Programming Your Remote

Does My Remote Require Programming?

Nearly all replacement car remotes require programming. Most automotive remote transmitters do not work right out of the box. Think about it . . . if they did, anyone could open your vehicle simply by buying a replacement keyfob. There are only two situations when programming is not required:

1. Some older fixed-code aftermarket alarm systems use remotes that are "hard-coded" to broadcast a unique signal that is matched to the receiver.
2. For some other old fixed code systems, the only replacement option is an electronic "clone" of your original remote. Because it transmits the same signal as a remote that has already been programmed, it will not require programming. Apart from these two circumstances, any car remote you purchase will require programming.

What is Programming?

Programming is the process by which a replacement transmitter is "synched up" with the receiver in a specific vehicle. The general process is as follows:

1. You do something to signal to the control module in your vehicle that you want it to enter "Programming Mode". This process nearly always requires the presence of your car key in the ignition; that is the "security" control that prevents an unauthorized third party from programming a new remote for your vehicle. When you have entered programming mode successfully, the system indicates this to you in some fashion - such as the door locks cycling, the alarm siren chirping, or some other visible or audible signal. Important note: Some factory keyless entry systems can only be placed into programming mode with use of a computer device (known as a "scan tool") that connects to the vehicle's central control module. Vehicles with these systems cannot be programmed by a consumer.
2. For some other old fixed code systems, replacement remotes are no longer manufactured. If this is the case and you have an original remote that will still broadcast at least a weak signal, Remotes Authority will ask that you send us the working remote to copy. The replacement remote will be an electronic "clone" of your original remote, so it will not require programming.

Apart from these two circumstances, any car remote you purchase will require programming.

What is Programming?

Programming is the process by which a replacement part is "synched up" with the receiver in a specific vehicle. The general process is as follows:

1. You do something to signal to the control module in your vehicle that you want it to enter "Programming Mode". This process nearly always requires the presence of your car key in the ignition; that is the "security" control that prevents an unauthorized third party from programming a new remote for your vehicle. When you have entered programming mode successfully, the system indicates this to you in some fashion - such as the door locks cycling, the alarm siren chirping, or some other visible or audible signal. Important note: Some factory keyless entry systems can only be placed into programming mode with use of a computer device (known as a "scan tool") that connects to the vehicle's central control module. Vehicles with these systems cannot be programmed by a consumer.
2. Once in programming mode, you press one or more buttons on each remote to be programmed. This sends encrypted identification information from the transmitter to the receiver, which, because it is in programming mode, the receiver then stores as a new acceptable transmitter. With some aftermarket alarm transmitter, you may have to go through several steps to program each function to a specific system channel.
3. When all remotes are programmed, you leave programming mode by removing your key from the ignition. Most systems also have automatic "time-outs"; that is, the system leaves programming mode automatically after a set time period. In most cases, that is all that programming involves.

Can I Program My Replacement Remote Myself?

In many cases, a consumer is able to program a replacement part without professional assistance. Remotes Authority calls these situations "User Programmable". We include step-by-step programming instructions with all parts that are user programmable. We also provide phone technical support to walk you through the programming process if you need assistance. Both the instructions and technical support are provided free with your remote purchase.

What If My Vehicle Is Supposed To Be User Programmable But Will Not Go Into Programming Mode?

Feel free to call the Remotes Authority help line if you experience this situation. In most cases, if the system in a vehicle is user programmable and you cannot get it to go into programming mode, there is a problem with one of the system components in your vehicle - such as the power door locks, a door closure indicator switch, or the keyless entry receiver itself. This is more common on older vehicles.

How Will I Know If My Application Is User Programmable or Not?

There are four ways to easily check and see if your vehicle is user programmable:

1. Check notes and application information on the part package.
2. Check the programming instructions included with your remote.
3. Go to the support page URL listed on the package.
4. Call the Remotes Authority help line and select the technical support option.

Is There A Limit To The Number Of Remotes I Can Program To Work With My System?

Yes. Most systems allow up to four (4) remotes to be programmed to work with the system at any one time. Some systems limit you to as few as two (2) remotes and some will accept up to six (6). If your system is limited to four remotes and you tried to program a fifth transmitter, the system typically would erase the remote that was first programmed to work with the vehicle.

Can I "Erase" Programming Of A Remote?

Most systems provide for eliminating or overwriting the memory of a previously programmed remote. It is quite common for systems to automatically erase the programming of all prior remotes when you enter programming mode and program a new remote. This is so that your security can be maintained if a remote is lost or stolen. For these systems, if you want to program a new remote to work with the system, you must have all other remotes you plan to use with the vehicle present at the time of programming so that they can be re-entered following the automatic erasure. Programming instructions will indicate if this is the case with your system.

Can My Remote "Lose" Its Programming In The Course Of Normal Use?

It is rare for a programmed remote and receiver to lose their synchronization. However, it is possible for the control module in your vehicle to "lose its memory" of which remotes it is synchronized with if your car battery is disconnected or goes fully dead. So, if you have car work done that requires disconnecting the battery, you may have to re-program your remotes.

While automotive remote transmitters generally do not "lose" their programming, it is very common for a key fob to stop working because of physical damage. Water and other fluids can cause a short circuit. Button contacts sometimes break or malfunction. Cases break. We even see entire circuit boards broken. Some of these situations were undoubtedly caused because the user had a weak battery in his/her remote and tried to make it work by pushing the button harder. Tip: If a previously working remote stops working or works intermittently, try installing a new battery before doing anything else.

FCC Certification and Source of Parts

Is My Remotes Authority Transmitter FCC Certified?

Yes. Remotes Authority only sells transmitters that have been certified by the FCC. This certification ensures that the remote will transmit signal at an accepted power level and within an acceptably tight frequency distribution, which in turn assures the user that use of the remote will not affect other devices.

Is My Remotes Authority Remote The Same As My Original Remote?

Remotes Authority sells both original equipment (OE) transmitters and aftermarket remotes.

OE remotes are the same parts that came with the vehicle originally or are the vehicle manufacturer's current replacement for that part. They are the same remotes you would receive if you bought one from a vehicle dealership.

Aftermarket remotes are transmitters made by a non-OE manufacturer to duplicate the electronic characteristics of an OE remote. In most cases, Remotes Authority aftermarket remotes will have an FCC ID beginning with "RTE" or "2AHZT".