Car Remote Programming

Customers always ask us what programming an automotive remote control is all about.  Well, when you buy a new keyfob for your factory keyless entry or aftermarket alarm system, it will not work with your vehicle right out of the package.  Think about it:  if it did, anyone could buy the same remote and have access to your vehicle.  There has to be a way for the part to be synchronized with your vehicle and only your vehicle.  That is what programming does.  Programming involves:
1.  Putting the key in the ignition.  This establishes the security authorization so that your system “knows” an authorized user is doing the programming.
2.  Signaling the keyless entry or aftermarket alarm system receiver to go into programming mode.  For user programmable systems, this involves some action that a user can do but that they would not do in the normal course of operating their vehicle – such as quickly turning the key on and off a bunch of times or pressing the valet button several times.  For keyless entry systems that are not user programmable, this involves a service technician connecting a hand-held computer device (typically called a “scan tool”) to the vehicle’s control module and selecting the appropriate function.
3.  Pressing a button or buttons on the new remote while the system is in programming mode, at which point the receiver learns the unique code signature of that remote and stores in memory as an acceptable signal.  Many systems automatically erase all old remotes from memory when a new one is programmed, so you may have to have all of the remotes for a vehicle with you when you program the new one.
4.  Moving the key out of the on position and removing it from the ignition is usually the signal to the system that it needs to exit programming mode.