Electronic car keys, also called key fobs, are useful for controlling your car’s doors, trunk, and alarm and can sometimes even remotely start your car from a distance.
Like any other electronic device, these key fobs may fail to function after some time, usually due to signal or data loss. Luckily, you can often easily program or reprogram a key fob yourself at home to relearn the data.
In this article, we will explain step-by-step how to program your car’s key fob yourself, so you don’t have to take it to a car dealer and waste your money. Let’s go!
1. Replace the Key Fob Batteries
The batteries for key fobs are often cheap and easy to replace, so it’s definitely worth it to avoid issues. Check your owner’s manual or a repair manual if you don’t know how to replace them.
2. Get inside the car
3. Turn on the ignition
4. Press the lock button on the remote key
This sends a signal to your car’s electronic control modules that it is your key in the ignition that is sending the signal, and it saves the data afterward.
RELATED: How to Unlock & Start a Car With a Dead Key Fob
5. Listen for a lock sound
When you hear the door lock, press the lock button on your key fob again within five seconds, and programming should succeed.
6. Program Additional Remotes
You can also try to press the lock or unlock button at the same time as you program the primary remote when turning the ignition in the beginning to get a successful result.
7. Turn off the ignition
8. Get out of the car and test the result
If the key fobs still don’t work, or only one of the key fobs works that you tried to program, you may want to try the whole process one more time. However, there is always a risk that this method will not work on your car model.
Specialist Hardware Required for key fob programming
For some cars, key fob programming may not be as easy as the steps above, and in these cars, special hardware and software may be required. In general, we suggest that you call your authorized car dealer for information on how to program a key fob for your particular car model.
Because getting this information or help from an authorized dealer can be expensive and may not be worth it for older car models, you can also try contacting a locksmith or local auto repair shop.
RELATED: Lost Car Keys – Cost & Replacement Keys
Key Fob Programming with Immobilizer
The information above is only for programming the key fobs to be able to unlock the doors to enter the car. If you want to program new keys to be able to start the car engine, the process is usually much more difficult, and not something you can do at home without the right tools.
This is due to the fact that all modern cars have an immobilizer system. Even if you copy the original key and program a key fob to match the new key, you will not be able to start the car engine with that key without a successful reprogramming procedure.
Inside the car keys is a small chip or transponder that sends a signal to the immobilizer system in your car. If this signal is not correct, the engine control module will not allow the engine to start.
Therefore, you need to program the immobilizer to match the transponder chip in the new car key, and unfortunately, this programming requires special software, usually directly from an authorized dealer, depending on the car model.
There are also locksmiths who can access this information and reprogram the immobilizer for you, which can be a little cheaper.
READ MORE: How to Program Transponder Key Without the Original
Understanding Vehicle Security
Car security can be divided into two categories – Car Entry and Starting the Car. In most modern cars, you don’t need to insert keys to open the doors because they have remote locking/unlocking. The older remote car entry systems used RF systems which were not completely secure, as their signal could easily be intercepted and replayed to unlock and enter the vehicle.
The modern entry locks use more sophisticated RFID systems that generate a new code every time. The receiver on the vehicle also produces the same code, so both these electronic devices are synchronized. Infrared systems were also used by some European manufacturers, and these systems required pointing the remote toward the car for it to unlock. Still, most have now been replaced with RF technology.
Transponder Function
Traditional cars had a simple key lock system that could be unlocked from any similar key. This was convenient for thieves, as it allowed them to drive away with any car easily. However, new cars have ECU technology and a transponder for added security.
Transponder technology is now apparent in many areas that require security access and are now popular in modern automobiles. New vehicle keys now feature a transponder chip, and as the key is inserted into the ignition, the chip is triggered by the radio frequency signal sent from the ignition barrel.
The chip then transmits a signal to the car’s ECU, which, when found to be correct, disables the immobilizer and starts the engine.
Manufacturers are now working towards removing the need for the key altogether and adding a fingerprint recognition system.
RELATED: 5 Signs of a Bad Immobilizer or Transponder Key (& Replacement Cost)
Can you program a new key fob yourself?
If you just want to program the key fob itself for locking and unlocking your car, you can usually program it yourself. However, it is impossible to program a key for the start function without the right tools on most modern car models.
How much does it cost to program a key fob?
Reprogramming a key fob for the lock and unlock function costs nothing if you do it yourself in most car models. However, if you need to program the immobilizer function, you can expect a total cost of 200$ to 500$ for reprogramming at a workshop.
How to program a key fob with push start?
Most of the time, to program a key fob with push start, you need the right diagnostic tools because of the immobilizer, which only authorized dealers usually have access to. However, if you just want to reprogram the unlock and lock function, the program method is the same as a standard key fob.
How to erase key fob memory?
To erase the key fob, you must use a suitable OBD2 diagnostic tool. Not all general scanner tools can do this, and you usually need a specific tool for your car model.
Can you program a key fob without going to the dealership?
Yes, you can program the unlocking and locking function of the key fob without going to the dealership. But if you need to program the transponder to be able to start the car with the key, you may need to go to the dealership or a locksmith.
Does a key fob have to be reprogrammed after replacing the battery?
Usually, key fobs will not lose their memory just because you changed the battery. If the key fob does not work after the battery change, it may be because you installed the battery incorrectly. Some car models’ key fobs may lose memory when you remove the battery, but this is quite rare.
To program a key fob in most car models, you should insert the key into the ignition, press and hold the lock or unlock button on the key, and cycle the ignition 2-3 times while holding the button. Listen for a lock sound and then remove the key and get out of the car to test the results.
Car key programming can be quite a complex subject, but with some quick research and basic knowledge, you should be able to understand the basic function of the system. Programming a key fob for the central lock system is usually a fairly simple task, but if you want to program an immobilizer, you may need to contact a professional.
I hope this guide helped you to program your key fobs and taught you a little about what to do when you have problems with your key fob.
Learn more:
- How to Start a Car Without a Key? (& Without Keyless Key)
- Key Won’t Turn in Ignition – Common Causes & What to Do
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