Did You Know? . . . Keyhead Remote Transmitters That Require Two Working Keys for Programming

Some parts that have a remote transmitter integrated with the key – which we refer to as either “keyhead” or “switchblade” remotes – have a procedure for the user to program the remote transmitter without requiring a trip to the dealership for use of a special tool. In the case of Ford and Chrysler, these procedures often require two working keys to place the keyless entry system into programming mode.

However, there is a nuance to this that many people do not understand. The two working keys must themselves be “different”. For these situations, when a new vehicle is delivered with two or three original keys, each key is unique. Typically, there is a transponder inside the key and each transponder has a unique electronic identifier. If you get a replacement key made by one of the services that has equipment to clone key transponders, such as a hardware store, the new key that you receive is not unique. Instead, it is a copy of the key from which it was made. If you try to use two keys that are identical to the vehicle, the system will not read them as being two separate keys and, consequently, will not go into programming mode.