As you left for work one day, you instinctively reached for your car key. But much to your horror, it wasn’t there. You suddenly remember you left it in your other coat. Annoyed, you returned to your house to pick it up. Wouldn’t it help to have a few extra remotes?
Unlike most wishes, you can achieve this easily. You won’t even need anything other than the fobs themselves. To find out if you can program a key fob yourself, follow our 9-step guide on how to do it below.
Summary
Yes, you can program a key fob yourself. The best way to program a key fob yourself is by using a key programming tool, which we have linked to further down along with a 9-step guide.
In this article we’ll also take a look at the following:
- The products to get
- Whether you can reprogram a key from a different car
- How long the process takes
Can I program a key fob myself?
In most cases, you can program a fob yourself. It’s not a difficult process, though it might require some trial and error.
However, not every car is compatible with the guideline mentioned below. The exact steps might vary between a Nissan and a Hyundai. And for some models, you’ll need advanced tech to succeed.
How hard is it to do?
Reprogramming your car key fob isn’t hard at all. The process is straightforward, and even a layman can do it. It doesn’t take long either – just a couple of minutes.
But some models require specific steps. For instance, programming a Subaru might not be the same as programming a Kia. Fortunately, your car manual should have all the specifics.
If all your attempts fail, it might not be your fault. Sometimes, car fob replacement is inevitable. Locksmiths and repair shops should be able to help you in this case.
When you’re ready, take a look at the products further down the page to help you in the process. You can look at:
- Simple Key
- XTOOL
- Other available systems on Amazon
How to do it yourself
To program a key fob yourself, you just need to follow the guide below. Keep in mind that this is a general guide. While it should work for most models, some vehicles have their procedures. You can find these in your car manual.
1. Change the batteries.
Firstly, check the state of your batteries. To program a key fob successfully, it has to be powered properly. Otherwise, the car key reprogramming might malfunction.
Bad batteries might also be the reason why it doesn’t work. Sometimes, changing them solves the issue entirely.
Regardless, it’s best to err on the side of caution. By replacing the batteries, you can rule them out in case something goes wrong. They don’t cost much and don’t require much technical know-how to replace.
2. Enter your car.
With your car keys and remotes at hand, enter your car. Ideally, you should sit in the driver’s seat.
Make sure you close all doors properly. Otherwise, reprogramming your car key might fail.
3. Switch the ignition on.
After double-checking all car doors, switch the ignition. It should power up all the electronics.
Just turning the ignition is enough. You don’t need to start the engine.
4. Tap the lock button.
While your fob remains in the ‘On’ position, tap the lock button. Then, move your it to the ‘Off’ position.
Repeat this process at least three times or more. Each cycle should end with the fob in the ‘On’ position.
5. See if your car doors are locked.
You should hear a lock sound right after you finish Step 4. Your vehicle is now in programming mode.
At this point, you’ll have to move quickly. Within 5 seconds of hearing the lock sound, press the lock button again.
We’d like to point out that this window is quite short. If reprogramming your car key fails, you might have reacted too slowly. Try repeating the whole process a few times to rule out this possibility.
6. Repeat for other fobs
Step 6 is only relevant if you have additional keyless remotes to program.
If so, hit the lock button within 10 of hearing the lock sound (Step 5). Once again, you’ll need to be quick.
Alternatively, you can hit the lock or unlock button while programming the original fob. It means when switching the ignition on in Step 3.
7. Switch the ignition off
After tuning the additional keyless remotes, you can also switch the ignition off. It will end the programming mode.
8. Leave your vehicle
You can now leave your car. Again, make certain all the doors are closed properly.
9. See if the fob reset was successful.
Test out your car key and all the additional remotes. In case some (or none) none of them work, repeat this guide a few times.
If you still don’t get any response from any of them, your model might not support this method. Unfortunately, you might have to seek professional help in this case.
How much does an auto locksmith charge?
If all your attempts end up fruitless, you should seek out a professional. In general, locksmiths are better than dealerships.
They’re significantly cheaper. Moreover, most of them will drive to your location.
How much an auto locksmith might charge you depends on multiple factors. Your vehicle’s make and model will play a significant part in determining the price. Your key fob type is also important. And lastly, it depends on where you live.
As a rough estimate, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500.
