A remote keyless entry system is a type of electronic locking system used in modern vehicles to control access to the car. As its name implies, the system uses a handheld device to lock or unlock vehicle doors. Keyless entry systems may use traditional fob remotes or advanced Smart Keys.
What is remote keyless entry system and do I need Key Fob Programming?
Key fobs, also known as keyless entry remotes, are useful in controlling your car’s locks, trunk, panic alarm and even remote starter from hundreds of feet away.
Vehicle security has come a long way over the years. Early vehicles used mechanical locks and key combinations to unlock car doors. These days, modern vehicles come equipped with sophisticated locking systems that are more secure than their predecessor. While the auto industry is heading towards keyless entry systems, mechanical door locks are still widely used.
As with other mechanical locks, traditional car locks can be lock picked. On the other hand, keyless entry locks are harder to break since the locks are electronic and secured with codes that are hard to crack.
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- COMPATIBLE WITH FCC ID: OHT01060512 / V2T01060512. For Full Compatible List, Please Check Our Product Description and Vehicle Fitment Tool. Each 5 Buttons Flip Key Fob Remote Start Control Replacement Comes with Batteries and Electronics, It Is Fully Installed and Is Pre-Tested to Ensure Quality. This Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Chevrolet Equinox Camaro 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Cruze 2011-2016 Malibu 2014-2016 Impala 2014-2019 Sonic 2012-2017
- REPLACEMENT: This Keyless Entry Remote Start Control Car Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Part Numbers: 13504199, 13574863, 20979468, 13504259, 13504204 5924369, 5912548, 5912556, 5913397, 5912545 OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC Note: It only Supports Regular Key Vehicles, It Doesn’t Supports Push Start Button Vehicles
- PROGRAMMING: Self-Programming Instructions Link Will Be Provided with Every Order. Uncut Key Blade Needs to Be Cut by Local Locksmith or Hardware Shop. WILL NOT WORK FOR VEHICLES WITH PASSIVE ENTRY (also called PEPS, push button ignition, smart key or proximity system)
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- PACKING: 1X Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob with Electronics and Battery
A more advanced form of keyless entry key allows the car owner to open the car doors and start the engine without physically pressing a button or inserting a mechanical key. These so-called “smart keys” rely wholly on sensors to unlock doors and start the ignition. However, smart keys still use mechanical keys as a backup.
How does the keyfob security system work
The keyfob system affects two aspects of vehicle security: vehicle entry and ignition. The system uses transmitters, transceivers, or transponders. These devices communicate by emitting and receiving radio signals. When the onboard computer receives a signal from the receiver, it then sends out a signal to the actuators on the car doors to unlock or lock them.
All key fobs operate at a frequency between 300 and 400 MHz. To prevent other car owners from accessing your vehicle, keyfob signals must be unique. The keyless entry system uses “rolling” or “hopping” codes to generate this unique signal. Codes are changed every time the keyfob is used. Hence the name is rolling or hopping.
In addition to excluding other keyfobs, rolling codes deter thieves using code grabbing devices since the codes are refreshed each time the key fob is used. Keyfob codes are also encrypted, making it extremely hard for thieves to crack the signals.
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Some key fobs come with engine immobilizers for added security. The system is designed to prevent the engine from being hot-wired by preventing fuel flow to the engine. Just like the keyless entry system, the engine immobilizer operates through radio signals and uses rolling codes that are refreshed each use.
Immobilizers provide extra security, especially when the mechanical key that came with the fob is duplicated. The duplicate key won’t be recognized by the vehicle even if it is an exact duplicate. The key fob must contain the code that the vehicle’s ignition system identifies for it to work.
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- HONDA KEY FOB SHELL REPLACEMENT: Replacement key fob shell case for select Honda vehicles, including 2003-2014 Accord, 2006-2013 Civic EX, 2009-2015 Pilot, and 2005-2006 CR-V. Please compare your original remote shape and button layout with the product images before ordering.
- SHELL ONLY (NO ELECTRONICS / NO CHIP INCLUDED): This is a replacement key fob shell only — no circuit board, battery, or electronics included. Move your original internals into this car key cover.
- NO CUTTING REQUIRED: Easy DIY installation. Move your existing key blade and internal components from your original remote into the new shell. No cutting or locksmith required.
- GREAT FOR WORN or BROKEN KEY FOBS: Perfect for replacing a cracked, damaged, or worn Honda key fob case while keeping your original working internals. A simple solution to refresh your remote’s appearance and usability.
- TRANSPONDER CHIP REQUIRED TO START CAR: If your original key fob has a transponder chip, you must transfer it (some users secure it with a small amount of glue). Without the chip, the vehicle may not start.
The more advanced smart-key system operates just like keyless entry remotes. Smart keys use radio signals and rolling codes too. However, the difference is that intelligent keys use sensors to detect the proximity of the smart key (and the person holding it) to the vehicle. The smart-key system automatically unlocks the doors, disengages the immobilizer, and starts the ignition when it senses that the key is nearby.
What you need to reprogram when key fob programming comes in question (software, tools, etc.)
Fob replacement is not as straightforward as replacing your TV remote. The keyfob needs to be reprogrammed in order for the onboard computer to recognize the new fob. You may also have to program new fobs you intend as spares.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Reprogramming your keyfob can be done manually or by using programming devices. Most modern vehicles have built-in keyfob programming features. The programming procedure may vary from model to model, but the crucial steps are the same. Basically, the car is manually set to programming mode to recognize the fob to be programmed.
Key Fobs can also be reprogrammed using dedicated key programming devices or software applications. (Provide device and software examples)
How do you reprogram remote key fobs?
