While purchasing a key fob from a retail store or online is not too difficult, programming it by yourself is extremely challenging. Even if you have the option of programming your key fob (which we will go over in more detail later), you may run into several issues while programming it. Without the help of a professional like an auto locksmith, it can be difficult to know what went wrong.
DIY Key Fob Programming
While you’re more than welcome to try your hand at DIY fob programming, if your key fob isn’t working, don’t hesitate to call an auto locksmith.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
Take a few minutes to look through your owner’s manual, which should explain how to program your car key fob on your own. If this information cannot be found in your manual or you have misplaced it, remember that the internet is your oyster. To get the most accurate results, include important details while searching the web such as your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Before starting the programming process, check to see if you have everything that you need. If you notice that you need a spare key fob to program your replacement, and you’re dealing with replacing a stolen or lost car key, you’re going to have a problem. You’re also not going to be able to copy a broken key fob.
Watch Video Tutorials
If you’re a visual learner, there are plenty of great videos out there on Youtube and on other sites that can teach you how to program your car key fob. We recommend that you read along with your owner’s manual while watching the video to make sure that the key fobs are being programmed using the same method. Only watch key fob programming videos that correspond to the year, model, and make of your vehicle. Even if the year is slightly different, the process for programming the fob won’t be the same.
Professional Key Fob Programming
Professional key fob programming will be the only option for most modern vehicles. This is because many newer key fobs require specialized software to program them. If you have the option, you should consider hiring a professional to unpair lost or stolen key fobs and improve your vehicle’s security.
Auto Locksmith
Hiring an auto locksmith is the quickest and most reliable solution when it comes to programming key fobs. A technician can come to your location to program your key fob 24/7 which is super helpful if you’ve been locked out of your vehicle and need a locksmith immediately. Although calling an auto locksmith to program your car key fob is more expensive than doing it yourself, it is still less expensive than going to a car dealership. If you bought your key fob from a retail store or online, the key fob isn’t guaranteed to work. An auto locksmith can still program the fob, but can’t give assurances that it will function.
Car Dealership
Just like certain dealerships can restrict access to replacement key fobs for their cars, they can also have complete control over programming key fobs for specific vehicles. If you go to a car dealership for key fob programming and they tell you that they’re the only ones that can do it, it’s usually a good idea to reach out to an auto locksmith before proceeding with the service since the dealership may have misled you.
You may not have access to all of the above key fob programming options. But if you do, make sure to do a bit of research before committing to one and choose the method that is best for you. Remember that if you want to try programming your key fob replacement on your own, reach out to an auto locksmith if you run into any difficulties. If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith company in the San Jose area, give Real Time Locksmith a call!
