What is Car Keys Programming Modern cars have a computer chip inside the key fob to communicate with the vehicle The key and computer must be programmed to ensure that they can communicate with each other Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, this can be done by a locksmith, or at the dealership The procedure may differ but it's always the same What is key programming It is recommended to have them reprogrammed professionally if you find that your car keys aren't working because of an unintentional or damaged key fob The process can be complicated and potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly There are also a number of different steps that need to be taken into account depending on the specific vehicle you own Many people choose to hire an auto locksmith to perform this service instead of attempting to do it yourself The process of reprogramming most vehicles is relatively simple The expert will begin by assessing the make and model of the car to determine which blank key fob and tools are required They'll then program the new key or duplicate the existing chip within the key with specialist equipment Then they will test the key to verify that it is functioning properly Certain vehicles require a sophisticated programmer that only a few car experts have access to This is a costly option that takes a lot of time and learning to master If you have a trusted and seasoned auto locksmith who has the right equipment, they can complete this procedure quickly for you Certain vehicles also have programming procedures for EEPROMs that have to be handled by professionals These procedures can take several hours and are difficult to follow These techniques are also risky and could damage the circuit board inside the antitheft system of your vehicle You'll need a guidebook for your car if you want to re-program your keys Some guides will work with most models, but they may not work with all The majority of these guides advise against DIY methods since they can alter the information stored in your vehicle's safety module In some instances the manufacturer may let their dealers reprogramme your keys They need a secure connection to the factory computer that stores this data This will stop others from using your vehicle if they gain access to your key How do I get my key programmed The process of reprogramming your car key involves inserting a blank chip inside the key and programming it to match your vehicle's current settings The option of ordering a replacement key from the manufacturer of your car is an option, however this could take a long time - and in the meantime, you will not have the convenience of being able to get around easily Car locksmiths can help Depending on the model you own, you may be able to program your own key with software that you can buy on the internet However, these pieces of software don't work with every make or model and can be a bit confusing to use It is better to let a professional program be the key to your success because they have the correct tools and know exactly how to do it To accomplish this, you will need keys that are blank and compatible with your car's model and make You can buy them online at a discounted price, but ensure that they are blank You can also visit a locksmith but they will charge more because they have to buy their own software and tools to program your car keys These advanced car key programmers are expensive and only available to professionals with the appropriate license In addition, these cars typically have a 'token' system that only allows one attempt at programming to be made every day or hour This means that if you attempt to program a key repeatedly and again, it is possible that the code on the car will be corrupted It is therefore recommended to only let an experienced auto locksmith carry out the reprogramming of keys for you They will have a deeper understanding of the security systems, software and other aspects involved This can reduce the chance of errors or corruptions Plus, they will have the latest tools and software to do so that are safer and more efficient What is required to program keys Modern vehicles require keys that have special chips that communicate with vehicle's systems The chips have to be programmed to work with your specific car which makes it impossible to use any key fob that is compatible with your vehicle, even if it is a duplicate While this makes car theft more difficult, it also means that you can't just replace your broken key fob with a brand new one and expect the previous one to function This is why the majority of people will need to contact an auto locksmith in order to program the new car key however it is possible to do it yourself in certain situations You'll need two car keys that work Once you have them two keys, you will need to sit in the driver's seat and open the ignition in your car Then, insert your new key into the ignition and then turn it to start your car This will connect the new key with your system which makes it a practical replacement for the key you lost This procedure can differ depending on the manufacturer Check the instructions that came with your key, or look online for the model/year/make you are looking for to determine the exact steps If you're looking to save money on key programming expenses, think about purchasing a new keyshell instead of a new key head The shell is the plastic piece that houses the key blade, therefore you can usually find them for less at auto parts or hardware stores It is still necessary to transfer the internals the circuit board and chip from the old keyhead into the new shell This can be done by a professional, however it will cost you more than a spare key that you can buy A professional will need an advanced programmer that can cost thousands of dollar to connect to the computer in your car On the internet, you might be able to purchase a less expensive version However, this is not compatible with your vehicle Reprogramming a car key can be a complex process Some cars are more difficult to program than other Some models can be programmed onboard by using an OBD2 Reader, while other models require a specialized tool known as an EEPROM Reader Some of these tools are only available through a dealer, and they are expensive, so this is something you should leave to an expert How do I have a key programmed It's based on the type of vehicle and its distinct anti-theft features A lot of cars have security features that prevent the key from functioning if it's not programmed to the vehicle This is done to stop theft and will require that a professional locksmith be hired for each model The key needs to communicate with the onboard computers to unlock the doors or to start the engine A professional auto locksmith will solve this problem quickly and efficiently Even for experienced professionals, some car brands can be difficult even to program For https//writeablognet/washflavor1/9-lessons-your-parents-taught-you-about-programmed-car-keys , the process could take a long time or even days This is because the process will require EEPROM programming procedures that a majority of locksmiths are not able to Cars may also come with many other features that require specific programming to work properly This could be a remote start, automatic transmission, or power windows In these cases, a professional auto locksmith will be able to assist if you have lost or damaged your keys Most professionals will need to determine the model and make of the vehicle they are working on before they are able to determine exactly what tools they'll require They will also require a blank key compatible with their vehicle Once they have these two things, they can program the key fob or transponder chip, and copy the key in case they need to After all the work has been completed then they will test the key to make sure it's functioning If the key isn't programmed correctly the security light on the dashboard will stay illuminated until it is This is to warn the owner that their key isn't functioning properly and must be reprogrammed It is crucial to have an extra in case yours gets damaged or lost However, if you've got a broken key or fob that needs to be programmed, it could be time-consuming and expensive A professional auto locksmith will perform the task more quickly and at a lower cost