20 Things You Need To Know About Programmable Car Keys

· 6 min read
20 Things You Need To Know About Programmable Car Keys

Benefits of Programmable Car Keys

Car key preprogramming is a great way to avoid being locked out of your car in the future. However, it could be quite costly depending on the car you own.

There are tools that can help shops and even DIY customers program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer, Sanabria says.

1. You can start your vehicle from a distance

To start your vehicle, you'll need an ignition key that has been programmed to work with it. This means that the key has to have a specific microchip in it that is capable of being read by a receiver inside the ignition. When the key is inserted it sends a signal the receiver that matches the code in the chip. If the signal matches, the car will start. This type of technology is more secure than previous methods of locking your vehicle, as the code is constantly changing and cannot be guessed by thieves.

It was once possible to wire a car and drive away, however thanks to the introduction of programmable keys this has become impossible. A majority of these vehicles have proximity sensors which prevent the car from being started when the key isn't within range. The latest keys can warm up your car by remote, making it much easier to drive during cold days.

Using the EZ installer from Tom's Key Company it is now possible to program your new key and start your car from afar. This kit allows you to bypass the anti-theft system of your car and enter the programming mode for a new automotive key. This kit is not compatible with all automobiles. You should consult your owner's guide to see what it can do for your vehicle.

The process of programming your key is not difficult, but it does require patience and concentration on the details. To successfully program your car with a brand new key, you must follow a specific process. The steps needed to accomplish this are in the car's manual or online by searching for "onboard programming step X for vehicle." Be sure to keep the ignition and key fobs in a locked state while you are trying to program them, as the inability to wait too long between actions could cause the car to reset its commands and then leave the programming mode.

2. You can open all of the doors at the same time

If you're in an urgent situation and do not want to wait for your family or friends, you can use a programmable car key to unlock all of the doors at the same time. This is an excellent feature for those who are often late for appointments or are having difficulties finding their vehicles in crowded parking lots. This is a great idea for those who have elderly or children who need assistance getting into their car.

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys that have grooves and cuts that fit into the lock cylinder of your car's door locks and ignition A programmable key comes with an embedded computer chip which is connected to the car's computer systems. The chip can be programmed by either an auto manufacturer or locksmith, depending on your vehicle's make and model. This procedure is typically more complex than making a copy of a traditional car key. It takes longer and will cost you more. There are ways to cut costs on this service.

Local locksmiths can program your programmable keys for less than the dealership and often faster. You'll need two working keys for the locksmith in order to connect your new key to the car's computer. Modern cars are also equipped with sophisticated anti-theft devices that need to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer.

There are a few techniques you can employ at home to reprogram a car key. However, it is best to consult your owner's manual or search on the Internet for the exact steps for your car's brand and model. Certain manufacturers have proprietary technology that prevents you from reprograming your key. This is why it is so important to visit an experienced dealer or locksmith for help with this. In the event that you attempt to program your personal key can cause damage to the car's electronic components. This can be extremely costly to repair, so it's best not to take this risk.

3. You can lock your car from the distance

Car thieves target drivers when they try to unlock their vehicles. They are aware that it takes a moment for you to grab your keys out of your purse or pocket and to place them in your ignition, and they're waiting for you at the time when you're most vulnerable. You can stop this from happening by having a programmable key that locks your vehicle remotely. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in a congested area or are worried that their keys could be lost.

This feature is only available if your vehicle is compatible. To make sure your car is compatible, you can check with the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. To remotely unlock your car you need an iPhone 11 or later and the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.

It is crucial to keep one spare in case you lose your programmed key. You may have to replace the transponder chip in case you don't. It's expensive and it's advisable to have an additional key. You can also have the key reprogrammed by an auto locksmith or dealer. However  car key reprogramming near me  of reprogramming a car's key yourself can be risky. It is safer to get it done by a professional to ensure that no one else can reprogram your car key and steal your car.

Many car owners try to program their programmable keys themselves by following the online instructions. It's not difficult when you are familiar with the procedure, but it's difficult to learn on your own and can be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with it. Moreover, this method can be risky and not work properly in some situations. It is possible that key reprogramming can erase all your other keys, causing them to stop working. This is prevented by having two keys working ready before you start. Make sure your vehicle is turned off before you try to program your third keys.

4. You can unlock your door faster

The most obvious benefit of a car key is that it will aid in unlocking your door faster. Traditionally when you want to unlock a door you'd have to take your key from your pocket, purse or wallet, then put it in the ignition and turn it. With a programmable car key instead, you can just push the button on your key fob to open the door, which is much more convenient and more secure. It also means that you don't need to leave your family members or friends outside your car while hunt for your keys.


If you have a programmable car key, it is also simpler to replace it in the case of a damaged or lost one. In most cases you can just purchase a replacement key and have it reprogrammed by a locksmith. This will ensure that the new key will work with your vehicle and will function as you intended. This is much easier than replacing the head of the key and will save you money.

For some vehicles, a specially-designed programer is required to reprogram the new key. These devices are expensive, and they are usually only available to locksmiths. They also require a lot of knowledge about how to use these devices. Some locksmiths may even employ a method called "EEPROM programming," which is a more sophisticated method of reading the code that is on the transponder in your vehicle.

It is a good idea, regardless of the type of key, to always have a spare on hand. Lost car keys are very common, and can be quite a pain in the neck to replace. You don't even know how easy a burglar will find it to steal your car.

Fortunately, you can get rid of all of these issues by having an extra car key that can be programmed made in advance. Pop-A-Lock can create an auto key that is programmable at a reasonable price. It's much cheaper and less stress-inducing than buying an entirely new car when you lose your original keys.