Is your car key fob suddenly unresponsive? Before you rush to replace it, you might be able to fix it yourself with a simple reprogramming procedure. If you’ve already checked that your key fob battery is fresh, this no-cost method is definitely worth trying. This guide will walk you through the steps to reprogram your car key fobs and potentially get you back on the road without the hassle of expensive replacements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogramming Your Car Key Fob
This reprogramming process requires you to have all of your vehicle’s key fobs at hand and ensure all doors and the trunk are completely closed. You only need one remote to initiate the programming mode, but all remotes must be programmed during the same session. It’s crucial to complete each step within 5 seconds of the previous one to ensure the process works correctly.
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Get Inside and Close Up: Sit in the driver’s seat of your car and ensure all doors and the trunk are tightly shut.
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Ignition ON & Lock Button Press: Turn your car key to the “ON” position in the ignition (position “II” on the bezel), so that your dashboard lights illuminate. Within 5 seconds of turning the key to “ON”, press and hold the “Lock” button on one of your key fobs for approximately one second, then release.
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Ignition OFF: Turn the key to the “OFF” position in the ignition (position “I” on the bezel), which will turn off the dashboard lights.
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Repeat the Cycle: Repeat steps 2 and 3 three more times, for a total of four cycles. Remember, each step must be completed within 5 seconds of the last.
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Enter Programming Mode: On the fourth turn of the key to the “ON” position, press the “Lock” button on any remote. You should hear the car locks make a cycling sound, like a “clunk.” Note that the doors will not actually lock or unlock at this point; this sound simply indicates that the system has entered programming mode. Do not turn the key off after this step.
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Program Each Remote: Within 5 seconds of entering programming mode, and then within 5 seconds of programming each subsequent remote, press the “Lock” button on each key fob you wish to program for about a second and release. Each time you press a remote button, the car locks should cycle again. You can program up to 3 remotes using this method. This entire step must be completed within 10 seconds.
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Exit Programming and Test: Turn the ignition completely off and remove the key from the ignition. Open the car door and step out, then close the door. Now, test each of your key fobs to see if they are working correctly. If your fob has a trunk/hatch release button, you may need to press and hold it for a few seconds to activate the trunk/hatch.
Many users have found success with this method, and it could save you a trip to the dealership or a mechanic. Sometimes, the trick is ensuring you are switching from position “II” (ON) to position “I” (OFF) on the ignition bezel, as highlighted by users who have successfully used this technique. If your Car Key Fob Stopped Working, give this reprogramming method a try – it’s a free and potentially effective solution!
