At a recent trip to Walmart I happened to stop by the automotive department and noticed that they are now carrying transponder keys. They didn’t appear to have a huge selection but I definitely saw Ford and Nissan keys which seemed to be priced at about $50 dollars. The keys they are using are clonable which means they will use a scanner to read the chip value of the original key, swap the keys and then write that value to the new key. A very simple procedure and much easier than using a scan tool.

This is a step in the right direction for retailers, especially since transponder keys have been on the market for over 10 years and it’s still such a pain to have them duplicated. Hopefully more companys will follow suit and it will continue to get easier to have transponder keys made. Not that I don’t recommend showing some love to your local Locksmith (I do) but not all Locksmith’s have this capability. If you are in need of a new key you might want to check this out since it’s much cheaper than going to the dealer, as I’m sure many of you already know!

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• Tips for programming GM, Mazda and Ford Transponder Keys

Purchasing a keyless entry remote on eBay is a great way to save some money but there are a few things you should look out for before making your purchase, and some things you should know once you have received your new remote.

1. Verify that you will be able to program the remote yourself.

Most remotes are on board programmable but there are many that have to be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer. Double check the sellers description, most remotes that can be programmed by the customer will have it listed and usually, instructions will be provided at no extra charge. If you are unsure about this, contact the seller and double check with them before placing a bid.

Even if it turns out that you can’t program it yourself you can still save a great deal by skipping the dealer and purchasing online.

2. Check the feedback history of the seller.

Stick with sellers that have atleast a 97% feedback score or higher. If they do have negative feedback, read it and check for the sellers response to that feedback. Does it sound reasonable? Some buyers will leave a negative feedback even though it was not deserved. Reputable sellers will always list their shipping, handling and return polices up front, so check for that. I would also recommend doing a Google search on the sellers name, see what people are saying about him outside of eBay.

3. Make sure you order the correct remote for your vehicle.

Sounds silly but a lot of remotes made by the same manufacturer look similar but have completely different part numbers and if you get the wrong one, it might not work. The key here is not to order a remote based on looks alone. Make sure the auction states that it will work with your exact vehicle year make and model. Again, contact the seller if you are unsure about this.

4. Be patient while performing the program procedure. (on board program)

Some programming procedures have many steps and it may not work on your first, second or even third try. The best advice I can give for programming is to take it slow and one step at a time. Do not try to memorize the entire procedure all at once. Print it out and take it with you, read a step, perform it, continue to the second step and repeat until all the steps are completed.

5. Shop around for dealer programming. (dealer program)

Surprisingly, dealer pricing for this service can vary wildly. I’ve seen it range anywhere from free all the way up to $150.00. Do not accept a high price quote from a dealer looking to make a fast dollar, call around to different dealerships for the best price.

$25.00 – $50.00 is a reasonable price point.

Hopefully these tips will help you to make an informed purchase and help you save some money as well. As always, feel free to contact me here on the blog or by email with any keyless related questions or comments.

I am always glad to help.

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• Get a new Keyless Entry Remote

Jaguar flip key batteries can be tricky to replace, below is a detailed diagram with instructions for replacement. The text is also quoted below.

“Key transmitter battery renewal

When the battery needs renewal there will be a significant decrease in the effective range of the key transmitter. To renew the battery, follow the procedure below.

• Using a small, flat-blade screwdriver, separate and pull the transmitter (A) from the key body.

• Insert the screwdriver into the groove between the covers (B) and, by twisting the screwdriver, prise the covers apart.

• Unscrew and remove the small screw (C) and remove the printed circuit board, taking care not to touch the battery terminals. Remove the battery and dispose of it safely.

• Fit a new cell, type CR2032 (available from your Jaguar Dealer), with the side marked with the positive symbol (+) downwards in the battery receptacle. Avoid touching the new battery as moisture/oil from the fingers can reduce the life of the battery and corrode the contacts.

• Replace the printed circuit board making sure to engage the board under the securing tabs (D), and secure with the screw.

• Refit the cover and click into place with thumb pressure.

