If our guide doesn’t work, don’t despair. Some models are trickier to reprogram than others. To save up some money, you can invest in specialized toolkits. These will do the job for you.
To make your job a bit easier, we include the top 3 best key fob programming tools below:
Car Keys Express
This car fob replacement kit will make your life a lot easier. As long as you have the original one, you’ll be able to program additional ones to your vehicle.
However, the programmer tunes to a single car. Once you use it, it will only work for that specific vehicle.
The kit also comes with a keyless remote. It has all the buttons you need: lock, unlock, panic, and even remote start—the last only works on cars that support this feature.
In terms of compatibility, this kit far surpassed our expectations. It works on Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Volkswagen models. Check the product info to see if it’s compatible with yours.
The installation is rather simple. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes. And compared to locksmiths and dealerships, it’s far cheaper.
This product can program as many as 8 fobs into your vehicle. Just make sure you still have the original one on you.
| Name | Simple Key |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal battery is required. |
| Item model number | 3 and 4-button remote keyless entry fob |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.13 x 3.98 x 6.65 inches |
Pros
- They have thousands of positive reviews.
- It was really easy to use when we tried it.
- The value is great for what you pay.
- It takes about 10 minutes to do, as they’ve also advertised.
Cons
- Make sure it works on the vehicle you’re trying to install it on.
- You need a working fob to be able to program it, although it’s a security measure.
- It took a couple of tries to get it right, but then it was easy.
XTOOL
Though it might seem expensive, every tinkerer will appreciate this multi-tool. In addition to key fob reset, this device supports several additional functions.
With it, you can check next to all of your car’s stats. From engine RPM to transmission fluid temperature, this device reads them all.
It features 28 advanced service functions too. These include throttle reset, ABS bleed, and battery registration, to name a few.
As for the programming itself, it’s compatible with most models. The exceptions are Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. It doesn’t work for Toyota, either. But if you own any other model, there’s no limit to what this toolkit can do.
Whether a professional mechanic or a car aficionado, you’ll be more than satisfied with this product.
| Name | XTOOL X100 PAD Plus |
| Battery Capacity | 4000mAh |
| Display | 7″ Touch Screen with 1024*700 Resolution |
| Item Weight | 5.66 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 14.48 x 11.14 x 4.02 inches |
| Services | 28+ Services |
Pros
- It’s a great tool for pros.
- We got a quick response when reaching out to customer support.
- It’s worth the money despite being more expensive.
- Customer support can help you if you have any questions.
Cons
- The price tag is higher than the previous product.
Keyless Option
Consider this aftermarket fob if you’d like an extra keyless remote. It also serves as a good car fob replacement. You can program it the moment it arrives.
This model replaces those with numbers 15252034 and KOBGT04A.
This product comes with batteries already installed.
| Name | KeylessOption |
| Colors available | 3 |
| Item Weight | 0.634 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2 x 0.75 x 4 inches |
Pros
- It’s great if you just need an aftermarket fob and you have the other stuff needed.
- The product has more than 1,600 reviews.
- You get what you pay for.
Cons
- The fob alone won’t allow you to program it.
- There are higher-end options on the market.
- It doesn’t have a remote start.
Can you reuse a fob?
In general, you can reprogram a used key fob to a different car. But to do so, you’ll need a car, one that fits in your vehicle’s doors.
As for keyless remotes, you can program them to a different car as long as their part number is the same.
But if you’re ever unsure, you can test it yourself. The process doesn’t take long, so what’s the harm in trying?
Push-start button
Some cars (like Ford ) have push-start buttons. If so, you can program a keyless ignition fob to your vehicle. Although success isn’t guaranteed, you don’t lose anything by trying. And if it does work, you’ll save a lot of money.
- Enter your vehicle
Enter your vehicle and double-check if all the doors are closed. Then, place one hand on the gob and the other one on the push start button. Do not press the brake pedal – turning the engine on isn’t necessary.
- Hit the button repeatedly.
Press the start button at least 15 times in a row. Timing is crucial here. Try to keep the time between each press shorter than 2 seconds.
- Press the lock button
Right after step 2, press the lock button on the fob. If your car doors locked, you were successful. Otherwise, try to repeat the whole process. If it still doesn’t work, it might be time to call a locksmith.
Conclusion
Sometimes, your fobs might malfunction. Thankfully, you can reprogram them yourself. All you need to do is follow our 9-step guide on how to do it. This process shouldn’t take you longer than a few minutes.
However, the specifics vary from one model to another. A Chevy might require different steps than a Honda. You can always consult the vehicle manual to find out what the steps are.
And should all else fail, you can always take your car to a dealership or locksmith. Locksmiths are generally much cheaper.
We suggest getting reprogramming tools instead, though. These are far cheaper than any locksmith. And besides, it’s a one-time purchase. Once you get it, you can use it as often as you need.
