Can Imperial Hardware Stores Program Car Keys? A DIY Guide

It’s a common question for car owners needing a spare key or a replacement: Does Imperial Hardware Stores Program Car Keys? While hardware stores like Imperial Hardware might offer key cutting services, programming car keys, especially modern ones with transponders and keyless entry, is often a different ball game. The good news is, for some vehicles, you might be able to program a key yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership or locksmith services.

This guide will walk you through a DIY method for programming keyless entry remotes, based on a procedure that has been reported to work for certain car models. While we can’t definitively say Imperial Hardware programs keys (it’s best to check with your local store), understanding how to program your key yourself can be incredibly useful.

The following instructions were originally shared in an online forum and have been reported to be effective for programming keyless entry remotes. One user successfully used these steps, initially intended for a first-generation xB, on a second-generation model. This suggests the procedure might be applicable across various models and makes, but always proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand the different modes available for programming your keyless entry system. These modes allow you to manage your remotes effectively:

• Confirmation Mode: This mode lets you check how many remotes are currently programmed to your vehicle. This is helpful to know how many slots are filled if you’re adding a new remote.
• Add Mode: Use this mode to add a new remote without erasing any of your existing, programmed remotes. This is ideal when you get a new remote and want to use it in addition to your current one(s).
• Rewrite Mode: This mode erases all previously programmed remotes and allows you to program a new set of remotes. This is useful if you’ve lost a remote or want to start fresh with new ones.
• Prohibition Mode: This mode is for disabling the entire remote door lock function by erasing all programmed remotes. You would use this if you no longer want to use keyless entry.

Now, let’s get into the programming procedures. Remember to follow these instructions carefully. It’s crucial to note that “turn the key on-off” in these instructions means cycling the key between the “accessory” and “on” positions, not all the way to “lock.” “Off” refers to the “accessory” position.

Confirmation Mode: Checking the Number of Programmed Remotes

Start with your car off, driver’s door open, and unlocked.

1. Insert your key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the key back into the ignition and remove it again.
3. Within 40 seconds, close and then open the driver’s door twice. Then, insert and remove the key from the ignition once more.
4. Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s door twice again. Insert the key into the ignition and leave it there, closing the driver’s door.
5. Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON to OFF three times in quick succession, leaving it in the ON position for about one second and in the OFF position for about one second each time.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.

At this point, your car doors should automatically lock and unlock repeatedly at roughly 2-second intervals. Count the number of lock/unlock cycles. This number indicates how many remotes are currently programmed to your vehicle. If the doors lock and unlock five times, it means no remotes are currently registered.

Alt text: Car key being inserted into the ignition to illustrate a step in car key programming process.

Add Mode: Programming an Additional Remote

Begin with your car off, driver’s door open, and unlocked.

1. Insert your key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the key back into the ignition and remove it again.
3. Within 40 seconds, close and then open the driver’s door twice. Then, insert and remove the key from the ignition once more.
4. Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s door twice again. Insert the key into the ignition and leave it there, closing the driver’s door.
5. Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON to OFF just once, leaving it in the ON position for about one second and in the OFF position for about one second.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.

The doors should lock and unlock one time to confirm you are in Add Mode.

7. Within 40 seconds, press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons on the remote transmitter simultaneously, then release.
8. Within 3 seconds after releasing the buttons, press and release either the lock or unlock button on the remote.

If the programming is successful, the doors will lock and unlock once. If it fails, they will lock and unlock twice.

9. If you have more remotes to program, repeat steps 7 and 8 within 40 seconds.
10. To finalize the registration process, insert the key into the ignition or simply open any door.

Rewrite Mode: Erasing All Old Remotes and Programming New Ones

Start with the car off, driver’s door open, and unlocked.

1. Insert your key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the key back into the ignition and remove it again.
3. Within 40 seconds, close and then open the driver’s door twice. Then, insert and remove the key from the ignition once more.
4. Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s door twice again. Insert the key into the ignition and leave it there, closing the driver’s door.
5. Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON to OFF twice, leaving it in the ON position for about one second and in the OFF position for about one second each time.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.

The doors will lock and unlock twice, indicating you have successfully entered Rewrite Mode.

7. Within 40 seconds, press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons on the remote transmitter at the same time, then release.
8. Within 3 seconds after releasing, press and release either the lock or unlock button on the remote.

If successful, the doors will lock and unlock once. If it fails, they will lock and unlock twice.

9. If you have additional remotes to program, repeat steps 7 and 8 within 40 seconds for each remote.
10. To complete the registration, insert the key into the ignition or open a door.

Alt text: Close up of car remote lock and unlock buttons, highlighting the buttons to press during remote programming.

Prohibition Mode: Disabling Wireless Door Lock Function

Start with the car off, driver’s door open, and unlocked.

1. Insert your key into the ignition, then immediately remove it.
2. Within 5 seconds, insert the key back into the ignition and remove it again.
3. Within 40 seconds, close and then open the driver’s door twice. Then, insert and remove the key from the ignition once more.
4. Within another 40 seconds, close and open the driver’s door twice again. Insert the key into the ignition and leave it there, closing the driver’s door.
5. Turn the ignition switch from LOCK to ON to OFF five times, leaving it in the ON position for about one second and in the OFF position for about one second each time.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.

The doors should lock and unlock five times at roughly 1-second intervals, confirming that Prohibition Mode is activated and all remote functions are disabled.

Conclusion

While Imperial Hardware stores may cut your car keys, programming them is a different service. This DIY guide provides a potential solution for programming your keyless entry remote yourself. By following these steps carefully, you might be able to add new remotes or manage your existing ones without needing to visit a dealership or locksmith. Remember to check your car’s owner manual for specific instructions and always proceed at your own risk. If you are uncomfortable with these steps, seeking professional help is always recommended. Good luck, and hopefully, this guide helps you get your car keys programmed efficiently!