• Slide the transmitter back onto the key body.“

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Most newer Fords equipped with keyless entry are also coming with more advanced features such as smart locks, autolock, autounlock and the power door lock inhibit feature. Sounds great you say but what does all of that mean? In this post I will attempt to give an explanation for these features and at the end, list the various procedures for enabling/disabling them.

Ford Smart Lock Feature

The smart lock feature basically helps to keep you from locking your keys in the ignition. If you try to lock the doors using the power door lock button with the key still in the ignition and one of the doors open, it will lock and automatically unlock the doors to remind you that you left the key in the ignition. You can still lock the vehicle but you have to use another key in the door, the key fob or use the manual lock control on the door. If both doors are closed the vehicle can be locked using any method, even with the key in the ignition.

Ford AutoLock/AutoUnlock Feature

The autolock feature will automatically lock your doors when all of the doors are closed, the ignition is in the run position and the vehicle is traveling faster than twleve miles per hour. Autounlock is just the opposite in that it will unlock your doors after the vehicle comes to a stop, the ignition is turned off and the drivers door is opened. These features are only available with vehicles coming equipped with an automatic transmission.

Ford Power Door Lock Inhibit Feature

The power door lock inhibit feature will disable the power door locks (and trunk release) after the ignition is turned off and the vehicle is locked, using either the key fob or the drivers door (after it is opened and closed). The power door locks are then reenabled when the vehicle is unlocked using the key fob, any door is opened from the inside, or the ignition is turned on. I’m not real sure as to the usefulness of this feature but it can be disabled/enabled with an on board procedure.

Enabling/Disabling the Power Door Lock Inhibit Feature

1. Insert the key into the ignition, turn it to the RUN position. (do not start the vehicle)

2. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

4. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

5. Turn the ignition to the RUN position, the horn should chirp to indicate program mode.

6. Press the LOCK button two times using the drivers side door lock panel. The horn will chirp on time signaling the the feature is turned off. If the feature is turned on the horn with chirp one time and honk one time.

7. To exit program mode, turn the ignition OFF.

Enabling/Disabling the AutoLock Feature

1. Insert the key into the ignition, turn it to the RUN position. (do not start the vehicle)

2. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

4. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

5. Turn the ignition to the RUN position, the horn should chirp to indicate program mode.

6. Press UNLOCK, LOCK using the drivers side power door lock panel. The horn will chirp once if autolock is disabled or twice if it was enabled.

7. Turn the ignition OFF, the horn will chirp once to signal the procedure is complete.

Enabling/Disabling the AutoUnlock Feature

1. Insert the key into the ignition, turn it to the RUN position. (do not start the vehicle)

2. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

4. Press the UNLOCK button three times using the drivers side door lock panel.

5. Turn the ignition to the RUN position, the horn should chirp to indicate program mode.

6. Press LOCK, UNLOCK using the drivers side power door lock panel. The horn will chirp once if autounlock is disabled or twice if it was enabled.

7. Turn the ignition OFF, the horn will chirp once to signal the procedure is complete.

As always, check with your owners manual or local dealer to verify if your vehicle is equipped with these features.

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• Find a cheap Ford Keyless Entry Remote Fob

Most people don’t realize that Ford, Mazda and GM transponder keys can be programmed without a scan tool or a trip to the dealer. With Fords and Mazdas you will need to have two keys that are already programmed, GM’s require one key to be already programmed.

The procedure for Mazdas and Fords is as follows:

Insert the first programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the RUN position (do not start the engine), wait for the security light to go out, remove key.

Insert the second programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the RUN position (do not start the engine), wait for the security light to go out, remove key.

Insert the NEW key into the ignition, turn it to RUN (engine off), wait for the security light to go out.

The key is now Programmed.

The procedure for GM vehicles is similar except you only need to cycle the ignition once with the first key, take it out and insert the new key, turn the ignition to RUN (engine off). When the light goes out the key is programmed. This should work for all GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, Saturn and Hummer vehicles. This should be a time saver for people who would like to purchase these chip keys online.

To have these keys cut, any local Locksmith in your area should be able to do it for you at a very minimal charge.

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