Program Transponder Keys Without Special Equipment
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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December 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 am
is the same applicable to chyrsller Grand cherokee jeep 2001 model that is having an SKIM problem
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hi Emeka,
Unfortunately the Grand Cherokee requires a scan tool for programming. If you are needing a new SKIM module you might check Carmax if you have one in your area, they can usually get you a new one installed for under $300.
Good Luck
March 1st, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hi Mike. Can I re-program original GM (2007 Pontiac Torrent) keys lost but now recovered with new key I had cut and programmed at dealer using your instructions above? If not I guess I,ll have to get another key cut and use your instructions. Dealer of course says to have them do it.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Hi Mark,
Yes it should work. Start with the first programmed key, turn to run (don’t start it), wait about 3 seconds and switch to the next key, turn it to run, etc..
I think you should be able to program them all in sequence like this.
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
How do you program if you only have 1 key for each vehicle in the fleet on Ford vehicles ?? Also what if you dont have any key to vehicke , Please help
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Brian,
To program Ford keys without a scan tool you must have 2 programmed keys present, if you only have one key or no keys then you must use a scan tool to program the keys.
ie. dealer/locksmith…
May 11th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Hi Mike,
Can I program a 3rd key on my new 2010 Mazda 3 with the 2 keys that came with it? Thanks.
Ernie
May 17th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi Ernie,
Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. It would depend on what type of keys that came with the car.
If it came with:
1. Proximity Keys (credit card) – No
2. Flip Keys (transponder) – Maybe
3. Regular Keys (transponder) – Yes
May 29th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Thanks Mike.
Now I just need to find a 2010 Mazda 3 transponder key blank. Do you think it is the same as a 2009?
Ernie
September 25th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Hi Mike,
I have only one Mazda key, so I will need to get a new one coded by a scan of existing key. I understand that the dealer and various lock smiths can do this.
Will a scan and code make an IDENTICAL key? If so, can this new key, plus my original be used to programme a third as described in the article? Or do the two keys have to have different IDs? I assume inserting the same key twice in the procedure won’t work, which implies unique IDs, but is a scan read to copy giving me a unique ID for the new key?
Thanks
September 29th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Hi James,
Yes the new key will have a unique transponder id and so you will be able to add a 3rd key with it. Hope that helps..
October 30th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Hi James,
I am in the same position as you. I was wondering if you were able to program your third key?
Thanks,
Jon
January 4th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hi can you use the 2 key procedure on an 07 toyota tundra?
January 19th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
need help programming a 2009 jeep patriot key i have tried to program the blank allready whats the procedure
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
What’s the procedure to program a transponder key for a 2002 oldsmobile silhouette?
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:58 am
does the procedure for programming gm cars work for nissan as well?
February 10th, 2010 at 9:16 am
I have 2000 windstar and I have just one key, can I used the solus sccaner to reprograming the key, o do I needed a diferent sccaner thans mike
February 12th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
i have a ford ranger and i only have one key is there any way around paying the dealer fee of a hundred dollars to get another working key for my car???
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
hi
how can i program a blank key for a 2007 nissan sentra i only have one programed key please help.
email is spoons027@gmail.com
February 24th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
i just got off the phone with the dealer…
i only have one key and they want to charge me $125 for 1 key!!!
thats Bull.. =(
i have a 03′ ford focus…
March 20th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Hi
Lost the only set of keys that I had. Got a key cut at the dealer but its not programmed. I remember before when this happened to me before someone that works at the dealership gave me the manual instructions to program the key. That dealership is now closed & of course its been a few years & I’ve misplaced the instructions. I need the instr. To program a 2003 Buick Rendevous w/o any keys. It is way to expesive for me to tow the vehicle into the dealership & pay them too. Help me please…..
March 26th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Tried this for 2 repalcement keys for my ’01 Pontiac Montana and it worked exactly as you said. THANK YOU so much you saved me HUNDREDS!!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Hi,
I have serviced my ’06 Mazda 3 and it seems as if the key codes have dissapeared. How can I program my keys so that my car will start.
Malcolm
April 24th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I tried this with my 2001 Mazda Tribute today and it worked great! My ignition key cylinder was broken and locking up constantly. I would have to jiggle my key for up to 20 minutes to crank the car (it had nothing to do with steering wheel or shifter lock – the cylinder was busted). If at home sometimes I would resort to getting out a sander to vibrate the key while in the ignition and get it to turn. I was ready to take a sledge hammer to the car. I didn’t do any internet research on replacing the key cylinder until today because I figured it would be a big miserable job…but it wasn’t!!! To get to the cylinder, remove the 3 screws on the bottom side of the plastic steering column cover. Remove cover – use a screw driver to pry apart. Turn key to run position (don’t start engine). There is a pin on the bottom of the cylinder which is now exposed- take a small screw driver and push the pin in and pull on key. Cylinder should slide out. Get a new Ford Escape cylinder at the auto parts store (I payed $86, comes with two keys), note: the parts store will not have one for Mazda – many Mazda parts you can only get at the dealer for an outrageous price. If you are replacing the cylinder with a new one, then you cannot do the procedure as listed at the top of this blog because it takes too long to switch out the cylinders (especially if your cylinder is busted and you have trouble turning the key). Here’s what I did: Do the procedure above, but do it with NO cylinder installed…
1. take some long needle nose pliers (forceps work best because they lock).
