How to reprogram an alarm key fob: preparation for binding the key fob and step-by-step setup

To make it easier to control the car alarm, drivers use a command key fob. This radio transmitter encodes information. The received code is perceived by the control unit. Often, drivers have to change the type of radio transmission. This requires key fob programming. It is important to remember that each system has its own reprogramming technology.

In this article you will learn how to reprogram the key fob

The need for reprogramming

There are various reasons when key fob programming is required. For example, when a user bought a new car with an already installed alarm system. In this case , it is better to reprogram the key fob so that unauthorized persons cannot disable the security.

Of course, you can do without flashing it, but if you buy an expensive car, such a procedure will not be superfluous. This procedure is also a solution if the owner loses the alarm key fob. The question of how to program a key fob also becomes relevant in the event of software failures. For example, when the device issues commands incorrectly.

In this video you will learn how to reflash the key fob:

The price for such a service depends on the complexity of the system. The average cost of reprogramming is 500 rubles. However, such work is simple, and, following the instructions, the user can do it himself.

Is it possible to replace the old key fob with a new one?

The short answer is yes, you can change the remote control, but it’s not easy.

Previously, alarm systems were based on a permanent, static code that was easily picked up by attackers. Modern systems use dynamic code, and they work on a dialog principle, which looks like this:

after pressing the button from the key fob, the ID number is sent to the base alarm unit;
this number is checked by a system that “knows” the pattern on the basis of which it was generated;
if the check is successful, the base unit generates its own response number, which it sends to the key fob, after which the car owner gets access to the main alarm unit and can turn it off.

From all of the above, it becomes clear that after purchasing a new key fob, you will have to “register” it in the existing alarm system, i.e., make sure that the system begins to consider the new device “its own.” How to do this depends on the alarm model. In most cases, when replacing a key fob, it is necessary to completely reflash the software in the base unit, and this can only be done by a qualified specialist.

It’s not difficult to purchase a new key fob, but only a specialist can “link” it to an existing car alarm.

Preparation for the procedure

For those who are wondering how to reprogram a key fob, it is important to remember that preparation for such a procedure is necessary. To do this you need to follow these steps:

If you lose your key fob, you need to purchase a new device only of the model that was included with the installed alarm system.
If several radio transmitters are used to control the system, they must be reprogrammed at the same time so that they can be assigned to the new control unit.

Many suppliers include instructions in the kit. In this case, the user may have difficulties when there are no tabs with a translation of the instructions into Russian or they are written with errors (if the device was manufactured in Korea).

The motorist must first read the attached instructions. This document should show the design of the remote control. If there is no manual, the user should follow the generally accepted instructions.

In what case may it be necessary to reprogram the alarm key fob?

None of us are immune from loss. This also applies to the car alarm key fob, which is also called an interactive pager. Most often, it is attached to a key ring, so the risk of forgetting it somewhere is reduced. However, if this does happen, you will have to think about purchasing a new device.

Using this remote control you can remotely control your car alarm.

Don't be alarmed; if you lose your key fob, you don't have to change the entire alarm system. The only exceptions can be if the alarm is quite rare, recently released or, conversely, outdated. It happens that the desired model cannot be found either in your city or in online stores. In such a situation, it makes sense to contact a car service: they can suggest a solution to the problem and point you to the sellers of the system you need. If after this you were unable to purchase the required model of key fob, you will have to completely change the alarm system.

Please note that the new control panel must be selected not only in accordance with the brand of the security system, but also taking into account its type and model. Thus, the starline b6 keychain cannot be replaced with starline b6 dialog.

New car alarms are usually programmed by system installers. In this case, you have nothing to worry about. The required code will be installed on all key fobs and linked to the system. But if you buy a car on the secondary market with an already installed car alarm, it makes sense to take care of reprogramming the device.

The fact is that unscrupulous owners can give you an incomplete set of control panels, which means they can easily disable the security system and steal your car. Unfortunately, some scammers are already doing business this way. To avoid this problem, reset the code immediately after purchasing the machine.

Sometimes it happens that the key fob gets untied from the alarm for no reason. Many factors can cause such a failure. Sometimes this happens due to randomly pressing different buttons. If this happens to you, don't worry. In most cases, the problem is solved by reprogramming the key fob.

