Keyless Remote Programming

Someone recently asked if all “user-programmable” remotes are programmed using the same procedure or not. The answer is no.

First of all, technically, it is not the remote that is programmed; it is the control module in the vehicle (where the signal is received from the remote) that is programmed.

There are numerous different approaches to this. The simplest involves systems for which you insert the key in the ignition and then turn it from off to on several times fast. This action – which you would not do in normal operation of the vehicle – signals the system in the vehicle to go into programming mode, at which point, you press a key on the remote. The receiver “hears” the transmission from the keyless entry remote while in programming mode and adds that specific keyfob to its stored “accepted” remotes.

There are many variations on this process. In some, you use the power door lock button to signal the vehicle to go into programming mode. In others, in addition to a working key, you need a working remote to program a new remote. Several Chrysler systems use this approach. It seems silly to us, since many people do not buy a replacement keyfob until after they no longer have a working one in their possession. Perhaps that is just Chrysler’s way on sticking it to consumers, because without a working remote to program a new one, you have to take the vehicle and new remote to a dealership and pay to have it programmed.

There are other variations for user programming methods. I will not take the time to list them all here. The most important thing when buying a replacement remote for your car, is to determine whether or not your system is user programmable and to find out if your source for the replacement part includes programming instructions with the remote.