"Reprogramming a key fob" covers a few different situations, and the process (and price) depends on which one you're actually in. Here's the breakdown.
Adding a spare key (you still have at least one working key)
This is the simplest and fastest case. If you have one working key or fob, most vehicles can have an additional key added and programmed same-day, often in well under an hour. The existing key is used to authorize the new one, so there's no need to touch the vehicle's security module directly.
All keys lost
If you don't have a single working key, the vehicle's immobilizer system has to be accessed directly (through the OBD port, or in some cases by programming a replacement module outside the vehicle) to teach it a brand new key from scratch. This takes longer and, on many vehicles, requires the vehicle's VIN and sometimes a security PIN or module removal — which is why all-keys-lost services are priced and scoped a bit differently than a simple spare-key add.
What to have ready before you start
- Your VIN (on the dashboard by the windshield, or on your registration/insurance card)
- Year, make, and model
- Whether you have zero, one, or more working keys right now
- Whether the vehicle starts with a traditional key turn, a push button, or a fob-in-slot
That's usually enough for us to confirm the right service and give you an accurate turnaround before anything is scheduled. If your situation involves a module that needs to be sent in rather than programmed on-site, we'll walk you through exactly how that shipping process works before you commit to anything.