Some remote keys can be programmed fairly easily on your own, and a professional locksmith will be able to guide you through this step with a simple phone call. However, many models require a complex programming sequence best handled by the locksmith, either at their shop or at your location via a mobile service unit.
AutoZone provides a variety of key fobs that work for most vehicle makes, and they will help you match and program your fob to your car.
Several factors determine the cost to reprogram a fob. While it's hard to give a universal estimate, the general cost is between $50 and $250 for reprogramming.
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.
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.
Home Depot sells a variety of key fobs ranging from $12 to $240. They carry fobs for a variety of vehicle makes such as Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, Chrysler, and others. However, Home Depot does not provide a programming service for key fobs.
“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.”
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.
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.
Does AutoZone make transponder keys? Around 75% of the cars on the road today have a chip in the key, and that's a little more complicated for duplicating a key. However, AutoZone is able to duplicate most transponder keys, avoiding that expensive trip to the dealership.
Just know that most customer-programmable key fobs will require two current working keys in order to program the new one. If you do end up needing to get a new fob at a dealership, the good news is that the process is pretty quick, typically taking just 15 to 30 minutes.
Our Geek Squad® Agents can complete the remote start installation service and teach you how to use your car key fob. Additionally, some car remotes offer customized programming for functions like rolling down the windows, folding in the side mirrors and activating the back hatch.
O'Reilly Auto Parts sells key fobs for almost all makes and models of new vehicles. You can browse their extensive stock and order one for your vehicle online. They can also reprogram a remote keyless entry system. O'Reilly Auto Parts also sells replacement fob batteries and cases for many vehicle models.
Some older model vehicles have self programming key fob instructions, while most newer vehicles require a professional to program to your vehicle. There are many businesses that offer professional automotive key programming that include dealerships, auto repair shops, and locksmiths.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take a used key fob and reprogram it for your car. You will need to have the key fob programmed by a professional, but it is possible. The key fob reprogramming process will vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Key fobs are used for push-to-start vehicles. When purchasing an aftermarket car fob, you must confirm that it is compatible with your car's make and model. You may come across unbranded aftermarket car keys. While there is a slim chance they will work, it is best to avoid them.
Ace Hardware sells and programs key fobs for a variety of vehicles. Depending on the make and model of your car, key fobs cost between $30 and $400. Ace Hardware can program most key fobs, but others will need to be done by a professional locksmith or dealership.
Although Lowe's can help you duplicate your car keys used to unlock doors manually, it does not have the technology to duplicate the chip-enabled keys that have become very common in modern vehicles. Lowe's does sell automated key fob bases, but you will still need to visit your car dealership to get them enabled.
InstaFob is a key fob duplication technology that provides a secure way to make copies of your RFID fobs. This item must be programmed at your local Lowe's store.