Before programming your remote key, make sure that its battery has sufficient charge to power the device. To program remote keyfobs without immobilizers, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Get inside your vehicle and lock the doors.
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- KEY FOB COVER / KEY FOB CASE REPLACEMENT: Replacement key fob cover / key fob case — swap your original cut key blade into the new shell (DIY, no locksmith, no cutting).
- FITMENT: HONDA 3-BUTTON KEY FOB SHELL: Fits popular Honda models including Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, CR-Z (common shopper searches include 2006–2013 Civic, 2007–2013 CR-V, 2005–2008 Pilot—match your remote to photos/part numbers to confirm).
- MATCH PART NUMBERS BEFORE BUYING: Compatible with common P/Ns: MLBHLIK-1T, N5F-S0084A, CWTWB1U545, OUCG8D-380H-A (compare your remote + button layout to listing images). 3-Button remote shell (LOCK / UNLOCK / PANIC layout).
- SHELL ONLY (NO ELECTRONICS / NO CHIP INCLUDED): This is a replacement key fob shell only — no circuit board, battery, or electronics included. Move your original internals into this car key cover.
- TRANSPONDER CHIP REQUIRED TO START CAR: If your original fob has a transponder chip, you must transfer it (some users secure it with a small amount of glue). Without the chip, the vehicle may not start.
Step 2: Make sure that the door locks are engaged not to disrupt the reprogramming process.
Step 3: Insert your car key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
Step 4: While the key is in the “ON” position, press the “Lock” button on the keyfob.
Step 5:Turn the key back to the “OFF” position.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 in quick succession, at least four times until you can hear the lock cycle.
Step 7: Test the reprogrammed fob if it’s working.
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- HIGH-QUALITY: Every Single Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob is Fully Pre-tested by Professional Locksmith Tools before Shipping. All Our Key Fobs are Pre-installed with Battery and Electronics.
- COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with FCC ID OHT01060512 / V2T01060512. Please Check Our Product Description and Vehicle Fitment Tool for Full Compatible Vehicles List. This Remote Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Chevrolet Equinox Camaro 2010-2019 Cruze 2011-2016 Malibu 2014-2016 Impala 2014-2019 Sonic 2012-2017
- REPLACEMENT: This Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Part Numbers: 13504200, 13504205, 13585811, 5912555, 5913396 Compatible With Buick LaCrosse 2010-2016 Regal 2011-2017 Verano 2012-2017 Encore 2014-2019 Allure 2010-2012 GMC Terrain 2010-2021
- PROGRAMMING: Self-Programming Instructions Link Will Be Provided with Every Order. Uncut Key Blade Needs to Be Cut by Local Locksmith or Hardware Shop.
- PACKING LIST: 2 X Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob with Electronics and Battery Pre-Installed. Ready to Program.
Step 8: If all checks out, congratulations! You’ve successfully programmed your fob.
How do you reprogram smart key fobs with immobilizers?
Reprogramming smart fobs with immobilizers is more difficult than the standard keyless entry fobs. This is so because the immobilizer system has its own security code. This is also true when programming fobs with duplicate mechanical keys.
Before programming your duplicate key fob, make sure that the key’s blank blade is machined to match the profile of the original key. To program smart keys, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Insert the unprogrammed duplicate key into the ignition switch,
Step 2: Connect your programming device to the OBD2 port of your vehicle.
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- HIGH-QUALITY: Every Single Keyless Entry Remote Start Control Car Key Fob is Fully Pre-tested by Professional Locksmith Tools before Shipping. All Our Key Fobs are Pre-installed with Battery and Electronics.
- COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with FCC ID OHT01060512 / V2T01060512. Please Check Our Product Description and Vehicle Fitment Tool for Full Compatible Vehicles List. This Remote Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Chevrolet Equinox Camaro 2010-2019 Cruze 2011-2016 Malibu 2014-2016 Impala 2014-2019 Sonic 2012-2017
- REPLACEMENT: This Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob Replacement Is Compatible with Part Numbers: 13504199, 13574863, 20979468, 13504259, 13504204 Compatible With Buick LaCrosse 2010-2016 Regal 2011-2017 Verano 2012-2017 Encore 2014-2019 Allure 2010-2012 GMC Terrain 2010-2021
- PROGRAMMING: Self-Programming Instructions Link Will Be Provided with Every Order. Uncut Key Blade Needs to Be Cut by Local Locksmith or Hardware Shop.
- PACKING LIST: 2 X Keyless Entry Remote Start Control Key Fob with Electronics and Battery Pre-Installed. Ready to Program.
Step 3: Run the programming software compatible with your vehicle and your programming device. (See example above)
Step 4: Carefully follow the instructions prompted by your programming device.
Step 5: Wait for the programming device to program your fob with a new code.
Step 6: Check if the key is recognized by your vehicle by starting the ignition.
Step 7: If everything is in order, you’ve successfully programmed your key.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Does AutoZone program key fobs?
Technically, no. AutoZone does not offer reprogramming services per se. However, the automotive retailer sells replacement keyfobs, and you could ask their salesperson to assist you in reprogramming your new fob.
How much does it cost to program a key fob?
Fob reprogramming typically costs between $50 to $100. It can even go as high as $500 for more advanced fobs. Expect to shell out upwards of $200 in the dealership if you need a key replacement to go along with your newly programmed keyfob. Certified locksmiths usually charge around $25 less than the dealership.
Do aftermarket key fobs work?
Yes. Aftermarket key fobs work on almost any vehicle provided that they are compatible with your vehicle. Before buying a replacement or a spare fob, always check your old fob’s model number to ensure compatibility.
Can any key fob work in any car?
No. Key fob signals are changed every time the fob is used to exclude other fobs and discourage thieves. Also, the signals are encrypted for added security.
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