one to be paired. The information exchange happens when you push the lock and unlock buttons on the fob during programming.
Correct me if I'm wrong but that's my understanding. In other Chevy models where a programmer is not needed, all you need to do is select the programming option in the menu on the dashboard. You don't give the car's computer any info about the new fob.

donbrew

That's right; just like pushing the button on the garage door opener then pressing the fob button.

If it not exactly the same as garage door rolling codes, it is very closely related.