The 2010 Silverado came in three configurations: 1500, 2500HD and 3500HD. The Silverado 1500 came standard with a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6, and the 2500HD and 3500HD models came standard with a 360-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 engine. All three configurations of the Silverado came standard with a vehicle immobilizer system, which required an electronically programmed key to start the engine. When you cut a new key from a standard blank key, it needs to be programmed to the truck before it will work. You can perform this process yourself, given you have the master ignition key Chevrolet included with the truck when it was new. If you lack this key, you must have the keys programmed by the dealership, as a special tool is required.
Insert the master ignition key --- the one with the black top --- into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the "On" position, but don't start the Silverado.
Turn the ignition to the "Off" position and remove the Silverado's master key.
Insert the spare key and turn the ignition to the "On" position within 10 seconds of turning the ignition "Off" in Step 2.
Turn the truck off and attempt to start the Silverado. If it does not start, turn the truck off and repeat Steps 1 through 3. If the truck starts, programming is complete.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to program any additional keys.
