Programming can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the type of vehicle. This almost always has to be done by your local car locksmith or dealership. Some vehicles can be programmed “on-board, which means anyone can do it if they follow a special programming procedure.
Luckily, there is a more economical and expedited alternative—you can call a locksmith. A good locksmith can take care of the replacement of your car keys and key fob. A locksmith can program your new key fob and make any keys you need.
While it's hard to give a universal estimate, the general cost is between $50 and $250 for reprogramming. Here's a look at some factors that can determine price: Fob Type: Smart keys with a transponder (RFID), keyless ignition, or other extra features tend to be more expensive to reprogram.
AutoZone makes and programs transponder keys with no appointment necessary and at a fraction of what you will pay at a dealership, typically between $20 to $90. They can make transponder keys for a wide variety of vehicles, including Toyota, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Mercedes, GMC, and others.
Transponder Keys
They are a combination of the mechanical key, but with a transponder in the key head. The transponder links up with the vehicle and confirms the key is a valid one. This two-step process adds cost to replacing the key, as the transponder needs to be replaced and programmed as well.
All key fobs need to be programmed. Some dealerships will do it for free, while others will charge a half-hour to an hour of labor. But there is a way around this fee. Most key fobs can be programmed with a specific combination of button presses on the remote and key turns in the ignition.
Can I program a key fob myself? Depending on the age and model of your car, you may be able to program a replacement yourself. The procedure for do-it-yourself key fob programming can vary: Some automakers provide instructions in their owner's manuals. Information can be found in many cases on the internet.
This is usually a sign the battery is running low and needs to be replaced, so start by replacing the battery. It is always easier to do this while the remote is still working. If this doesn't solve the problem, it may be due to interference with another vehicle or a faulty transmitter.
A bad battery in the key fob is most commonly the reason for a failure to send signals to the keyless entry system. If it is available, use the spare key fob to open the vehicle and start the ignition. If the spare fob is not available, use the provided key embedded in the fob to unlock the door.
“If you have a car that's 10 years or older, it's more likely you will be able to use an aftermarket key fob,” says CR's Ibbotson. “Many of these less advanced fobs can be programmed by a local mechanic, an automotive locksmith, or the customer.”
Many locksmiths can cut and program a key for about half the cost of a dealership replacement. Some dealers even utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys. An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original.
Do I need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery? Typically, you do not need to reprogram the key fob after changing the battery. However, if you've replaced not just the batteries but also some of the internal wiring and electronics, you may need to reprogram it by pairing it with your vehicle once again.
A car's on-board computers is accessible when it recognises the microchip inside transponder car keys, and without this the car will not open or start, which is the case sometimes when the keys unique code cannot be read. When this happens car key reprogramming is required.
You can replace a key fob using the do-it-yourself method. You can purchase a new key fob from a local retailer or auto parts store. Then you can use the universal key fob programming method to program the remote, and it's done.
If your key fob still doesn't work after you've tried changing the batteries, it may be time to re-program it or look for other damage, such as loose buttons or broken battery terminals.
If your key fob isn't working after replacing the batteries, you may need to reprogram it or check for loose buttons and broken battery terminals. If your remote key fob isn't working and you've already replaced the battery, you may need to reprogram the key.
Can AutoZone replace my car key? For most makes and models, AutoZone has the parts, knowledge, and technology required to replace your car key. If you don't have a key with a chip in it, it's as straightforward as copying the key you still have. An associate selects the correct key blank for your year, make, and model.
Since you already have a (master) key you can use, manufacturers assume you own the vehicle and make the process quick and easy. Note that some manufacturers require two keys to use this method, in which case it's only useful for making a third key.
Some Walmart locations can copy many vehicle keys, including transponder keys. The price can range between $23 and $330 depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Transponder keys can take up to 7 minutes to program.