Key Fob Programming in Santa Fe, NM

Rule out the battery and the storm

A fob that stops responding is often a tired battery, so try a fresh one before anything is programmed. If the fob works in the afternoon and fails at first light, say so in your request.

The Western Regional Climate Center's description of New Mexico offers one weather point that bears on fobs. July and August bring 30 to 40 percent of the year's moisture over most of the state, almost entirely in brief but often intense thunderstorms. A fob that rode through a downpour in a pocket may need a new battery or shell rather than programming, so let it dry and try a fresh battery first. If it still fails, programming is the next step.

Garage, street and home

A fob can behave differently from one parking spot to another. Try it at the car door on a street, then again inside a downtown garage, before you decide the fob is at fault. If it works on the street but not in a garage, name the garage when you ask. The city's Parking Division oversees the Railyard, Sandoval and Community Convention Center garages. When you request programming, say whether the car will be on the street, in a public garage or in a private garage or driveway at home.

What to have ready

1. Every working fob and key for the car. Say if any fob is lost, since a full set of lost keys is a car key replacement job.
2. The VIN, and the car's make, model and year.
3. Photo ID and your registration or title.
4. If you bought the new fob yourself, the part number or FCC ID printed on it and where it came from.
5. Whether you have already changed the battery.

See key fob programming and the Santa Fe page.