The sixth-generation, 2004-to-2008, Malibu was one of those cars that was just kind of...there. Known in Europe as the Opel Vectra and Fiat Croma, the sixth generation seemed designed from the outset to get lost in mall parking lots. Fortunately, the seventh-generation car truly brought some style and substance back to the marque -- but even though the newer Malibu was harder to lose in a parking lot, its key fob wasn't.
A good number of vehicles on the road have an onboard key fob and security key reprogramming procedure. Unfortunately, along with the car's other extensive updates, GM opted to remove the onboard fob reprogramming procedure. If you want to program a new fob to the car, you'll have to call a qualified locksmith or dealer, and have them program the security system to accept the new fob. Oddly, you can program the car to accept a new transponder ignition key if you have an old key on hand; if you've lost both keys, you have to call a locksmith or dealer.
The key programming procedure is as follows: Insert a new cut key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the "on" position for exactly 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Within 45 seconds, turn it off, and repeat. Repeat again, for a total of three cycles, lasting 31 minutes and 30 seconds total. Turn the key off, then back on. It's now programmed.