2. Grab the receiver knob that the end of the key cylinder normally engages near the center of the steering column.
3. Take each key and insert in into the open cylinder hole alongside the pliers (this simulates the key being in the cylinder)
4. Push in and turn the pliers (ignition knob) and the first original key at the same time to run position.
5. Wait for the key light to go off on the dash and turn pliers/key back to off position…note, if key light is flashing, tilt pliers slightly and try again.
6. Repeat with second original key and then the new key. You may have to try a few times (I had to) and tilt the pliers a bit if they interfere with programming (key light flashing).
Once the key light comes on solid for a second or two and goes off with all three keys (not flashing) then you have it. Repeat process with original keys and other new key. Insert new cylinder and try it out…car should start! Install column plastic cover. You will still need to carry an original key to open the doors unless you fully trust that your keyless entry fob will always work. I would estimate this job to take about 20-30 minutes if you have the tools and new cylinder ready when you start. I was VERY skeptical when I tried this, but it worked great for me and I thank Mike a bunch!!…Good luck with yours!
June 7th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I was trying to program a 4th key for a 2010 Mazda 3 and it didn’t work. Now my key light continues to blink when the car is off. Does anyone know why this happened and how to correct it? I believe the multiple tries triggered something.
July 10th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
you said this works for all GM vehicles? what about an 09 pontiac vibe (toyota matrix twin), do I have to go by Toyota procedure? please advise. thanks
July 12th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Mike, I have a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander and I lost the original key. The dealer in town cut me a transponder key and said it should work. My wife tried it and the car will not start. The dealer told me to have the vehicle towed to their service department to have the computer programmed to the key. Is their anyway around this? Can I program the key on my own? Please help. Josh
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
hello
have a 08 ford escape, it only came with one key and i am planning to buy from the dealer a new key (no buttons, just the key for 90 cdn$). So i will now have one key/transponder and on regular key. My plan is then to purchase a flip key from ebay, would i be able to program the transponder part of it with the two keys i have?
thanks
July 25th, 2010 at 8:07 am
I have a 2005 Cadillac SRX. The key fob marked #1 got wet and does not work. I understand that the replacement wireless remotes will require the dealer or locksmith to program. Is that a must? Anyway to Do this yourself without expensive tools?
Thanks,
mroffman@yahoo.com
August 17th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Can I do this with only one key ? I have a Saturn Relay.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
hello i have a pontiac soltice 2008, i change the ecm(computer) do i need to reprogram a new ignition key or i can use the original one of the car and get reprogram again thank you
September 26th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Hello, i lost one of the 2 keys for a 2004 mazda, i ordered a new key online for $29.00. lost instruction to program from package. it seems that every instruction to program a key you need to have the two originals? why is that?
My question is what if you only have one programed key and need the new one to be programed..im sure this is the main reason why people are having to order another key.
January 13th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Hello I have a 99 taurus and I have replaced the steering column…..the damage to my car requires me to use a new cylinder also. So I have to use an entirely new key. Will the new column work in my car. Also the column is from a 95 la sable.
January 30th, 2011 at 10:12 am
The directions did not work for me. They seem to leave out a critical step that I found in a locksmith’s manual for Mazdas and Fords post 2001 models. (I have a 2011 Mazdaspeed 3).
Those instructions say the key to be programmed must be done within ten seconds of the second key (which itself must be done within five seconds of the first key).
A critical step is to leave the key to be programmed in the lock in the off position for 10 MINUTES at the end of the procedure. I could not accomplish programming without this step.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Is there anyway to programme a Mazda (MX5) with only having one key (bought the car second hand and only got one key)
thanks for your help
March 24th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Do u have to reprogram the key or the computer on a 03 f 150 when u change the gauge cluster?
April 16th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Your instructions are by far the simplest, and easiest, that I have found. So I was skeptical, but they WORKED THE 1ST TIME I tried on my 2010 Mazda 3. I was able to program my 3rd and 4th key as well.
I bought my key blank keys from Ikeyless.com on Amazon.com. Their complicated instructions repeatedly did not work.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
April 30th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Can I program ford ranger with one key?
May 18th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Have a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Key that we tried to program following the instructions in the book. Didn’t work. Now what do I do? Do we need to take it to a dealership or is there another method to try to reprogram the key? Any help appreciated!