Did You Know? . . . Automotive Remote Transmitters May Be Interchangeable

Many people do not know that some factory keyless entry and aftermarket alarm keyfobs can be replaced by a remote that looks different. This is often true with respect to differences in the button configuration. Sometimes it is even true for transmitters that have different FCC IDs and different brands. However, since knowing which remotes are interchangeable with which is not common knowledge, it can be very difficult to find out which keyfobs are interchangeable with which others.

The most common source of interchangeability is remotes that have the same circuit board inside but different button and case configurations. An example from this in the world of factory keyless entry remotes is GM remotes with FCC ID OUC60270. GM has used remotes from this family on many cars, trucks and SUVs starting in 2007. You can see the whole family of remotes at this link: http://www.remotesunlimited.com/specify.php?search=1&type=fcc&search_fcc=OUC60270.

It does not make sense for stores to stock all of the different variations. So we use recommend that stores stock one variation — the 5-button remote with remotes start, lock, unlock, lift gate and panic buttons (our remote 902-1902 or CPR-8902) — and then sell it for all of the vehicle applications than can use it. So, for instance, this remote will replace the common 3-button remote used on Chevy and GMC trucks. Any buttons on the new remote that were not on the original remote for the vehicle will simply have no function.

You can buy CPR-8902 at all Advance Auto and Pep Boys stores.