Car Key Programming

It is essential to program your car key in order to ensure that the key fob replacement you buy will work with your vehicle. Without this, the key will activate the ignition cylinder, but will not start the engine or unlock the doors.

A locksmith with the proper equipment can program your new car keys quickly and effortlessly. Read on to learn more about the procedure and the reasons why it's so important.

Self-Programming

In the years leading up to the 21st Century car key technology changed from mechanical keys to a mix of electronic and physical protocols to guard against theft. These new keys are equipped with a microchip which must be programmed to connect to the electronic system of the vehicle. Professional locksmiths with the necessary equipment can reprogram your keys. Many vehicles, especially luxury cars, require that only the dealer be allowed to make new keys.

If you're looking to attempt this yourself, the method varies by manufacturer. In general, you'll have to insert the spare key in the ignition and turn it (according to the directions in your owner’s manual) until the car enters the programming mode. You'll need to move fast because this will only last just a few seconds until your car exits the mode.

You will need to repeat this process for each key you want to program after your car is in the programming mode. Your owner's guide should include specific instructions for the particular model and key type that you'd like to program. Certain models come with extra security features that need to be activated.

Certain models of cars require an additional code that can only be obtained from the dealer at a cost to you. This code can help protect you from "skimming", which is when a thief attempts to read the data of your key through the OBD2 port to start the car, and then steal it.

This is a great way to save money on a replacement key, but it's important to remember that if your car key isn't properly programmed it won't allow you to unlock or start the car. A reputable auto repair shop like J.C. Automotive Service, Inc. is equipped to do computer programming and key reprogramming, making sure that your vehicle is always safe. Contact us now to begin.

Key Programmers

If you've lost your car keys or in the event that you're replacing them you might wonder whether it's possible to reprogram the key. It's dependent on the vehicle manufacturer, but in the majority of instances you'll need collaborate with an auto locksmith or dealer to program the new key into the vehicle. This requires reprogramming the new key's transponder to match the settings of the original car.

While some cars allow you to do this yourself, most require a dealer or professional to use a special tool that has the ability to connect with the vehicle and read the programming information from the ECU. Then, the key is changed to match the car's settings and you can begin using it as a normal key.

There are a variety of car key programmers. Some are designed for specific makes and models of vehicles some are more universal and can be used on a wide variety of vehicles. The majority of these devices have small displays and a variety of buttons to switch between programming modes. After that, you can plug the device into the OBD-II port to begin reading and programming the new key.

Professionals can program a new car key in only several seconds, but certain vehicles require longer and intricate procedures to reprogram keys correctly. Some modern automobiles, for instance, require a code that can only be obtained by the dealer to access the immobilizer system. In these instances it is best to leave the task to professionals to ensure that the system is not damaged and ending up without a method to start your car.

If you're in search of a car key programmers that will help you save time and money, check out the Smart Pro from Advanced Diagnostics. The Smart Pro replaces the previous generation TCode Pro, and provides top-of-the-line software for programming most vehicles on the market. In addition, the company has a solid track of sustaining its products and supplying up-to-date software updates.

Key Fobs

Modern day key fobs provide many convenience and security benefits. They can be used to replace or augment traditional keys for cars and control more than simply locking doors. They can start the engine, activate the alarm and perform various other functions.

The key fob communicates to the receiver inside the vehicle by using radio signals. When you press the key fob, it transmits an encoded code to the receiver, which in turn responds by performing the function you want. Key fobs are also a favorite among commercial building owners who can incorporate them into the larger access control system. They can monitor who enters or leaves and also prevent fobs that were stolen or lost.


Key fobs, as with any electronic device, can malfunction. They may be damaged or lose their signal when they are jostled in pockets and purses. Although they're built to withstand some punishment, they're not indestructible. After all, they're no more than plastic and metal.

If your key fobs don't working, you may have to replace the battery. Be sure to use the correct battery, and refer to the owner's manual for directions on how to replace it correctly. Also, make sure to follow any additional steps for recalibration or reprogramming that could apply.

Simple wear and tear is a common reason for failing fobs. They may break or become worn out when they are dropped, bumped against things, and jostled around in purses and pockets. Sometimes, a quick and inexpensive fix is all that is needed to get your key fobs running.

If reprogram car key looking for an enclosure to house a brand new key fob, or want to make a few minor upgrades to an existing one, FB Series enclosures are the ideal solution. They're the perfect size for a PCB, and they can be printed with high-quality graphics, or extra cutouts made efficiently and neatly using CNC machining. Plus, they're designed to fit battery cells that are used in key fobs. If you need a custom-made key fob case, contact us for a quote.

Keyless Entry

Keyless entry is a feature that allows you to open and start your car without having to insert the physical key. It utilizes wireless signals to communicate with the car's internal system, and it also lets you to control different functions in the car including climate controls or music systems.

Modern keyless entry systems utilize rolling code technology to safeguard against hacking and other security breaches. It's important to remember that even this technology isn't completely secure. Thieves could use a technique known as "replay attack" to send a message that is recorded by the car's receiver. After the message has been recorded by the receiver, a rogue device could retransmit the same transmission to the car's receiver and gain access to the protected property.

Based on the model and make It may be possible to program new keys yourself, or you may need to hire an automotive locksmith do it for you. Certain car manufacturers have an onboard programming procedure, while others require an advanced programming device connected to the OBD2 port.

The most common way to program new car keys is by putting the key fob into the ignition and then turning it on repeatedly in a certain order. This puts the car in the "programming mode," and once it is, one or more fob buttons are pressed to transmit the digital identity code to the car's computer. The computer then saves this code and removes the car out of programming mode.

Certain manufacturers require that you have a special software programer to program key fobs. These are expensive and are difficult to use for the average person. For this reason, it's generally best to let a locksmith in the automotive industry or dealer handle the task for you.

To begin the process of programming a new keyless entry car key, get into your vehicle on the driver's side and close all the doors EXCEPT for the driver's door. This will prevent the system from locking the doors while trying to program the key. Press and hold the button of the fob you wish to activate when the ignition is turned on and the other keys you wish to be programmed nearby. The warning light will flash twice.