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It depends on the car. Some vehicles let you add a key yourself with an onboard procedure, but usually only if you already have two working programmed keys; Ford, for example, says you can program a spare yourself with two previously programmed keys (Ford); without them, a dealer or an automotive locksmith equipped for the vehicle programs the new key. Many other vehicles need a programming tool, and some newer systems can only be programmed by the dealer. Check your owner’s manual for an onboard procedure first: the steps below are an example, and the steps and timing differ between makes, models and years.
To keep it secure, you should do everything you can. If you misplace your original, knowing how to reprogram a new car key is a useful skill to have.
Methods of key programming:
Car key programming
To begin, enter your vehicle and take a seat in the driver’s seat in the front since you will need easy access to your car’s ignition to program your car key into your car’s systems. On vehicles that use this method, such as Ford models with an integrated keyhead transmitter, a new key can only be programmed this way if you have two working programmed keys.
In the ignition of your vehicle, use one of the previously programmed keys. After inserting it, you should wait a few seconds before moving on. Start the automobile key programming with the other keys you want to program in your palm. Make sure you know which keys are already programmed and which one is new before you begin.
Turn the first programmed key to the on position without starting the engine, and leave it on for at least three seconds but no more than ten. Then switch the ignition back off and remove the key.
Repeat this with the second programmed key, inserting it between three and ten seconds after switching the ignition off: ignition on for three to ten seconds without starting the engine, then off, and remove the key.
Within 20 seconds, insert the new key you want to program and turn the ignition on for at least six seconds, then remove it. These are Ford’s timings for its integrated keyhead transmitter keys (Ford); other makes use different steps.
Test the new key. If programming worked, it starts the engine and, if it has buttons, works the remote locks. If it does not, Ford says to wait 10 seconds and repeat the steps, and to take the vehicle to a dealer if it still fails.
Programming a remote key fob
Not every vehicle lets you program a remote yourself, and the steps differ by make, model and year, so follow your owner’s manual if it has a procedure. The general pattern on vehicles that allow it looks like this. Make sure that all of your car’s doors are locked before you begin. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, but don’t start the engine.
Then press the lock button on the remote within the time your owner’s manual allows after turning the ignition on.
Repeat the steps for each remote you want to use. On some vehicles, entering programming mode erases the remotes already stored, so have every remote with you and program all of them in the same session.
If you wait too long between steps, the car leaves programming mode and you have to start again. On many vehicles the locks cycle to confirm each remote. When you are done, turn the ignition off, remove the key and test the lock and unlock buttons on every remote.
All of your key fobs should be programmed this way to ensure that they all work. Each key fob’s lock sounds when you have successfully opened it, so you know you’ve done it.
Conclusion
If your car has no onboard procedure, or you don’t have two working keys, the new key has to be programmed with a programming tool, and some newer systems can only be programmed by the dealer. A locksmith will ask for the year, make and model, and for proof that the car is yours, before cutting and programming the key; see our automotive locksmith services.