Typically the kit includes up to 4 alarm control panels. If you decide to reprogram them, do it in a row with all the key fobs.

Core Technology

The key fob reprogramming technology is simple. To do this you need to do the following:

By installing the key in the lock, the user must activate the ignition. There is no need to start the power unit.
Next, you need to simultaneously press with one hand the button with the loudspeaker and the button with the image of the luggage compartment. With your second hand, press the “service mode” button.
When the speaker beeps 5 times, you can release the pressed button.

Having correctly completed the proposed actions, the motorist must again press the button with the image of a loudspeaker and the button that opens the luggage compartment. As a result, the turn lights should flash several times.

It often happens that as a result of these actions the key fob is still not programmed. In this case, you can repeat the reprogramming along with recording the key fob. Another way is to reprogram the key fob without a code . To do this you need to do the following:

Within a few seconds, you need to connect and turn off the ignition system 3 times by turning the key.
If the motorist has done everything correctly, he will see a single flash.
After the flash is fired, the owner will have 4 seconds to press the communicator registered in the memory.
After recording on the first electronic remote control, the user can press a key on another key fob.
Information from the third key fob must be entered into memory in the same way. When recording the last remote control, information from the first device will be deleted automatically.

After the last remote control has been reprogrammed, you need to wait a few seconds. This is necessary to exit the recording.

How many remote controls can you register?

After purchasing a vehicle, you must install a new alarm system. In this case, the key fob will only need to be reprogrammed in the event of a divorce or any family disagreement.

If you buy a used car that already has a security system installed, the former owner can hide one of the remote controls and use it for illegal activities. In such a situation, the buyer must remember that up to 4 key fobs can be programmed onto one system. This number of remote controls is standard for each model of the security system, except for Scer Khan Magicar 5, and cannot be changed at the request of the car owner.

It is difficult to link a new alarm key fob to a third-party system. Because of this, you should install it on identical models and only after deleting all previously associated remote controls from memory. Otherwise, various difficulties may arise that will lead to malfunctions of the security system.

Reprogramming an alarm key fob is a simple task that anyone can do. To do this, you need to follow the instructions exactly and try to avoid mistakes.

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Setting up the Sherkhan alarm

Before working with the Sherkhan alarm system, you need to disarm the system. Next you need to complete the following steps:

First, you need to press the Vallet button so that the alarm lights flash.
Next, you should click Vallet again. As a result, the LED will start blinking.
After this, you need to press Vallet as many times as there are numbers in the PIN code. This step must be repeated for all digits of the PIN code.
6 seconds after the last digit of the code has been entered, the alarm will flash. Thus, the system will confirm its readiness to enter the code.
Within 4 seconds, you need to briefly press the fourth button on the first key fob 2 times. If the recording is successful, the alarm will automatically flash.
After this, you can enter the codes of the remaining key fobs. If the code is entered successfully, the alarm will flash.

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To exit reprogramming mode, you do not need to take any action for 5 seconds after the last code was written. As a result, the alarm will flash and the system will exit reprogramming mode.

Why is it necessary to reprogram the alarm?

The problem looks like this: the car owner approaches the car, presses a button on the key fob, and his car responds with deathly silence. There is a failure in the alarm system, which can occur for quite trivial reasons:

pressing several buttons on the key fob in random order. This is usually the sin of novice car enthusiasts who have not yet fully gotten used to the new alarm system;
The alarm system must be reprogrammed after purchasing the car second-hand. Of course, the seller will give the car enthusiast a couple of key fobs. However, most popular alarm systems have three (or four) such key fobs. So the only way to prevent potential theft is to reprogram the device.

Reprogramming the alarm key fob is necessary either in case of its incorrect operation, or in order to prevent car theft.
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Do-it-yourself alarm replacement

Let's look at the installation of a new anti-theft system using the example of a universal alarm system that does not have a huge number of options. This kit includes:

Antenna;
Keyrings;
Control block;
Siren;
Wires.

For installation we will need: electrical tape, corrugated tape, double-sided tape, multimeter, screwdrivers.

Important! Before you start working with new wires, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery!

