2013 Malibu key fell off and now activated an anti-theft system. Can I calibrate a new fob myself?

I am hoping for a solution, but the dealership is making it seem difficult.

My Malibu key fob is quite ancient, and yesterday I destroyed the key from the rest of the fob. I tried placing the key into my ignition, and an “anti-theft” alarm appeared with an orange car and lock symbol - the engine would not start.

My partner quickly got me a new fob, and when I called the corporate office to inquire, they referred me to a dealership, who told it was completely underivable until I had it towed to them so they could calibrate the new key. Has anyone been able to complete this on their own? I had to miss work due of this, and the fob will not arrive until next week. The dealership refused to let me drive my car while it was being re-calibrated, claiming it would cost more than $200, not including towing fees.

I’m not sure whether they’re simply trying to get a cash grab or if I can do anything in the meanwhile to drive or calibrate it till my new one arrives. It’s quite disheartening to having had this car for almost a decade only to be told that I’m out of luck for the time being.

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Yes, you can program a new key yourself.

While it is MUCH easier to do if you have a working key, you can do it without one.

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Ok. This is what you do.

Remove the blank key blade from the new key fob.

Start the automobile by inserting the key blade into the cylinder and using the broken fob. Hold your broken fob very close to the ignition cylinder when starting the automobile.

Turn off the car and start it with the new fob in less than 10 seconds.

Turn off the car, remove the fob and blade, and then push the lock and unlock buttons on the new fob.

You should hear your door locks revolve and the new fob be programmed. Use the roll pin and a hammer to affix your old blade into the new fob

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You are awesome. Thank you for this write up I’ll try it when the new fob comes!!

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When purchasing a secondhand car, it’s important to get extra keys produced ahead of time.

And, yes, the switchblade keys that GM typically employed in the 2010s are, ahh, not that durable.

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