How to program a car key

Published: May 2, 2022

Automotive technology has changed over the last 30 years. The car locking/unlocking system and security is the area where the most significant changes have taken place. Today's cars are equipped with computer technology which, while enhancing your car's protection against theft, requires chip-integrated keys that must be programmed into your vehicle. It's a great way to protect against car thieves. However, where there is a plus, there is sometimes, unfortunately, a minus as well. Because of this new technology, getting you back into your car might be longer and harder even for a professional locksmith. Without the microchip, the car won’t start. The key programming process may be unfamiliar for people who have never dealt with something similar before. In this article, we will answer these questions so that you can better understand what to do with the keys if you need to reprogram them.

Check Your Car Key Battery

In many cases, a non-functioning electronic key fob does not need to be replaced. So before you spend a fortune to buy a new key fob, it is worth checking to see if an inexpensive battery replacement will solve the problem.

First of all, you need to open the key fob and find a tiny "key" embedded in the seam of the device. Once you find it, pull out the key and use it to pry the case open. Take your time and be careful not to damage the case. Once you have access, you will see the circuit board inside. Carefully remove it and you will find the battery attached to the bottom.

The majority of key fobs use a small clock battery, which can be found at most drugstores and home improvement stores. Most of them only cost a couple of dollars, so it's wise to try replacing the old battery with a fresh one before replacing the entire fob.

Can I Program My Own Car Key By Myself

Some vehicles allow you to program your own key or key fob, and programming instructions can be found in the vehicle service manual. Note that many vehicles allow you to program the remote part of the key, but not the key itself. Thus, you will be able to open the doors/trunk, but the car will not start until you connect to the car's computer to program the key.

However, as a rule, you might not reprogram a car key yourself. There are very few models that allow you to do this, but it may depend on the country and the manufacturer. While this may seem unpleasant, it also prevents other people from reprogramming the key and stealing your car. So, don’t be upset that your car doesn't allow you to do that. As you can see, it may be best not to risk reprogramming the key yourself but to have it done professionally.

Who Can Program Car Keys

You will have to go to a certified dealer of your car manufacturer or key programming locksmith, i.e. an automotive locksmith. Both of them are perfectly capable of providing you with a new key or repairing the old one.

Locksmiths that program car keys use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to make sure you get the right key. The VIN number can be found on most official documents, including the vehicle's title, registration and insurance cards. You may also find it by looking through the windshield on the right side of the dashboard.

Call An Automotive Locksmith

To program your car key, remote, or fob, the car locksmith will connect the computer, a key programmer, with the appropriate software to the OBD port (usually located under the dashboard). The software allows the locksmith to add and remove keys from the car. The technician can erase nonexistent keys, thereby opening slots for programming a car key. That’s the perfect solution for stolen or lost keys. However, these computers will not allow a locksmith to program keys without stopping in order to use the prepaid token. In most cases, there is a "token" system that allows the computers to program the car only if a prepaid token is available.

Summing Up

In summary, automotive key programming can be very simple, or it can be quite complicated, depending on different variables. However, if you have some time and determination, you may program your car yourself if it is possible to do it. The most reliable solution is to call a car locksmith. Sure Lock & Key will gladly and quickly solve your problem and you won’t need to worry about how to do it yourself and whether you’re doing everything correctly. It will save you a lot of time and aggravation.

You may also like

Thousands Of Dollars For Car Keys

We are sure that you would think $1,000 for a car key or key fob is a crazy thought? Then we’re sure you would be surprised if in this post, you find some keys that cost over a half a Million Dollars! Why? A car key can be a piece of art, a uniquely designed device with a certificate to approve its status. In the world of luxury cars, every detail must be a perfect fit. An ordinary key fob, even though it works perfectly, won’t match the spirit, style or aesthetic. Some of these truly unique keys are definitely worth some attention. You can even say that there are those that are a distinguished achievement of modern technology and craftsmanship. Sure Lock & Key prepared the list of the most expensive keys and key fobs in the world today to give you an idea of what is possible or just to provide you with an amusing topic of conversation. In any case, let’s check it out!

Car Key Vs Key Fob

Today, cars aren’t only a means of transportation, to go from one place to another. In a way you can say it’s a lot about independence, comfort, and freedom. In fact, each new invention enhancement seems to accentuate those feelings. Over the years, with vehicles becoming an essential part of our lives, car theft has also become a huge problem in the United States. Thieves have become high tech in their self-education and have turned themselves into masters of their field. They have improved their knowledge to a level of cutting edge in using the newest techniques to enter your car. So we have to be wiser by always being one step ahead. Statistics show that making our cars as safe as possible is a priority and a necessity today. In this blog, we will learn the difference between a car key and a car key fob. We will help guide you in understanding the necessary from the unnecessary. So stay with us as we concisely take you through it.

Car Key Remote And How It Works

Remote keyless access has become a standard feature of every car. One of the side effects of using it every day is that we have come to forget how hard it was to open a car when your hands were full of packages or when it was a real cold winters day. Though the use of remotes have become the norm we still don’t know much about car key remotes? Or keyless access? So we’re going to explain how exactly your car key remote works and what you need to know to make it last as long as possible. Sure Lock & Key is always ready to provide you with information and answers regarding any Locksmith or Security issues.