Wiring connection

First of all, we dismantle the steering panel and instrument panel. This is necessary in order to secure the control unit. After we have dealt with this, we move on to the most crucial moment - working with electricians.

Installation of the alarm control unit

When working with wires, it is important not to forget two points: do not leave open sections of the wires, rewind them with electrical tape, and also remember that you must connect to wires with a -12V output. We bring the wires to the dimensions, stop signals and turn signals. We pull another wire under the hood and the last one to the engine operating status indicator.

Installation of siren and antenna

Siren device fastening

To install the siren, choose a dry place, away from heating elements, and also point it down. We connect one wire to what we pulled from the cabin, and connect the second to the battery.

The last point is key chains. As we have already found out, flashing them is quite simple, the main thing is to follow the instructions included in the kit. And also don’t forget to attach the antenna to the windshield. Now you need to check. To do this, we return the battery terminal to its place and try to set the car alarm. If problems arise, first inspect whether the wires are connected correctly. Perhaps the plus and minus were mixed up somewhere.

Car protection against theft

Naturally, the more options your new anti-theft device has, the more painstaking the installation will be. We considered the option of the simplest alarm system without additional protection devices. You can also connect central locking, trunk lock and much more to it.

How to reprogram the alarm key fob

There are a large number of models of protective systems. For each of them, a key fob is programmed, referring to the instruction manual. In all cases, the work should be done carefully and not overlook the slightest detail.

How to register Sheriff

The Sheriff security system is considered the most popular. You can find a large number of models on sale that are characterized by good reliability. For any type of device, it will be possible to register an alarm key fob in a minimum amount of time.

Step-by-step instructions for flashing:

The first thing they do is get into the car and lock it.
The ignition key is set to the first position.
Press the Valet button three times. As a result of these actions, the device will emit a long beep.
They repeat all the same steps, and the car alarm emits several short beeps, followed by 1 long beep.
Press the system activation key and hold it in this position until a long signal sounds.
After waiting a few more seconds, you can start pairing all the other remote controls. This is done in the same way as activating the first key fob.
At the next stage of the settings, a security code is set. To do this, turn the ignition key and wait for the engine to start.
Then turn off and turn on the ignition again.
After this, press Valet. The number of clicks must correspond to the first digit of the selected security code.
Set the second digit in the same way and turn off the ignition.
When the engine is turned on again, the device will notify the car owner that the code has been correctly set.
After this, you have 5 seconds to switch the ignition key to on mode.
If necessary, change the code by pressing Valet 5 times.
After a short and long beep on the control panel, click on the button with the image of a closed lock.
The alarm will emit a signal, after which 2 digits of the new code are entered one by one.
At the very end, turn on the ignition and wait for the device to react.
As soon as it makes 2 sounds, system programming is completed.

How to flash Tomahawk

Flashing a key fob for the popular Tomahawk security system is as easy as for Sheriff. This is explained by the presence of similar buttons on the control panel, only one of which will have a different name (Override instead of Valet).

Standard firmware method:

At the beginning of the process, turn the ignition key, but do not start the car engine.
Press and hold the Override key for 30 seconds. During this time, the device should emit 4 beeps, indicating the start of the key fob programming process.
After this, simultaneously press the volume control and the button that opens the trunk.
As soon as the car alarm beep sounds, the pairing of the remote control will be completed. When connecting each subsequent key fob, there will be 1 more such signals.

This programming method allows you to configure any Tomahawk model except the Z-5. For this security system, the procedure will be slightly different.

Step-by-step instruction:

The ignition key is set to the first mode.
Press the Override button 7 times.
After this, the key is switched to the second mode.
After completing these steps, you will hear 7 short beeps indicating that the settings mode has been activated.
At the same time press the button for setting and disarming the car (with the image of an open and closed lock).
Hold them until the system beeps, the number of which corresponds to the number of the key fob being connected.
Then turn on the ignition. In this case, the parking lights should flash 5 times.
After these steps, you need to wait 10 seconds until the security system exits the programming mode.

How to connect Scer Khan Magicar 5

The Scer Khan Magicar 5 car alarm is a reliable security system that prevents any attempts to steal a car. Its only drawback is the ability to connect only 3 control panels. If you want to connect key fob No. 4, you will have to erase any of the added ones.

