Hmm, I’m not 100% sure the aftermarket remotes work with the pre 2008 TPMS

 

I bought a 2 pack of key+remotes on eBay for about 25 bucks and they work just fine. Had to pay a dealer almost $200 to program them though since they charged me for an hour of labor. The keys themselves are really easy just start then remove the key insert the new key and boom programmed. Most Chevys are like that too which is nice.
If you're looking for a local option Walmart/Autozone/O'Reillys sells the full remotes and the cases too they're just much more expensive than the eBay/Amazon option.

 

Get the Dorman remote with programmer. But beware that some of the remotes that they send suck, HOWEVER the programmer works with any remote brand, so get a genuine GM. The programmer is good for 4 remotes.
Any auto parts store can get them ebay is usually cheaper.

Here is one of many on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/22412170369...4AAOSw5P1cuJil

 

Yep, the Dorman fob can give a "low fob bat" message on the DIC. But the programmer works on the GM fob. I got 3 dormans in a row, same problem, sent them all back. Kept the newly programmed GM fob, had another as backup(it was jury rigged with a broken battery cage).

The Dorman would be ok for a backup.

It's the car's computer that gets programmed to accept the fob. The car can only have 4 fobs. The programmer is good for 3 sessions, of up to 4 fobs per session.

 

Most Ace Hardware stores now only charge $20@ if you supply the remote.

 

My 2007 remote start sequence is hold the lock button for a second or two then hit the start button.Not sure if it changed through the years.

 

You have it backwards. 1st insure all doors are locked and hood closed, second push lock, third hold start until the starter starts turning. So, the "lock, lock, start" sequence, the first Lock is to ensure doors are locked, the second is part of the RVS sequence

Instructions are printed on the back of the fob and in your user manual (see the link in my sig).

 

Yeah I meant hold the start button not the lock button.Brain fart.
Checking that the doors are locked first is not necessary though as when you hit the lock button it locks the doors.I just tested it and it started just fine.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

The instructions say "aim the transmitter at the car". I wonder what the heck "aim" means and why radio waves would care.

 

No idea except to direct the energy beam directly at the vehicle