Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Transponder Key cost more than a plastic-head auto key?
The key is no longer a key. It is a high-tech device that communicates electronically with the vehicle’s engine computer with a unique security code. The majority of newer vehicles use smart keys that contain special-coded computer chips. The new anti-theft automotive computer technology is a very expensive component which was designed to protect against vehicle theft. The transponder key must be programmed to work with a particular vehicle. Programming these keys requires specialized diagnostic equipment operated by a trained technician.
Will a non-Transponder Key a vehicle?
No. A non-chipkey can be cut to open the door or trunk, but if the vehicle has a transponder key protected security system only a transponder key that is programmed with the matching code will operate the vehicle.
What do you mean by "factory-installed" keyless entry system?
Remote keyless entry (RKE) was an option on older cars but is becoming a standard equipment on many newer vehicles. The system consists of a control box/receiver unit, wiring harnes, and, the remote. "Factory-installed" system means the RKE system that was installed on your vehicle when it was built at the factory. If your car came from the factory with the RKE system, the remotes we offerl are the ones it came with.
Some cars may have an optional "dealer-installed" system. It may have been added to vehicles that did not have the factory system. Or it was upgraded to an alarm or a remote-start system. Some of these systems were branded and sold by the car dealers and manufacturers themselves and may even have the automobile manufacturer's name on it. But it is NOT the factory-installed system and the factory remotes will not work.
Also, If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, previous owner(s) MAY have installed an aftermarket system. There are many aftermarket systems available. They are not compatible with the factory system either. The factory system, if originally equipped, is usually disabled in those cases.
We shall do our best to provide the correct part(s) available for your vehicle. It is the your responsibility to determine if you have RKE on your vehicle(s), which system or remote(s) you need, and that you= are buying the correct one.
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.
My car has a remote key pad on the driver's door. Doesn't this mean I have remote keyless entry?
No it does not. The keypad is connected to your car's electric door lock mechanism. The remote keyless entry system is in addition to that.
How can I tell if my car has the factory remote keyless entry system?
The best thing to do is call a dealer. Usually, they 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.
Our main focus
We do not currently offer remote transmitters for aftermarket systems. 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 providel are for the factory-installed system. If you are not sure if you have a factory system, please contact us.
How many remotes or keys can I program to my vehicle?
In most cases RKE or transponder key systems allow at up to 4 (remotes and keys). Please contact your local dealer with your VIN numbers for detail. For example Hyundai systems allow only 2 remotes to be programmed to one car while Honda allows up to 4.
What is this 'programming' all about?
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.
Can somebody purchase a remote 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!
Will my remote open other similar vehicles?
No, it will not. Remotes must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. See "What is this programming all about?" above.
What are these numbers on the back of my remote?
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. We are able to determine which ones will work and which ones won't.
I have a European model. Will American spec remotes work with my car?
If your car is an import from the US or Canada it will work. If you have the European version vehicle, it will take a different remote. Those vehicles are subject to European regulations and operate on different radio frequencies (and thus take different remotes). We do not currently offer remotes for European vehicles.
Can I get an ordinary key cut if my car keys are lost?
If your vehicle is fitted with the Transponder Key system the best the cut key can do is open the doors of the vehicle. But, won’t start the vehicle.
Can I programe the Transponder Key myself?
If your vehicle is enabled to perform ONBOARD programming you can. Most modern vehicles have to be programmed with a specialized programming equipment which you may not be able to own because of a single car.
Do I have to program a new remote?
Yes. You MUST reprogram all working and new remotes for your vehicle at the same time. By programming it to your vehicle you ensure it will work on your car only. We provide free programming instructions for remotes purchased from us (there are some remotes that have to be programmed by professional).
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