Whether you can program a key fob yourself depends on your vehicle's year, make and the kind of key it uses. Here is how fob programming works, how to find the method for your car, and when a mobile locksmith is the faster route.
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Many vehicles built before about 2010 have an on-board sequence of ignition turns, door-lock presses and button presses that pairs a new remote, with no tools needed. Most newer vehicles, every push-to-start smart key, and any key with a chip the engine must recognize need a diagnostic programming tool plugged into the OBD2 port under the dash.
Fastest way to find out: search your year, make and model in our key fob programming lookup.
"Programming a key fob" can mean two different jobs, and many fobs need both:
Programming the buttons does not make a key start the car. That is the most common surprise we hear about: the locks work, but the car will not run.
A timed sequence done from the driver seat: turning the ignition on and off, pressing door-lock switches, and pressing fob buttons within a few seconds of each other. No tools. Mostly older vehicles, it usually needs at least one working key, and it often programs the remote only, not the chip.
A professional key programmer plugs into the OBD2 port under the dash and adds the new key or fob to the vehicle's modules. Depending on the vehicle that can include a security PIN, a timed security wait, or a security gateway bypass. This is how most current vehicles are done, and it works when every key is lost.
The dealer uses factory software. It works, but you take the car to them, which means a tow if you have no working key, and you work on their schedule.
A mobile automotive locksmith uses the same kind of diagnostic equipment as option 2 and does the work at your vehicle, whether it is in your driveway, a parking lot or on a used-car lot.
Start with the lookup or your make's programming guide. A few patterns from our reference data, which covers 79 year groups across 49 makes:
These three examples show how different the sequences are between makes. Steps can vary by model and trim, so use your make's guide for the full list.
For Remotes: Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN (locks cycle). Press any button on remote. For Transponders: Insert Key 1, turn ON for 3 sec, remove. Insert Key 2, turn ON for 3 sec, remove. Insert New Key, turn ON, security light solid for 3 sec.
Note: Requires 2 already-programmed working keys to program a 3rd transponder key yourself. If 2 keys are not available, OBD2 programming is required.
Note: Transponder keys can often be programmed if 2 working keys are present (turn Working 1 ON, remove; Working 2 ON, remove; New key ON within 5 sec).
Note: Transponder chip keys for 1998-2005 often require onboard pedal/ignition procedures, while 2006+ transponders require OBD2.
Dealerkeys has programmed keys for more than 150,000 vehicles over 26+ years. We come to your vehicle, program the remote and the immobilizer together, cut the key blade on site, and handle all-keys-lost jobs, with same-day dispatch and an upfront quote before we start.
Sometimes. Many older vehicles have an on-board sequence that pairs a new remote without tools, usually with at least one working key in hand. In our reference data, 35 of 79 make and year groups list an on-board method, and all of them cover older model years. Most newer vehicles, every push-to-start smart key, and most chip keys need a diagnostic programming tool.
For on-board programming, yes. Those procedures start from a working, already-programmed key, and some (older Ford, Chrysler and Jeep chip keys) need two. If you have no working key at all, the car needs to be programmed with a diagnostic tool, which is what a locksmith does on an all-keys-lost call.
On many vehicles it can. Entering programming mode often clears the stored remotes, and several makes require every key to be programmed in the same session. Have all of your remotes and keys with you before you start.
Usually not. Most fobs keep their programming through a battery change. If the fob still does nothing with a fresh battery, see our dead key fob guide for how to start the car, then call us.
They are security steps. Many Hyundai and Kia models need a PIN code to add a key, newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles have a security gateway that has to be bypassed or authenticated, and many Fords impose a timed security wait during key programming. Professional equipment handles these; on-board procedures cannot.
This is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model and we will tell you what yours needs.
