What happens when you need a new car remote
A car remote stops working for a few reasons: the battery dies, the buttons wear out, or the remote gets damaged. When that happens, you have three main paths forward. You can replace just the battery yourself for a few dollars. You can buy a replacement remote online or at a big-box retailer and program it yourself, which costs $15 to $60. Or you can go to a dealership or locksmith, who will handle everything but charge $200 to $500 depending on your car's make and model.
The choice depends on whether you want to do the work yourself, how much you want to spend, and whether your car's remote can be programmed without special equipment. Some newer vehicles require dealership programming; older ones often work with aftermarket remotes you program at home.
Key Takeaways
- A dead battery is the most common reason a remote stops working, and replacing it costs $5 to $10 and takes five minutes.
- Aftermarket remotes bought online or at retailers like Amazon or AutoZone cost $15 to $60 and can often be programmed by the car owner using a sequence of key turns and button presses.
- Dealership remotes cost $200 to $500 but work with newer vehicles that require manufacturer programming and may come with a warranty.
- Locksmiths typically charge $100 to $300 and can program most remotes without a dealership visit, though availability varies by location.
- Before buying a replacement, check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website to see whether your model supports self-programming or requires a dealership.
Replacing the battery first
Before you buy a new remote, try replacing the battery. Most car remotes use a coin-cell battery — usually CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016 — that costs $3 to $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store. Open the remote by prying gently at the seam with a flathead screwdriver or coin, pop out the old battery, and slide in the new one with the positive side facing up. Close it back together and test it.
If the remote still does not work after a fresh battery, the problem is likely worn buttons or internal damage. At that point, a replacement remote makes sense.
Buying an aftermarket remote and programming it yourself
Aftermarket remotes are sold by retailers like Amazon, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart. They cost $15 to $60 depending on the brand and your car's year and model. Before you buy, search "[your car year, make, model] remote" to confirm the remote is compatible with your vehicle.
Many older and mid-range vehicles can be programmed by the owner using a straightforward sequence: sit in the driver's seat with the doors closed, insert the key into the ignition, turn it from Off to On without starting the engine a set number of times (usually three to five), listen for a chime or watch for the lights to flash, then press buttons on the remote. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, so check your owner's manual or search your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "self-programming remote" to find the correct sequence.
If your manual does not include programming instructions, or if you try the sequence and it does not work, your vehicle likely requires dealership or locksmith programming. Attempting to program a remote that your car does not support will not damage anything — it straightforward will not work.
Getting a remote from the dealership
The dealership is the most expensive option but the most reliable for newer vehicles. Call your car's dealership service department with your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration or on the driver's side of the windshield. They will tell you the cost, which typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the make and model, and whether they have the remote in stock or need to order it.
Dealership remotes come programmed to your vehicle and usually include a warranty. The service department will program any additional remotes you bring in at the same time, often for a lower per-remote fee if you order more than one. Dealerships are also the only option for vehicles with advanced security features that require manufacturer-level programming.
Using a locksmith as an alternative
Locksmiths who work on cars can program most aftermarket remotes and often charge less than dealerships — typically $100 to $300 total, including the remote itself. Search for "automotive locksmith" or "car key programmer" in your area and call a few to compare prices. Ask whether they stock remotes for your vehicle or whether you need to buy one first and bring it in.
Not all locksmiths have the equipment to program every vehicle, especially very new models with encrypted security systems. Call ahead to confirm they can work on your specific year, make, and model before you visit. Locksmiths are often faster than dealerships for scheduling and can sometimes program a remote the same day.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | Time to complete | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace battery | $3–$8 | 5 minutes | Remote that stopped working suddenly |
| Aftermarket remote + self-programming | $15–$60 | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Older or mid-range vehicles; comfortable with DIY |
| Locksmith | $100–$300 | 1–3 days | Newer vehicles; want to avoid dealership; need faster service |
| Dealership | $200–$500 | 1–7 days | Very new vehicles; want warranty; need may provide compatibility |
What to do if your remote is lost or stolen
If your remote is lost rather than broken, you still have the same options for replacement. However, if you believe the remote was stolen, consider having your car's locks rekeyed or the security system reset, especially if the remote includes a keyless entry code. A locksmith or dealership can do this and will may support that the lost remote no longer opens your vehicle.
This step is optional if the remote was straightforward misplaced and you find it later, but it is worth doing if you cannot locate it after a thorough search or if you suspect theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I program a remote myself if I do not know the sequence?
Yes. Search your vehicle's year, make, model, and the words "self-programming remote" to find the correct sequence. If no sequence exists for your car, or if you try it and it does not work, your vehicle requires a locksmith or dealership. Trying the sequence will not harm anything.
Will an aftermarket remote work with my car?
Most aftermarket remotes work with vehicles from the 1990s through the mid-2010s. Newer vehicles often require dealership or locksmith programming because of encrypted security systems. Before you buy, check the product listing to confirm it is compatible with your specific year, make, and model.
How long does dealership programming take?
If the dealership has the remote in stock, programming usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If they need to order it, add 3 to 7 business days. Call ahead to ask whether they have it available and whether you can drop off your car or wait in the service area.
What is the difference between a dealership remote and an aftermarket one?
Dealership remotes are made by your car's manufacturer and come pre-programmed. Aftermarket remotes are made by third-party companies and usually require you or a technician to program them. Aftermarket remotes are cheaper but may not work with all vehicles, especially newer ones.
Can I program multiple remotes at once?
Yes. If you are programming remotes yourself, you can program several in one session by following the sequence once and pressing buttons on each remote. If you use a locksmith or dealership, bring all the remotes you want programmed at the same time — they often charge less per remote when you program more than one.