When installing the alarm and flashing the key fob, you need to perform a few simple steps. Among them should be the following:

To set up the alarm key fob, turn the ignition key 3 times.
After this, turn it off and make sure that the side lights give a light signal.
On one of the remote controls, press the button with the image of a closed lock.
Having seen the flash of the alarm, take the second key fob and perform the same actions.
The third remote control is connected in the same way.
After this, the vehicle's parking lights will give 2 signals, indicating the completion of the programming process.

Checking the key fob and searching for the service button

The very first step will be to check the key fob itself for its functionality. Inspect the key fob housing for cracks and chips, check the batteries. You can check the voltage on the key fob battery using a multimeter. If the key fob is new or the batteries have been changed recently, then you can skip this step.

The next step is to find out where the service button is located. Programming an alarm is not such a complicated process; you need to find a button from the alarm unit, usually it is connected to a wire. Most often, alarms are installed under the front panel of the car on the passenger or driver's side. You need to look under the front panel and find this button. If you cannot find the button, then you need to find the alarm unit and walk along the wires from it in search of the button.

All types of alarms "B6"

Until December 1, 2007, Starline B6 alarms were produced in a black case. Then, they were replaced with a new version (blue case and key fobs). For each of the two models, the recording procedure will be the same. But with the compatibility of key fobs, everything looks more complicated.

Additional B6 key fobs, regardless of the color of the case, are interchangeable. The main ones are not. You need to remember this when making a choice. Well, key fobs for alarms under the designation Dialog (B6 Dialog) use only two-way communication. They are not compatible with anything other than the Starline A61 model.

It turns out that there are three types of Starline alarms, with the letter “B6” in the name.

Regular “Starline B6” also means “Twage B6”, and we talked about the compatibility of key fobs for them above. Well, the Dialog line is a new solution that uses two-way communication. None of the “old” components are suitable for “Dialogues”. Only key fobs from B6 Dialog and A61 are interchangeable.

Firmware methods depending on the alarm model

After the service button has been found, the process of recording key fobs into the alarm memory should begin. Depending on the models, one firmware method should be used.

Method 1

Disarm, turn the ignition switch to the (Lock) position.
Press the (VALET) button repeatedly (7 times), each time the button is pressed the LED should blink.
Turn on the ignition, the alarm will notify you of entering the service mode with 7 beeps.
As soon as you enter the service mode, press and hold buttons 1 and 2 on the key fob simultaneously (for B6D, B9D, B61, B91, A61, A91, buttons 2 and 3), the key will be registered in the alarm unit.
When the key fob is successfully recorded, 1 beep will sound. If you need to bind a new key fob, then immediately after programming the first one, take the second key fob and press buttons 1 and 2 again. As soon as the key fob is registered, the alarm will notify you with a sound signal. If it was not possible to reprogram the key fob, the alarm unit will exit and switch from the service mode to the standard mode (the turn signals flash 5 times).
When all the key fobs are stitched, you need to turn off the ignition, the alarm will exit the programming mode (the turn signals flash 5 times).

Method 2

Disarm, turn the ignition on, then press and hold the service button for 6 seconds, after which 4 beeps will sound (service mode is on).
Immediately after entering the service mode, press and hold buttons 1 and 2 on the key fob simultaneously, the key will begin to register in the alarm unit.
If the key fob is registered correctly, 1 beep will sound. If you need to record an additional key fob, then immediately after recording the first one, start recording the second key fob, to do this, press and hold buttons 3 and 4. After recording the next key fob, the alarm will notify you with a signal, the number of signals depends on the order of the key fob for recording.
If the key fob has not been recorded, the alarm will exit the service mode (the turn signals flash 5 times).
After recording the required number of key fobs, turn off the ignition, thereby disabling the alarm from the recording mode (the turn signals blink 5 times).

Reprogramming devices from popular manufacturers

Before you start studying the issue of flashing the key fob, you should talk about one important general detail: the Valet button (aka Overread).

