Where to Get a Key Fob Programmed: Dealer, Locksmith or DIY

There are three ways to get a car key fob programmed: the dealer for your make, a car locksmith, and, on some cars, yourself. A keyless entry remote, the kind that just locks and unlocks the car, is handled the same way, by the same people.

Programming means registering the new fob with the car. The car learns the remote's signal for the locks, and if the fob also starts the engine, the car has to learn its transponder chip or smart-key signal as well. On most newer cars, that's done with a programming tool connected to the car's diagnostic port, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side, so it only happens with the car on hand. Many fobs also carry a key blade, or an emergency blade tucked inside, which has to be cut to your locks.

A car locksmith handles both halves, cutting the blade and programming the electronics, so you don't need one place for the key and another for the fob. Our page on key fob replacement and programming covers the service itself. Not sure what's on your key ring? Our guide on which kind of key you have sorts that out.

Sometimes. Some cars, especially older models, have an onboard programming mode: a timed sequence, such as switching the ignition on and off a set number of times, that tells the car to accept a new remote. When a car has one, the steps are often in the owner's manual, in the section on keys or keyless entry. Some makes also let an owner add a key without any tools, as long as two keys already work with the car.

If your manual describes a procedure, follow it exactly, time limits included. If it tells you to see a dealer instead, that's your answer: the car needs a programming tool. That's the case for most newer remotes, chip keys and smart keys, which are registered through the diagnostic port rather than with a button sequence.

Before you try, round up all the keys and fobs for that car, because on some cars, programming clears any key or fob that isn't present, and the spare left in a drawer can stop working. And if the steps don't take after a careful try or two, stop there: the car most likely needs a tool, and one phone call tells you whether yours is a car we can program.

For most cars, either one can program a new fob, so the choice comes down to how each one works and whether your exact car is covered. A dealer's service department handles its own brand, usually through a service appointment. A car locksmith works across most makes and models, and at a walk-in shop like ours, you can bring the car in without booking ahead.

Whichever you call, ask the same four questions:

• Do I need an appointment, or can I bring the car in?
• Is the fob for my car in stock, or does it have to be ordered?
• If the fob has a blade or an emergency blade, will you cut it to my locks?
• Will you test every key and fob with the car before I leave?

Our answers: walk-ins are welcome, and whether your fob is in stock depends on the car, which is why we ask you to call first. We cut blades and emergency blades, laser-cut ones included, and we test the new fob and every key you bring with the car before you go.

As for coverage, our list runs across most makes and models. It includes newer Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Chrysler vehicles, which add a security layer to key programming; we have the equipment for the security layer on newer models. Newer GM vehicles and BMWs are on it too. If it's a dealer-only job, we say so first, before you drive over. Quotes are free by phone.

For a new key on a Mercedes-Benz from the 2015 model year on, the Mercedes dealer is the only source, and the same goes for Sprinter vans. No locksmith can program keys for those models, and that includes us. We'd rather you hear that from us at the start than after a round of phone calls.

For a 2014 or older Mercedes, we can make keys for most models; give us the VIN and we'll check yours. On a Mercedes of any year, we still handle lockouts, fob shell repair and battery replacement, and we cut emergency blades. More on Mercedes-Benz keys.

Outside Mercedes, a few of the newest or less common models need the fob ordered first, and now and then one is a dealer-only job. Checking your year, make, model and VIN on the phone is how we find that out before any work is scheduled.

Yes, for programming. The new fob is registered to the car, so the car must be present. If it still drives, the simplest route is to drive it over to the shop. We're at 4556 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, open to walk-ins Monday to Saturday between 8am and 8pm and closed on Sundays. If bringing the car in doesn't work for you, we can come to it instead.

Before you come, give us a call at (813) 832-4777 with the car's year, make, model and VIN; that tells us whether we have your fob in stock or need to order it. When you come in, bring all of the car's keys and fobs, working or not. For proof of ownership, we'll ask to see a photo ID together with the registration or title. Not in your name? Call ahead, and we'll explain what proof works.

Not every fob problem needs the car. If only the case is cracked or the button pad has worn through, key fob shell repair moves the working electronics into a new shell, so you can bring in just the fob. If none of your keys works anymore, the car can't be driven to us, so for most makes we go to the car; our page on lost car key replacement explains how that job works.