Key Fob Programming in Savannah

What "programming a fob" really means

Every modern fob is paired to a specific vehicle through the immobilizer module. The fob sends a rolling code to the car when you press a button or walk up to the door. The car checks that code against a list of paired keys and either acts on it or ignores it. Programming a new fob means adding it to that list — and sometimes deleting old fobs from it.

Some makes can be put into a "self-learn" programming mode through a key sequence. Others require a diagnostic tool plugged into the OBD-II port. A few European brands need an online security token from the manufacturer. We have the tools and the relationships for all three categories on the makes we work with.

Why a hardware-store remote does not just work

You can buy a blank fob shell for almost any car online for $20. The shell is the easy part. The chip inside still has to be programmed, and the mechanical key inside the shell still has to be cut to your specific lock. Without those two steps, the fob is a paperweight. We bring the cutting equipment and the programmer to the car.

What about smart keys / push-to-start

Smart keys are programmed the same way as transponder fobs but typically take longer because the proximity antennas in the vehicle have to be paired. We work on most push-to-start systems. A handful of newer luxury models require dealer-only tooling, and we will tell you on the phone if yours is one.

Common situations we see in Savannah

• Bought a fob online and need it programmedBring it. If the chip and frequency match your vehicle, we can usually program it on site.
• Replaced the battery and now the fob is "lost"On some makes, a battery swap forces a re-pair. Quick fix at the car.
• Adding a spare smart key for a second driverCheaper as an add-on visit than as an emergency later.
• All keys lostWe can usually generate a new key from scratch and pair it through the diagnostic port.
• Remote works for unlock but not lock or trunkOften a fob shell or membrane issue, sometimes a programming issue. We diagnose at the car.
• Push-to-start vehicle no longer detects the keyCould be a dead fob battery, a failed antenna, or a programming issue. We test all three.

What affects the price

Locksmith pricing is rarely a flat fee because no two jobs are the same. A house lockout on Tybee Road at noon is a different job than a high-security rekey for a downtown short-term rental. We'll always quote a price range over the phone before we drive out, and confirm the final price before any work starts.

• Type of fobA basic remote head key, a flip key, and a proximity smart key are three different price points.
• Whether you supply the fobCustomer-supplied fobs are fine if they match the vehicle. We will verify before programming.
• Number of fobs being programmedTwo at once is cheaper per fob than two on separate visits.
• Vehicle make and yearSome makes require online security tokens that have a separate cost.

What to have ready before you call

A short call goes faster when you have a few details handy. None of this is required — we'll work with whatever you have — but it helps us send the right tools and the right tech.

• VIN and exact vehicle yearCritical for ordering or verifying the right fob.
• Any existing fobs you still haveBring all of them, including the broken ones.
• Proof of ownershipSame as for any automotive locksmith service.
• Where the vehicle is parkedProgramming has to happen at the car.

Local service area

We program key fobs across Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth, the islands, and surrounding Chatham County.

Frequently asked questions