I have posted this before but got no response.
I have a 2005 not SS 3.8L. When I bought car there were no remotes. I got 2 cheap Chinese ones that I was able to program. Problem is that the buttons stick out too far and are very sensitive and occasionally the trunk will open while driving. I decided to get a GM one from the dealership that has flush buttons. It is the correct one. I checked the numbers on the back and they are correct for this car. Here's the real problem that I cannot figure out: I can program the GM remote and get it to work but as soon as I open the door it no longer works.
Also, I read somewhere that a dealership will program them for free. Anyone know if this is true?
I spent $80 for the remote and am not sure if the dealership will give me my money back.

 

Free programming by the dealer is strictly up to the dealer. I don't believe their is a "standard".

As for the issue you are having, once all remotes are successfully programmed and you exit programming mode, you should be all set. I assume you are using the radio to program the fobs? If so, do you exit out of the programming features once you are done?

 

This is what I don't get. I can program the cheap ones, exit out and they work. When I program the GM one it works until I open the door. I am thinking it is defective. Are there other ways that it can be programmed?

 

There might be a way to program them using a GM Tech II scan tool (most dealerships have this device). You might be able to contact a dealer and see if they can assist.

 

I will try dealership and see if they can get it to work. Problem is they charge $89 just to look at a vehicle. I am sure they won't let me return it because it is electronic. I'll end up paying around $180 just for one remote.

 

try to find a dealer that is in a small town of about 8000 or so and they may not be as greedy as the city folks.