2018 GMC Acadia Remote Programming Instructions

Programming with Recognized remotes

NOTE: A new remote can be programmed to the vehicle when there are two recognized remotes.

  1. To program, the vehicle must be off and all of the remotes, both currently recognized and new, must be with you.
  2. Place the two recognized remotes in the cup holder.
  3. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. Insert the vehicle key of the new remote into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key, counterclockwise, to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
  4. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays "Ready for remote #2, 3, 4, etc". 3. Place the new remote into the remote pocket. The remote pocket is inside the center console storage area between the driver and front passenger seats.
  5. Press engine start/stop. When the remote is learned the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next remote.
  6. Remove the remote from the remote pocket and press the remote unlock or lock button. To program additional remotes, repeat steps 3--5. When all additional remotes are programmed, press and hold engine start/stop for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
  7. Put the key back into the remote.

Programming without Recognized remotes

NOTE: If two currently recognized remotes are not available, follow this procedure to program up to eight remotes. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off and all of the remotes you wish to program must be with you.

  1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. Insert the vehicle key of the remote into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key, counterclockwise, to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
  2. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays "Remote learn pending, please wait".
  3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays "Press engine start button to learn" and then press engine start/stop.
  4. The DIC display will again show "Remote learn pending, please wait".
  5. Repeat step 2 two additional times. After the third time all previously known remotes will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining remotes can be relearned during the next steps.
  6. The DIC display should now show "Ready for remote # 1.
  7. Place the new remote into the remote pocket. The remote pocket is inside the center console storage area between the driver and front passenger seats.
  8. Press engine start/stop. When the remote is learned the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next remote.
  9. Remove the remote from the remote pocket and press the remote unlock or lock button. To program additional remotes, repeat steps 4-6. When all additional remotes are programmed, press and hold engine start/stop for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
  10. Put the key back into the remote.