Key Fob Programming in Lexington, KY

Fob or battery?

Rule out the battery before anything is reprogrammed. NOAA's Kentucky climate summary counts more than three days a year below 0°F in the north of the state and fewer than one in the south, and batteries in key fobs lose output in hard cold. A fob that worked through the fall and quits on a frigid January morning may only need a fresh battery, so replace it before winter and keep the mechanical key. If the buttons still do nothing, or the car no longer recognizes the fob, it may need pairing again.

Where the pairing happens

Pairing generally needs the fob inside or beside the car, so the car has to be reachable and stay put for the visit.

• In a downtown LexPark garage, such as the Courthouse garage on Barr Street, give the garage, the level and a nearby stairwell or column marker.
• At a downtown meter, remember that LexPark enforces meters from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and not on weekends or LFUCG-designated holidays.
• For an apartment complex, name the building and the space, and mention any gate the visit has to pass.
• On a street, choose a spot where the driver's door opens fully and someone can sit in the car while the fob is paired.

What to have ready

1. Every fob and key for the car, working or not; how a pairing treats a fob left at home depends on the vehicle.
2. The VIN, from the label on the driver's door jamb or from the title.
3. The vehicle's year, make and model, and whether it uses push-button start.
4. A photo ID and the registration.

If every key and fob is gone, the job is car key replacement, not programming. See key fob programming for the service, and the Lexington page for notes on downtown parking.