The key fob was once the pinnacle of luxury. With this device, you would no longer need to manually engage all of the locks on your vehicle in order to lock it or unlock it. The inception of key fob began by using the electronic integration of the car to control the security. Now key fobs have gone well beyond locking and unlocking car doors. With updated technology, key fobs have become even more important. We have gotten used to the convenience they offer, and in some cases, they are needed to start the vehicle itself. Any type of key fob can be replaced by your auto locksmith. No matter if it is a smart key, old school door opener, or a new-fangled remote ignition starter.

Besides the necessity of these types of car keys, losing one can create quite the need for concern. The more control the fob has over the automobile, the more dire it is for you to contact an auto locksmith. With the help of your local locksmith, all existing key fobs can be removed from the car’s onboard computer. While you are replacing your key fob, you can make sure that the old key fobs never work again. This comes in handy in instances where someone has a key that you cannot get back, and you do not want them to have access to the vehicle. Thanks to the professional auto locksmith community, there are all kinds of key fob programming abilities for you to utilize.

FAQs

What is a key fob?

A key fob is a wireless remote that interacts with the electronics in your car. A fob can have many functions. It can open the doors, start the car, and in some cases, it will open doors and start the car without being physically touched by the user. Sometimes the fob will be attached to a mechanical key, but it may also be a separate device. Fobs are most often made out of a hard plastic and will have pressable buttons. If you ever lose yours or need spare, United Locksmith offers professional key fob replacement.

Can a locksmith get me a key fob replacement?

Yes. An auto locksmith can handle every step of replacing a key fob. They can get you a new one, program it, and perform any other fob related task. If you need a key fob replacement, it is in your best interest to choose to get your service from a locksmith. They have all of the knowledge of a dealership, with the added insight of a security expert. They will make sure that you are not just happy, but that you are also safer as a result of their help.

Can a locksmith program key fob?

Yes. Professional locksmiths have experience with every type of key, even electronic ones. They can reprogram them, remove existing keys from the car’s computer, etc. When there is something you need from your security, it is always best to trust the professionals that deal with all kinds of security. As an added bonus, our mobile locksmiths can come to your location, wherever you may be. We also offer emergency services that allow our technicians to assist you 24-hours a day.

How hard is it to replace a key fob?

The difficulty of key fob programming will depend on the model and the manufacturer of your vehicle. The actual fob itself will be relatively easy to procure. If you would like a general, and unbranded key fob that will be the easiest to get, but United Locksmith is also able to replace the proper factory made keys. Needless to say, once you go with United Locksmith, it is easy to get a key fob replacement. You could say that key fob replacement is as easy as dialing up our number.

Can I program key fob myself?

In some cases, it will be possible to program a key fob on your own. Each car is going to have a very distinct programming method. You will need to have a blank remote, and the proper instructions for programming it. If the remote is not blank and has been previously programmed to another car, then this will not work.

In some cases, the fob programming will require certain tools that are not available to the public, and that will also cause issues with self-programing. In order to get around all of these inconvenient eventualities, find a trusted locksmith to handle your key fob replacement. 

What is the best option for key fob replacement?

There are three options for getting a key fob replacement, but going to a locksmith is always going to be the best choice. The most obvious decision though not the best, is that you could go to the dealership. They will sell you the key fob replacement and program it for you. The catch is that they will charge you an arm and a leg. You could also choose to do the programming yourself.

That would require looking online for the key fob replacement, and then finding out the way to program it yourself, if that is, in fact, possible, which is not the case for all cars. This will be the least expensive option, but it may not solve all of your problems. A locksmith will give you competitive pricing on all services, and deliver professional assistance. You are guaranteed a fair price and quality care.

How long does it take to program key fob?

Programming a key fob will take different amounts of time, which are based on the specific programming method required. With methods that do not require our technicians to access the onboard diagnostics port, service times will be shorter. Between all of the ways that it may take to program a key fob replacement the process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

If you desire or require further types of services, like deprogramming or key cutting, this may take longer. But no matter how long it takes our locksmith to service the vehicle, it will be done as fast as possible. While moving at an elevated pace, there will be no quality that is sacrificed. Our workers are reliable and professional. Their experience allows them to work quickly without any drop in excellence.

Can my fob be programmed without my car present?

No. The car must be present in order to program a key fob replacement. Both the vehicle and the new key fob replacement will need to be in the same vicinity for the programming to work. It is no issue for our technicians to come to the automobile’s location if the car is difficult to transport. United Locksmith offers mobile locksmith services, which allow us to deliver our high-quality work to anyone, anywhere. With our emergency service and 24-hour schedule, we can also help you anytime you need it.

General Rules

Although each car is going to have a different method for programming, there are some things that generally seem to hold true. Both a car and an unprogrammed fob are necessary to begin the key fob replacement. Fobs will need to be unprogrammed up until this point. Most fobs will only work with the first car they are programmed to. That means you will have to look for the

If you are trying to get a remote or keyless starter function to work on two different cars simultaneously, this will not work. Even if a particular fob can be made blank again, it will only work with one car’s onboard computer at a time. A good rule to abide by is to keep everything in original working condition. Breaking open a device or trying to rewire the car physically may invalidate your warranty or lease. Be smart, and figure out if what you are doing is right.

For methods that require more than one key to be used, you will need to get a second key. There are no workarounds for specific requests like multiple keys. Picking these locks will not work for the most part because they need to be turned in rapid succession. (Each turn would require the lock to be re-picked.) There will be a way to cancel the process of reprograming if there is a glitch or mistake made.

You will need to reset and start over if a mistake is made. And perhaps the most important general rule is that a professional will always be able to perform the task faster, and with a guaranteed positive result. They will also be able to complete additional jobs that may need to be done. United Locksmith can make you the appropriate number of keys and complete every step in the process, and they can take care of the full process as well.