Key Fob Programming in Idaho Falls, ID

Is it the battery or the programming?

A key fob runs on a small coin cell, and Idaho Falls weather is hard on it at both ends of the year. Title 9, Chapter 5 of the City Code sets snow parking rules that apply between November 14 and March 15, and cold across those months lowers a battery's output, so a fob that was weak in fall may stop reaching the car on a frosty morning. In summer, a fob left on a sunny dashboard runs down sooner.

Before arranging programming, try a fresh battery of the type printed on the old one. If the range comes back, nothing needs programming. Moisture is the other risk: a fob dropped in snow or carried in a wet glove can corrode inside, so let a wet fob dry open before testing it. Programming is needed when a fob is new, or when the car no longer recognizes a fob that has a good battery.

Where the car is parked

Programming generally happens at the car, so where it sits matters.

• On the street in season. Section 9-5-4 bars parking on arterial and collector streets signed "No Parking Any Time," and after a posted snow event the Zone A and Zone B limits apply (see car lockout). If the fob has failed and the car cannot be started, give the street and your snow zone.
• In a garage or lot. Say which bay, row or space, and leave room to open the doors.

This is general information, not legal advice.

What to have ready

1. Every fob and key for the car, working or not. Some cars erase any fob that is not present during programming.
2. The VIN, from the registration or the plate at the base of the windshield.
3. Year, make and model, and whether it starts with a push button or a turned key.
4. Photo ID and the registration or title in your name.
5. For a fob bought online, its part number; not every aftermarket fob works with every car.

The key fob programming page covers the service. For a lost key rather than a fob, see car key replacement; for the wider picture, the automotive locksmith page and Idaho Falls.