Car key fobs have become indispensable for modern vehicle owners, offering convenient remote access to vehicle functions like locking and unlocking doors, activating alarms, and even starting the engine remotely. While factory-original key fobs are readily programmed to your car, aftermarket key fobs, purchased as replacements or extras, often require a programming process to sync with your vehicle’s system. Understanding How To Program Aftermarket Key Fob is a valuable skill, potentially saving you time and money compared to dealership programming services. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the general steps involved in programming an aftermarket key fob, empowering you to manage this task effectively.
Porsche Key Fob
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Programming
Before initiating the programming sequence, ensure your vehicle is properly prepared. Sit in the driver’s seat with all doors completely closed. Have your aftermarket key fob readily accessible, along with your vehicle’s ignition key. It is also highly recommended to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This manual often contains specific instructions for key fob programming tailored to your car’s make and model, as procedures can vary between manufacturers. Locating these specific steps beforehand can streamline the process and prevent potential issues.
Step 2: Initiate the Ignition Cycle and Engage the Lock Button
Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. Turn the key to the “ON” position. This position is typically just before the point where you would engage the starter to turn on the engine. The goal is to power the vehicle’s electrical systems without actually starting the engine. Once the ignition is in the “ON” position, take your aftermarket key fob and aim it towards the dashboard area, specifically in the vicinity of the rearview mirror. This area often houses the receiver for the key fob signals. Press and hold the “lock” button on the key fob for a few seconds. This action transmits a signal from the fob to the car’s receiver, initiating the programming sequence.
Step 3: Cycle the Ignition and Activate the System
Immediately after pressing the “lock” button and holding it for a few seconds, turn the ignition key back to the “OFF” position. Remove the key from the ignition switch completely. This quick cycling of the ignition is crucial as it signals the vehicle’s computer to enter programming mode and recognize the signal from the aftermarket key fob. Allow a brief pause of a few seconds after removing the key. This pause allows the vehicle’s system to reset and prepare for the next step in the programming process. The timing in this step is often critical for successful programming.
Step 4: Program Additional Aftermarket Key Fobs (If Necessary)
If you have multiple aftermarket key fobs that you wish to program to your vehicle, now is the time to program them. Many car security systems are designed to erase the memory of previously programmed key fobs when a new fob is programmed. Therefore, if you only program one new fob, any previously working fobs might become inactive. To avoid this, repeat the previous steps (Step 2 and Step 3) for each additional aftermarket key fob you need to program. Perform these steps in quick succession, without significant delays between programming each fob. This ensures that the vehicle recognizes and programs all desired key fobs within the same programming cycle.
Step 5: Test and Verify the Programming
After programming all your aftermarket key fobs, it’s essential to test and verify that the programming process was successful. Re-insert the ignition key and turn it to the “ON” position (without starting the engine). Then, press the “lock” button on each of your newly programmed aftermarket key fobs, one at a time. Listen carefully for an audible click or the sound of the car doors locking and unlocking in response to each key fob button press. This auditory feedback typically indicates successful programming. Test all the buttons on each fob, including lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic button, to ensure all functions are working correctly. If any fob fails to operate the vehicle’s functions, you may need to repeat the entire programming process from Step 1, ensuring you follow each step precisely and quickly.
In conclusion, while this guide provides a general method for how to program aftermarket key fob, it’s crucial to remember that specific procedures can vary significantly depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Always prioritize consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions. If you encounter difficulties or are unsure about any step, seeking assistance from a professional locksmith or your car dealership is recommended to ensure proper programming and avoid potential issues with your vehicle’s security system.
