Frequently Asked Question
Will this remote work on my vehicle?
Your vehicle must be equipped with the factory remote keyless entry system. On most vehicles, this is an option or part of an option package. It is not 'standard equipment'. Not all cars have it. If your car does not have the remote keyless entry system, buying one of these remotes will NOT give you remote keyless entry. Please be sure your vehicle has the factory remote keyless entry system before ordering. *
My vehicle has power door locks. Does this mean it also has the keyless entry system?
No, it does not. Power door locks are necessary in order for a keyless remote system to operate, but it does not indicate that your vehicle has the system.
The best thing to do is call a dealer. Usually, the parts department can tell you if your car is so equipped if you give them the VIN number. They can 'run' your VIN number to see what options were installed on your car when new.
Remote key fobs are little radio transmitters operating on a certain frequency. When you push a button on your remote, it sends a 'code' to the receiver in your car telling it to unlock the door. Remotes must be programmed to your specific vehicle. During programming, the control module (in the car) is told what signals to look for from the new remote. From then on the control module will recognize THAT remote.
How do I program a remote with your instructions?
Programming methods are different for different vehicles. On most newer cars that can be programmed yourself, it usually involves some combination of turning the key on and off a certain number of times; pressing different buttons in a certain sequence; opening and closing the doors, etc. The first time you encounter these programming methods, they can seem rather strange, even comical. This is the way the manufacturer's made the car and system.
Can all cars be programmed myself?
No, not all. Some makes and models can only be programmed by taking it to a dealer or a qualified technician. They have to use diagnostic equipment and hook up to your car's computer. On these cars you cannot program them yourself. We try to indicate in our listings whether your car can be programmed yourself and whether programming instructions are included or not.
What is a transponder key?
Modern cars have a small transponder chip inside the plastic head of the key that contains a "code". Your car must be programmed to recognize this code. When you insert the key into the ignition switch, your car reads this code and allows your car to start. If it does not recognize this code, your car will not start. This is known as the "immobilizer" system. If an attempt is made your car may not start for 15 minutes or more and is hence "immobilized".
Note that the immobilizer system and remote keyless entry system are two different things.
Can I program a transponder key myself?
Again, on some cars there is procedure that allows you to program them yourself. Usually you must already have one working key to do so and sometimes two. Otherwise it has to be done by a technician with computerized equipment.
Can somebody else purchase a remote (or a key) and program it to open my car?
No. Not unless they have possession of your car and the keys to go with it. In that case, they have already stolen your car!
Usually, there are 3 different numbers on the remote itself, sometimes more. The part number is the manufacturer's part number but let me qualify that: Usually, this is NOT the part number that your dealer's parts department will have. Most of these remotes are made in Mexico or Asia under contract to the automobile companies. Often, it is their number on the back, not the car company's number. Auto manufacturers usually assign their own internal part numbers. It may be the same, it might be different.
The FCC ID number: These are little radio transmitters and as such have to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This is the number the FCC assigns to this particular remote transmitter. The same FCC ID number might be on several remotes with different part numbers.
CANADA: Corresponds the the same agency in Canada as the FCC in the United States.
NOTE: Remotes with the same FCC number are NOT always interchangeable. Also, sometimes remotes with 2 or 3 different FCC numbers will work on the same car. SOME remotes are interchangeable, some are not. There are no hard and fast rules about FCC numbers despite what you may have read elsewhere. We usually know which ones will work and which ones won't.
We do not currently offer remote transmitters for aftermarket systems. Also, sometimes a dealer might install an aftermarket alarm and/or remote start system as an option. Although this was installed by the dealer, it is still an aftermarket system. Most of the remotes we sell are for thefactory-installed system and we carry SOME remotes for certain dealer-installed systems. If you are not sure if you have a factory system, please contact us before ordering.