Reprogramming a FOB.

June 8, 2017 1:05 PM

Is there a way to reprogram a fob for a push start car without involving a dealership.. I know of friend who lost both set of keys. Sounds like a good business to get into if possible. Thanks
posted by Noodles to Technology (6 answers total)

With most cars you're not actually changing the fob. Instead, you add the new fob's RFID key to the set of allowed keys in the car's computer. You can do that without involving the dealer, assuming you can get into the car in the first place. However, you can't remove the old fob's RFID key by yourself. To do that you have to connect the car's computer to a very expensive piece of equipment that generally only dealers have.

I would google for "your car model + reprogram fob" and see what you can turn up. Each model is going to have a different procedure but it should be on the internet somewhere.
posted by zrail at 1:35 PM on June 8, 2017

There are a bunch of cheap programmers you could try. You didn't mention a make, but here's one for Toyota.
posted by gregr at 2:03 PM on June 8, 2017

Automotive locksmiths can do this though I've found its not much cheaper. Also because both fobs are gone that could involve replacing the console which is super, super expensive, so I'd be sure to really check the fobs are lost.

Additionally, dealers pricing can vary as well as locksmiths, so definitely call around.
posted by smoke at 2:04 PM on June 8, 2017

Our local locksmith can do it, but it is still several hundred dollars for a fob and reprogramming on a used Ford vechicle we just bought where the dealer only had one key and fob for it; we elected to do just a new key with the chip in it for a spare, rather than the whole remote, and they key cost over $80 to get set up. The days of $4 at your hardware store to get a new car key are gone.
posted by AzraelBrown at 2:08 PM on June 8, 2017

For some makes, there are tools available on Amazon and elsewhere that can pair key fobs. They typically come with an illicit copy of the necessary software that runs on a PC along with a CAN bus USB adapter to plug the computer into the car. Though the CAN protocol is fairly standardized, different manufacturers use different pinouts to connect to the ECU and/or different buses in the car. (There are typically two or three on older CAN bus cars, more on newer ones)

Some Toyotas, among others, have an esoteric procedure the end user can do to pair a fob as long as you already have one that works.
posted by wierdo at 2:33 PM on June 8, 2017

I have had a locksmith come out and do reprogramming for 1/3 the cost if a dealer and they had a mobile workshop so could come to the car. I would recommend trying local locksmiths with brick and mortar locations and asking for referrals to avoid scam internet locksmiths.
posted by sol at 2:39 PM on June 8, 2017