Mobile Locksmith · Phoenix & the Valley
Key Fob Programming in Phoenix, AZ
Key fob programming where your car is parked
Desert Locksmith is a mobile locksmith. Our van carries remotes, smart keys, key blanks, a key machine and the programming equipment, so we set up your new fob right where your car is: in your driveway, at work or in a parking lot. No tow truck and no waiting days for a dealer appointment. Most key fob jobs are finished in under an hour.
What we program
- Remote head keys: the key and the lock and unlock buttons in one piece. We cut the key and program both the chip and the remote.
- Separate remotes: keyless entry fobs that lock, unlock and open the trunk.
- Push-to-start smart keys: proximity fobs that let the car unlock and start while the fob stays in your pocket.
- The emergency key inside your smart key: most smart keys hide a small metal key that opens the driver’s door when the fob battery dies. We cut it to your car, so it actually works when you need it.
We carry original factory fobs (OEM) and quality aftermarket fobs that cost less. We tell you both prices on the phone so you can choose.
How key fob programming works
Every fob has two parts inside: a transponder chip that the car reads before it lets the engine start, and a remote transmitter for the buttons. The car only answers to fobs stored in its memory. To add yours, we:
- Check your car and the fob part number, so the fob matches your car’s frequency and system.
- Connect our programmer to the car’s diagnostic port. On protected models, we get the security code through our NASTF registration.
- Add the new fob to the car’s memory, and cut the metal key if the fob has one.
- Test everything with you there: lock, unlock, trunk, panic, start and the door key.
Some older cars let owners add a remote with a button sequence. Most newer cars, and every push-to-start car, need programming equipment.
Thinking of buying a fob online?
Call us first. Many fobs sold online are the wrong frequency or part number for the car, and a smart key that was already programmed to another car often can’t be used again. Give us your year, make and model, and we’ll tell you what fits before you spend money on the wrong part.
Fob stopped working? Check these first
- Replace the battery. Phoenix heat is hard on fob batteries. A fob that sits in a hot car all summer can lose range or die early. See why key fobs fail in Phoenix.
- Push-to-start says “key not detected”? On many cars you can hold the fob right against the start button, and the car reads it even with a weak battery.
- Locked out with a dead fob? Use the hidden metal key to open the driver’s door.
- Still not working? A fob that was dropped, got wet or cracked may be damaged inside. We can replace the case, or supply and program a new fob.
Makes we work on
American: Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Chrysler. Japanese: Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Korean: Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. We do not work on Tesla.
Key types and what to expect for the most common makes: Toyota keys, Ford keys, Chevy & GMC keys, Nissan keys, Hyundai & Kia keys and Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler & Ram keys. Not sure which key you have? See car key types explained. Need a regular key cut and programmed? See car key replacement.
What to have ready
For your protection, we program fobs only for the owner. Please have your photo ID and proof of ownership, such as the registration or title. Desert Locksmith is a NASTF-registered Vehicle Security Professional, and for some protected models the name on your ID and registration must match.
Bring every key and fob you still have for the car. On some models, the car keeps only the fobs that are present during programming.
Why not just go to the dealer?
A dealer usually needs the car brought in, which can mean a tow if you have no working fob, and the fob may take days to order. We come to you, usually the same day, and program the fob at your car. You talk to the locksmith who does the work, and you get the price before we drive out.
Key fob programming FAQ
How long does key fob programming take?
For most cars, under an hour at your car. That includes cutting the metal key if your fob has one, and testing every button before we leave.
Can you program a new fob if I lost all my keys?
Yes. We program a new fob from scratch at your car, with no tow to the dealer. On many models we can also erase the lost fob from the car.
Do you come to me?
Yes. We are fully mobile and program the fob where your car is parked, in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria and Paradise Valley.
Can I program a key fob myself?
Some older cars let the owner add a remote with a button sequence from the owner’s manual. Most newer cars, and every push-to-start car, need programming equipment, and the metal key inside the fob still has to be cut to your lock.
How much does key fob programming cost?
It depends on the year, make and model and the type of fob. Call us with your car’s details and we give you the price on the phone before we drive out. That is the price you pay.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Fobs and keys we supply come with a 3-month warranty, and every fob is tested on your car before we leave.
Do you install remote start?
No. We program remotes and smart keys, but we don’t install aftermarket remote start systems.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm. If you’re stuck after hours, call anyway. If we’re free, we’ll come.
Need a key fob programmed? Call (602) 301-5243. You’ll talk to the locksmith and get the price before we drive out.
When you need a real locksmith in Phoenix, AZ or the surrounding cities you can count on Desert Locksmith every time.
We’ll come to you when you need us!
Our locksmith service is available in the following areas:
Phoenix | Tempe | Paradise Valley | Scottsdale | Glendale | Mesa | Chandler | Peoria