Key fob not locking, unlocking, or starting your car? We replace and program key fobs for all makes and models on-site — OEM-quality programming,
// Self-Diagnosis First
If you have a second key fob, test it. If the spare works, the problem is definitely the original fob — either the battery, the electronics, or the housing. If neither fob works, the problem is more likely the car's receiver module or an antenna issue.
Most key fobs use a CR2032 coin battery. Pop the fob open (usually a small notch on the back), swap the battery, and test. A weak battery is the #1 cause of fob failures and costs a flat rate at any pharmacy. Make sure you orient the new battery correctly (+/- facing the right direction).
Many vehicles allow you to re-sync a fob using the ignition: sit in the car, close the door, and cycle the ignition key on-off-on-off-on rapidly (usually 5 times within 10 seconds), then press a button on the fob. The exact procedure varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual or call us and we'll walk you through it.
If the fob was dropped, submerged in water, or the buttons feel mushy or stuck, there may be physical damage to the internal circuit board. Open the fob and check for corrosion (green-white residue on the battery contacts) or cracked PCB traces. Minor corrosion can sometimes be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.
At this point the fob needs professional OBD-II reprogramming or replacement. The internal chip may have lost its pairing to your vehicle, the fob electronics may have failed, or the car's receiver module may need to be re-initialized. We come to you and complete reprogramming or replacement on-site.
// Fob Services
We carry all common fob battery types (CR2032, CR2025, CR2016, CR1620) and can test and replace your fob battery on-site. If a battery is the problem, it's the fastest and cheapest fix possible — usually under a flat rate including labor.
Free Phone QuoteUsing OBD-II professional programming tools, we re-pair your existing fob to your vehicle's security system or program a new replacement fob. Works for standard keyless entry remotes, push-to-start proximity keys, and remote start fobs.
Free Phone QuoteFob damaged, lost, or destroyed? We supply OEM-compatible replacement fob housings for most makes, program them to your vehicle, and test every function before we leave.
Free Phone QuotePush-to-start proximity keys use a different frequency and protocol than standard remotes. We program smart keys / intelligent access keys for Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and most other modern vehicles.
Free Phone QuoteFactory-installed remote start systems use a dedicated fob or a multi-function key with remote start capability. We program and sync remote start fobs for OEM systems — we don't work on aftermarket systems that aren't factory-installed.
Free Phone QuoteSometimes the fob works perfectly but the physical housing is cracked, buttons are worn through, or the battery cover is missing. We replace fob housings and transfer the intact electronics, saving you the cost of full reprogramming when it isn't needed.
Free Phone Quote// By Vehicle Make
Every key fob is programmed with a unique rolling security code that pairs it to a specific vehicle. When you press a fob button, it transmits this code to a receiver module in your car. If the code doesn't match — because the fob was replaced, reset, or lost its pairing due to battery failure — the car won't respond. Professional OBD-II fob programming accesses your vehicle's Body Control Module and writes new authorization codes, permanently pairing the fob to the car. This is the same process dealers use, and it's the only way to reliably program modern push-to-start smart keys (basic self-syncing methods only work on older, simpler keyless entry systems).
You've probably seen key fob housings for sale at AutoZone, Walmart, or Amazon for a flat rate. The problem is that buying the fob is only half the equation — it also needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle. Hardware stores can cut mechanical keys but they can't do OBD-II programming. For simple keyless entry remotes on older vehicles (pre-2010), some basic self-programming procedures work and are worth trying before calling us. But for push-to-start smart keys, any 2012+ vehicle, or any luxury brand, professional OBD-II programming is mandatory. An unprogrammed fob is a physical shell with no function.
A standard key fob (also called a keyless entry remote) locks and unlocks your doors remotely. It works at close range — typically 30–60 feet — and still requires you to insert a physical key into the ignition to start the car. A smart key (proximity key, intelligent key, comfort access key) communicates with your car continuously when it's within a few feet, allowing push-button start without any physical insertion. Smart keys are significantly more sophisticated, cost more to replace, and require professional OBD-II programming on virtually every vehicle. If you're not sure which one you have, the simplest test: does your car have a push-button start, or do you turn a key? Push-button = smart key.
A fob that works fine one day and does nothing the next is almost always a dead battery. CR2032 batteries typically last 2–4 years and fail with little warning. Try the battery first — it's a a flat rate fix available at any pharmacy. If a new battery doesn't restore function, the fob may have lost its programming sync (try the self-sync procedure for your vehicle if one exists), or the fob electronics may have failed. If you're in a location where you need your car immediately and the fob is dead, remember that most vehicles with keyless entry or push-to-start have a hidden mechanical key in the fob for emergency entry — look for a button on the back that releases a small blade. Your car's push-to-start button often has a spot to hold the fob directly against for emergency starting as well.
If you've lost a fob or it was stolen with your keys, a replacement isn't just about function — it's a security issue. Anyone with the lost fob can potentially access or start your vehicle. When we program a new replacement fob, we also delete the lost fob's authorization code from your vehicle's control module so it can no longer be used. This is an important step that some people skip when they just order a pre-owned fob online and try to self-program it — older codes remain active. We ensure the old fob is permanently deauthorized as part of every replacement job.
// Common Questions
The most common cause is a dead battery — try replacing the CR2032 coin battery first. If that doesn't fix it, the fob may have lost its programming sync with the vehicle (try the self-sync procedure in your owner's manual), have a damaged internal circuit board, or need professional OBD-II reprogramming. If neither fob works, the issue may be with the car's receiver module rather than the fob itself.
Sometimes. For many pre-2012 vehicles with basic keyless entry, a self-programming procedure exists that involves cycling the ignition and pressing fob buttons in a specific sequence. These procedures are documented in your owner's manual. However, for push-to-start smart keys, any 2013+ vehicle with rolling security codes, and virtually all European vehicles, professional OBD-II programming is required. The self-sync trick won't work on modern vehicles — the security system requires professional authorization tools.
Battery replacement is a flat rate. Re-programming an existing fob costs a flat rate. Replacing and programming a new fob runs a flat rate for standard remotes, a flat rate for smart keys and push-to-start systems. All pricing is quoted over the phone before we dispatch. We're typically
When we program a new fob, we can handle it two ways: adding the new fob while keeping the old one active (so you have two working fobs), or replacing the lost/stolen fob by deleting its authorization from the vehicle's control module so it can no longer be used. If a fob was lost or stolen, we strongly recommend the second approach — permanently deauthorizing the missing fob so it can't be used to access your vehicle.
In some cases yes, but with caveats. For many vehicles, aftermarket compatible fobs from reputable suppliers work fine when programmed with OBD-II tools. However, many online fobs are counterfeit, incompatible, or of unknown origin — and a failed programming attempt can sometimes cause issues with the vehicle's control module. We can't guarantee results with third-party fobs we didn't supply. For guaranteed results we recommend letting us supply the fob — our pricing is already significantly below dealer cost, and our fobs are sourced from verified suppliers.
Not always. Try placing the fob directly against the start button (most push-to-start cars have a hidden antenna there for emergency starting when the fob battery is dead). If the car still won't start, the issue may be the fob battery, fob programming, the car's receiver, or a completely unrelated issue like the battery or starter. Call us and describe the symptoms — we can often diagnose the likely cause over the phone before dispatching.
// Mobile Fob Service