Most modern cars come with key fobs that enable you to unlock and start the car. The key fob houses the lock and unlock button as well as the alarm and unlock trunk button.
However, sometimes, there may be a need to erase the key fob memory, when this need arise, how do you do it?
To erase a key fob memory, you need to use a suitable OBD II scanner tool that can access the key of the car. You can also take the car to a dealership or automobile locksmith and have them perform the memory erase on the key fob.
How to Erase Key Fob Memory
To erase a key fob memory, follow the steps below:
Use a Suitable OBD Diagnostic Tool
The process of erasing a key fob memory varies from one car to the other depending on the manufacturer, year, and model of the car.
However, if your car’s manufacturer permits, you can be able to use an OBD scanner tool to erase the memory. But before you do this, know what you’re doing. If you don’t know how to do this on your own, then follow the next method below.
Take the Car to the Dealership
The best way to erase a key fob memory is by taking the car to the dealership. The dealership should be able to know how to do the memory erase.
Therefore, instead of doing it yourself without being successful. Take the car to the dealership and have them perform the erase by themselves
It’s important to note that it doesn’t cost much for the dealership to do a key fob erase as long as you already have a key fob replacement with you.
If you come with the new key fobs you want to connect to your car, the dealership will just charge for the workmanship which shouldn’t cost much.
Visit an Automobile Locksmith
There are several automobile locksmith companies out there that work on all cars no matter the brand and how sophisticated it is. Look for a reliable locksmith and have them do the erase for you.
Read the User Manual
If you still have the car user manual booklet with you, you can flip through the book to get ideas on how to do the erase yourself.
It’s important to note that after getting the information you need from the user manual, proceed with caution and if it’s not something you can do yourself, follow other methods explained above.
As reiterated earlier, the process of performing a memory erase may differ from one car to another, the best way is to take the car to the dealership. It shouldn’t cost much to do this. If you cannot do that, then take the car to an automobile locksmith and have them perform the erase for you.
When to Perform Key Fob Memory Erase
You should perform a key fob memory erase when:
- You Purchase a Used Car: If you’ve just purchased a used car, it is wise to perform a key fob memory erase to avoid any inconveniences. This is because the previous owner could still have the spare key. Erasing the memory will prevent an unauthorized person from accessing your car.
- You Lost Your Key: You can erase the memory when you lose your key and can’t find it. Doing this will give you the opportunity to use another key instead of looking for the lost one.
- The Key is Stolen: If the car key is stolen, it is wise to erase the memory to prevent the person who stole the key from accessing your vehicle. The only downside to this is that the person might still have access to the manual key, (if it’s attached to the key fob).
- You have One Key Fob: If you’re not comfortable having only one key fob, you can go ahead and erase the key fob from your car’s memory and install another one with two or three key fobs.
- Someone Has the Key: You can erase memory when someone you don’t want close to your car has the key. This person can be an ex-husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, or even someone you used to be close friends with.
If the person refuses to return the key or you don’t know the person’s whereabouts, you can just erase the memory to be sure you’re the only one who has access to the car.
Why You Should Erase Your Key Fob Memory
- To prevent unauthorized persons from having access to your car
- To have peace of mind
- It gives you the opportunity to have more than one key fob
Conclusion
Because of security purposes, it is better to erase the key fob memory of a car that is bought used. The same goes for when the key is lost or when it is in the hands of an unauthorized person. Doing this will restore the sanity, peace, and consciousness of being the only one who has access to the car.