Split Year for Keyless Entry Remotes on 2001 GM Truck and SUV Models

For many GM truck and SUV models, 2001 was a “split year” for factory keyless entry system remote transmitters. Models such as Chevy Blazer, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Sonoma and Yukon all used two different keyless entry systems during the 2001 model year.

Vehicles assembled through February 2001 (“1st Design”) used 3-button or 4-button remotes with FCC ID KOBUT1BT on the back of the case. Vehicles built in March 2001 or later (“2nd Design”) used keyfobs with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT. The keyfobs look very similar, so you have to be careful when buying a replacement remote. You should check the production date shown on the sticker inside your vehicle or the FCC ID on the back of your original remote to ensure that you get the correct replacement keyfob.

Buying the correct part is made more difficult by the fact that 4-button remotes with FCC IDs KOBUT1BT or KOBLEAR1XT are not all interchangeable. So, here are links to the correct remotes for GM trucks and SUVs in 2001:

The 3-button 2001 GM truck and SUV remote with FCC ID KOBUT1BT is RUI part 517-1517. The 4-button 2001 GM truck and SUV remote with FCC ID KOBUT1BT is RUI part 516-1516.

The 3-button 2001 GM truck and SUV remote with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT is RUI part 514-1514. The 4-button 2001 GM truck and SUV remote with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT is RUI part 513-1513.

Important Note: Not all 2001 GM trucks used remotes with these FCC ID numbers on them. Some vehicles still used an earlier design of keyless entry system used by GM in the late 1990s. For example, 2001 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, as well as 2001 Chevy Tracker all incorporated the older system, which used remotes with FCC ID ABO1502T.

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14 Responses to Split Year for Keyless Entry Remotes on 2001 GM Truck and SUV Models

  1. john galbraith says:

    I have a 2001 chevy silverado that I am having difficulty finding the right keyless entry fob for. I have contacted a dealership and they checked and said that they could get one, but it would cost $90.00 and then they would charge $40.00 for the programming. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

    • admin says:

      John:
      We can certainly help you with this. The only complication you face is that GM used two different systems on 2001 Silverados. For the first half of the model year, on vehicles built before March 2001, the correct remote is our part 517-1517. The original remote had FCC ID KOBUT1BT on the back. For the second half of the model year, on vehicles built from March 2001 on, the correct replacement remote is our part 514-1514. This original remote had FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT.

      To figure out which you need, you can check the FCC ID on the back of your original remote, if you still have one, or you can check the production date of your vehicle. (You can call us for help with either of these approaches if you like.) The replacement parts look very similar but they are

        not interchangeable

      .

      Remotes Unlimited offers a variety of replacement options for this part. We have brand new aftermarket versions of the GM parts for sale on our website and in Advance Auto stores. We also have R-grade OE parts, which are used original GM circuit boards in a new aftermarket replacement case, and B-grade OE parts which are used GM parts that are still in good condition. For both of these grades, we clean and test the parts and insert a new battery. Our new parts sell for $49.00, and R-grade and B-grade parts are $34.00 and $19.00, respectively.

      Both of these keyless entry systems have “on board” programming, which means you should be able to program the system yourself to accept the new remote. We include programming instructions with our parts and also offer free phone technical support if you need assistance.

  2. shawn kanady says:

    Where is the sticker located at inside my truck?

    • admin says:

      Usually, the sticker is on the door jamb. An alternative is to send us the full VIN of your vehicle and we can determine which part you need. A Chevy dealer can tell you where to find the VIN on the vehicle, or, you can usually find it on your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

  3. Mitch Clay says:

    So the same holds true on an 01/01 built in Canada GMC Sierra? The Gm part would be 15732803 right?

    • admin says:

      Yes, if your Sierra was built during the first half of the model year, the original remote used for a factory-installed system is our part 517-1517. That transmitter is no longer made by GM but, if you click on the link below, you will see we offer two replacement options. One is a pre-owned GM OE remote (for $29). The other is a new Remotes Unlimited replacement for the GM part (for $39). Both remotes come with programming instructions that will allow you to program the system in your vehicle to accept the new remote.
      2001 Sierra (1st half)

  4. Keith H Hernandez says:

    I just bought a 2001 chevy tahoe Ls bought both key fobs are missing. I was wondering what i would need to do to get the correct fib for this tahoe?

    • admin says:

      GM used two different systems on 2001 Tahoes.

      For the first half of the model year, which includes vehicles assembled up through February 2001, the factory keyless entry system on Tahoe requires our fob number 517-1517. GM no longer makes this transmitter, but we have re-newed OE 517-1517 parts in stock and also an aftermarket replacement for it. You can see and buy this remote at the following link: Part 517-1517

      For the second half of the model year, which includes vehicles assembled from March 2001 forward, the factory keyless entry fob is our part number 514-1514. You can see multiple options and choose one to buy at the following link: Part 514-1514

      If you click on both links, you will see that these parts are virtually identical on the outside. In fact, you can use the same outer case to re-case both of these OE parts. Do not let this fool you though. They have different circuit boards and are not interchangeable.

  5. Zachary Forbes says:

    When trying to program my key fob for my 2001 Chevy silverado 1500 LS my doors will not cycle after i hold unlock and turn the key into the on position twice. I’ve looked everywhere for answers as to why they don’t cycle and i can’t find anything. Would anyone be able to help me ?

    • admin says:

      I can think of a few possible issues. First, two different systems were used on 2001 Silverado trucks. First design vehicles (produced through February 2001) had an original remote with FCC ID KOBUT1BT. Second design vehicles (produced from March 2001 on) used a remote with FCC ID KOBLEAR1XT. The two remotes look almost identical, but they are not compatible and I believe the programming instructions may be different. Second, if there is any problem with the power door lock system in your vehicle, the vehicle may not be going into programming mode correctly. Also, there could be a problem with the control module for the system or for wiring related to the system. Damage to any part of the system could affect the ability of the vehicle to go into programming mode, which could be why the door locks do not cycle to indicate success. It is not unusual for a vehicle of that age to have one of these problems. I suggest you contact our call center at 281-820-0300 (or toll-free at 877-719-1900) and choose option 3 for technical support. If you purchased your replacement remote from Remotes Unlimited, we can help you diagnose this problem at no cost.

  6. Michelle Mattos says:

    I have tried 3 different remotes—haven’t been able to program any of them. I bought my 2001 Blazer 4WD 2dr new, but it didn’t come with a fob. Instead, it came with a remote that wouldn’t allow the car to start without pushing a button on the remote. That unit has since failed and was removed. What now?

    • admin says:

      If the vehicle previously had an add-on security system installed — which appears to be the case based on your comment that you had a remote that was necessary for starting the vehicle — then it either has no factory keyless entry system installed on it or the factory system was modified (or disabled) to function with the add-on system. You probably will have have a new add-on system installed in order to gain either keyless entry or security functions that can be controlled from a remote. If you would like more specifics about your situation, I suggest you call our support center at 281-820-0300 and choose option 3 for technical support.

  7. Pabz Roz says:

    Hello I have a 2001 GMC jimmy SLT and am wondering if you can tell me the exact key fob model I need if I provide you with my VIN? Is that possible by contacting you? Maybe by email or phone?

    • admin says:

      Yes, with the VIN we can determine which of the two systems used on 2001 Jimmy vehicles would be on your car. Call us toll-free at 877-719-1900 and then press 2 for sales. Sorry not to have seen this contact sooner.

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