Car key fobs also referred to as electronic car keys are essential in controlling doors of a car, alarm, trunk and starting a car from a distance you a remote. Key fobs, like other electronic devices are likely to malfunction with time because of losses of signal.
When such cases happen, one can easily reprogram the key fob and use it without having to call an auto locksmith. This article explains the steps one should follow when programming a car key remote.
It is recommended that you read the user manual or browse it in the internet to have the specific steps for the specific kind of car. This is because different manufacturers have different steps for the key fob reprogramming process.
There are various steps one should follow to program car key fob.
How to Program Your Key Fob?
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach. Typically, you’ll need: Your key fob, Your vehicle’s owner manual, A spare key, if available.
Having these items will streamline the process and help avoid any unnecessary interruptions.
#1. Get Inside Your Car.
It may sound obvious, but make sure to be inside your vehicle while programming the key fob. This ensures the best transmission of the signal between your car’s system and the fob.
#3. Insert the Key into the Ignition.
Place your key in the ignition and turn it to the ‘On’ position, but do not start the engine. This position activates the vehicle’s electrical system and prepares it for programming.
#4. Turn the Key to the ‘On’ Position.
If you’ve just inserted the key, you’re already here! If not, make sure the key is turned to the point just before the engine starts to engage. This is crucial for entering the programming mode.
#5. Press the Lock Button on Your Key Fob.
Firmly press the lock button on your key fob and hold it for about five seconds. This action sends a signal to your vehicle’s electronic control unit that you are initiating the programming sequence.
#6. Turn the Key to the ‘Off’ Position.
Now, turn the key back to the ‘Off’ position. This might need to be repeated several times — refer to your owner’s manual for the exact number of cycles required for your specific vehicle.
#7. Repeat the Process.
Repeat Steps 4 to 6 if necessary, according to your vehicle’s programming instructions. Each vehicle may have a different number of cycles needed to properly program the key fob.
#8. Test Your Key Fob.
Once you’ve completed the required cycles, test your key fob to see if it operates correctly. Try locking and unlocking your doors, and if applicable, start the car’s engine. If it doesn’t work on the first try, repeat the previous steps, or consult your user manual for further troubleshooting tips.
Important Considerations
Check the owner’s manual: Always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact programming instructions, as the steps can differ significantly.
- Professional assistance: If the manual does not provide clear instructions or if you have lost all keys to the vehicle, professional programming by a locksmith like Pop-A-Lock will come in handy.
- Security: Some vehicles require a PIN or a code to access the programming mode, especially for adding new keys when all original keys are lost. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized key duplication.
- DIY programming is not always possible or recommended, especially for newer vehicles with more sophisticated security systems. In such cases, a specialized key programming machine may be required and you should reach out to our Pop-A-Lock locksmiths to help you with your car key programming.
- For vehicle owners, the safest and most efficient way to program a car key is to consult with a professional locksmith from Pop-A-Lock. We have the expertise and equipment to program keys accurately. With our car keys, you will have car keys that work correctly with your car’s security system. We can also provide additional services, such as key cutting and advice on how to handle key programming for specific vehicle models.
Programming a Push-Button Starter
In some cases, you can program a keyless ignition fob for cars with a push-button starter. This is by no means foolproof, but it’s worth trying before you pay a dealer to program it for you.
With the fob in your hand, get into the driver’s seat, closing the door behind you. Have one hand ready on the fob, and the other on the vehicle’s start button. Similar to the processes above, you’ll need to work quickly, so prepare accordingly.
When you’re ready, press your car’s start button 15 times in quick succession, with no more than two seconds between each attempt. Keep your foot off the brake while you’re doing this; remember, you’re not actually trying to start the engine.
After the 15th button press, push the lock button on your fob. If the pairing process was successful, the car doors will lock, and the fob will be fully functional. If it was unsuccessful, it’s worth a shot to repeat the process and see if there was an error in the initial attempt. This tactic’s timing can be a bit finicky and difficult to get right on the first attempt.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Battery!
Many times, a non-functioning electronic fob doesn’t actually need to be replaced. Before you spend a small fortune on purchasing a new fob, it’s worth checking to see if an affordable battery replacement will solve your problem.
To open the fob, you’ll need to look for a tiny “key” built into the unit’s seam. Once located, pull out the key, and use it to pry open the housing. Take your time and be careful to avoid causing any damage to the housing. Once accessed, Inside, you’ll see a circuit board. Remove this carefully, and you’ll find the battery attached to the bottom.
Most key fobs use a small watch battery, which you can find at most pharmacies and home improvement stores. A majority of them only cost a couple of dollars, so it’s smart to try replacing your old battery with a fresh one before replacing the entire fob.
Programming a Digital Key
One of the newest methods for accessing your vehicle is a digital key. Here, rather than clone or program another key chip, you use your smart device to access the vehicle.
This growing mode of vehicle entry uses UWB (ultra-wide band) and/or NFC (near-field communication) to electronically communicate between your vehicle and your device.
Although initially available on higher-end vehicles, this technology is reaching more and more models each year. As a result, digital keys are not yet as ubiquitous as key fobs.
Using Hyundai as an example, follow these steps to program Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch with an iPhone. Please note that this app is also compatible with Samsung and Google devices. These steps will be similar for other brands.
Most will require following a high-level process that includes downloading the required apps, pairing the vehicle with the device, and sharing access with other devices.
- Enroll in Bluelink and download the MyHyundai app along with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch app.
- Select Start Pairing and place the device on the vehicle’s wireless charger without its case.
- On your vehicle’s infotainment screen, select Setup, then Vehicle, then Digital Key, then Smartphone Key then My Smartphone Key and click Save.
- Once you have downloaded the required apps and followed the manufacturer’s instructions, place your unlocked smartphone or smartwatch close to the driver’s door handle for approximately one second. The doors should unlock, enabling you to enter and start the vehicle.
Digital keys also have the capability to be shared with other devices. This is the digital key equivalent of programming a second or third key. Using Hyundai as an example, here’s how to share access to a Hyundai via the digital key:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Select the card you want to share and then select the More button and click Share Card.
- Choose the contact you want to share the card with and click Share. An invitation is sent to the recipient via a text message.
- Upon receipt, the recipient can accept the request by adding the card to their Apple Wallet. To remove access, select the card in the Wallet app and click Remove Share.
This bypasses the physical requirement of carrying or keeping track of a separate set of keys or key fobs. Similarly, it’s convenient as most people always have their phones on them. It also pushes the boundaries of what is possible by enabling drivers to lock, unlock, and start their cars via their smart devices.