Adding a fob to your vehicle. Replacing a broken or lost fob. Reprogramming after battery change wiped the codes. We program fobs via OBD-II for most makes since 2008 — in your driveway, no tow.
Key fob programming for Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, RAM, Jeep, Tesla, and most others 2008+.
Cost: $80-180 for adding a fob you already have, $200-450 for buying + programming a new fob. Tesla phone app pair is free service.
Programming via OBD-II port using Autel, Xhorse, and Smart Pro diagnostic tools. 15-60 minutes typical.
Basic remote (lock/unlock/panic). Older vehicles 1996-2005. Programmed via dash sequence or OBD-II. Typically $80-160 including a new fob if needed.
Remote head key (metal blade + buttons). Mid-2000s onward. Common on F-150 2008+, Silverado 2007+, Camry 2007+. Programmed via OBD-II. $160-290 cut + program.
Smart key / proximity / push-to-start. 2008+ on most makes. No insertion in ignition needed — fob just has to be in the cabin. Programming pairs the fob to the immobilizer ECU via OBD-II. $280-500 depending on make.
Tesla. Phone app pair is free service via your Tesla account. Key cards are $50-90 each programmed on-site. Key fobs (Model S/X only currently) $280-380.
Some makes have become dealer-only over time as manufacturers lock down programming access. Notable: newer BMW (post-2019), some VW / Audi platforms with MQB security, certain Ford 2022+ Sync 4. We tell you on the phone if your specific year/make is dealer-only.
'My fob stopped working' is sometimes a battery, sometimes a programming issue. Quick test before you call:
Open the fob and check the battery. Most use CR2032, CR2025, or CR2450 coin cells. Battery should read 3.0V+ on a multimeter. Replace it — does the fob work?
If new battery doesn't fix it — the fob may have lost programming (some vehicles wipe codes after battery removal). Reprogramming is $80-140.
If new battery and reprogramming both fail — the fob hardware itself may have failed (water damage, drop damage, age). Replacement fob + program: $200-450.
We do the diagnostic in your driveway. If it's just a battery, that's $40-60 including the battery and we're gone in 5 minutes.
| Service | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adding fob you already have (most makes) | $80 - $180 | Programming only. |
| Buy + program new fob (basic remote) | $140 - $220 | Older vehicles. |
| Buy + program new fob (smart key / push-to-start) | $280 - $500 | Mainstream makes. |
| Buy + program new fob (luxury European) | $480 - $780 | BMW / Mercedes / Audi. |
| Fob battery replacement | $40 - $60 | Including battery. |
| Tesla key card programming | $50 - $90 | Per card. |
| Tesla phone app pair | Free service | Just bring the phone. |
| Decision | Mobile locksmith (us) | Dealer | AutoZone / Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comes to your driveway | Yes | No - tow / drive in | No |
| Programs smart-key proximity fobs | Yes (most makes) | Yes | No |
| Tests range + all functions | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Cost for adding a fob you already have | $80-180 | $120-280 | Doesn't program |
| Cost for new smart key + program | $280-500 | $425-750 | Doesn't program |
Real person on the phone in under 2 rings. Locksmith on-site in 15-30 minutes. Honest price before any tools come out.
Call (772) 284-5142Adding a fob you already have: $80-180 (programming only). Buying + programming a new fob ranges $140-450 depending on type (basic remote vs smart key vs luxury European). Fob battery replacement is $40-60 if that's all it needs.
For some older vehicles (2002-2010 GM trucks, some Hondas, certain Chryslers), yes — there's a dash sequence that works without tools. For most modern vehicles, no — programming requires OBD-II access with proper tools (Autel, Xhorse, Smart Pro) that cost $500-2000. Cheap 'universal' fobs on Amazon are often counterfeit chips that won't pair to your immobilizer.
AutoZone will sell aftermarket fobs and sometimes batteries, but doesn't program transponder or smart keys — they only do basic remote-only fobs in select cases. Walmart sells fobs but doesn't program. For anything beyond basic 1990s-2000s remotes, you need a locksmith or dealer.
Adding a fob: 15-45 minutes most makes. New fob (cut + program): 30-90 minutes. Tesla phone pair: 90 seconds. Luxury European programming sometimes takes 60-120 minutes because of OEM security checks.
Three common causes: (1) cheap battery from a discount source — use Energizer / Duracell / Panasonic CR2032 / CR2025 / CR2450 only; (2) auto-relock or panic-button getting bumped in a pocket; (3) the fob's transmitter circuit is failing and consuming abnormal current — fob replacement needed. We test current draw if needed.
Yes — programming for used vehicles is just as straightforward as new. You need the vehicle title or registration in your name to verify ownership.
Key fob programming visits go everywhere in PSL — driveways across Tradition, Magnolia Lakes, St Lucie West, Sandpiper Bay, plus dealership lots and the parking lots of Treasure Coast Square, Tradition Field, and the various Publix / Walmart locations.
Last updated: 2026-05-17