Each popular manufacturer offers users of their systems detailed instructions with instructions for reprogramming “unstuck” key fobs. But in any instruction it all starts with finding and disabling the above button. If the car is new (Western-made), then finding the button may not be easy. Here's where to look for it first:

in the fuse box in the passenger compartment (or behind this box);
under a small panel in the interior that says Fuse;
under the steering column (or under the panels inside it);
on one of the side walls of the glove compartment;
under all removable plastic covers on the dashboard;

If the search does not lead to anything, then there are two options left:

or the Valet button is located on the control unit of the system itself, and therefore only a specialist can get to it;
or in this system the Valet button is not provided at all, and its functions are assigned to the ignition switch.

Most car alarm key fobs from Western manufacturers have a Valet button

Replacing and linking the Sheriff system key fob

The interval between device reprogramming operations should be no more than 5 seconds. Therefore, before you start work, you should select instructions for your car alarm.

If this time is exceeded, the setup mode in the system will automatically turn off. Then everything will have to be done again. The same thing will happen if the ignition is turned off during programming. The successful completion of the reprogramming process in Sheriff systems is indicated by 2 signals: 1 short and 1 long.

If you need to flash a Sheriff brand keychain, don’t worry: you’ll spend 10–15 minutes on this task. A specialist video blog or detailed instructions from the car alarm manufacturer can teach you this procedure. In any case, the sequence of actions will be as follows:

the alarm is turned off, after which the ignition key is turned;
The Valet button is pressed three times. After this, a single signal should sound, confirming the readiness of the control unit to reprogram the key fob;
The Valet button is pressed again 3 times, after which 3 short beeps will sound, then 1 long beep;
button “1” is pressed and held until a long signal sounds, indicating that you need to enter a secret code;
a new code is entered using the Valet button;
the ignition is turned off and on again, after which the first digit of the secret code is entered using the Valet button;
the second digit is entered in the same way;
Now the Valet button is pressed 3 times, the alarm switches to the setting mode, after which 4 short and 1 long beeps will sound;
button “1” is pressed. It is held until a short signal appears, confirming the successful entry of the code into the system;
All of the above operations are repeated in turn with other key fobs that need to be linked.

The new Sheriff car alarm key fob is easily registered in the system

Video: how to set up a Sheriff car alarm

How to program a Tomahawk key fob

“Pairing” a new key fob with an already installed Tomahawk car alarm is a little more difficult. To do this, you must follow the following sequence of actions:

the ignition key is turned (the engine does not start);
the Valet button is pressed and held until 4 beeps sound, indicating that you can begin programming the system;
The trunk open button is pressed simultaneously with the key fob sound button. The buttons are held until one short beep appears. The system is ready to write code;
The ignition is turned off, then the Valet button is pressed seven times;
after this the ignition turns on. Seven short beeps sound, confirming entry into the key fob programming unit;
The code numbers are set by pressing the “1” button;
After this, the ignition is turned off and the parking lights will blink 5 times, confirming exit from the service mode.

The Tomahawk car alarm key fob can only be reprogrammed by someone who has carefully studied the relevant instructions

Video: attaching a key fob to a Tomahawk alarm

How to connect the remote control to the SCHER-KHAN system

This system allows you to bind a key fob in two ways: using a PIN code and without it. The binding sequence without code is:

The ignition key is turned three times from the OFF position to the ON position. This should take no more than four seconds. If everything is done correctly, the flickering of the side lights will confirm that the programming block has been entered;
Next, the button on the key fob is pressed, and it must be pressed no later than three seconds later. The lights will blink again;
if there is a need to attach a couple more key fobs, the sequence of actions is similar, only after binding the second key fob, the dimensions blink 2 times, after the third - 3 times.

And here is the binding sequence with a PIN code:

first, all the steps listed above are performed;
after this, the ignition key is turned again, and the number of turns must correspond to the first digit of the PIN code. These actions must be completed within four seconds. The side lights will blink once, after which the second digit of the code is entered in the same way;
After entering the code, the button on the key fob is pressed, and this must be done no later than five seconds. The lights will blink 1 time to confirm that pairing is complete.

The SCHER-KHAN car alarm key fob can be “linked” to the alarm in two ways

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Reprogramming the key fob is quite simple. To do this, you only need a few button presses performed in a certain sequence. However, before starting work, it is recommended to study the instructions for the system in detail in order to understand what exactly you are doing. In addition, we should not forget about time: if the key fob is not touched for 5–10 seconds, it will simply exit the service mode.