Key Fob & Remote Programming in Truckee & North Lake Tahoe
Key fob not working, lost, or need a spare? We program fobs, remotes and many proximity keys at your vehicle.
The button does nothing
Before assuming the worst: half of “dead fobs” are a battery or a cracked shell — cheap fixes we're happy to do. When the fob is genuinely lost or dead, we program replacements, remotes and many proximity keys right at the vehicle.
What’s included
- Replacement fob programming
- Proximity & push-button key service
- Remote programming
- Fob batteries & shell repair
- Spare fob setup
- Lost-fob deletion from the vehicle (security)
How a visit works
1 Call with year, model and where you are
Ski lot, trailhead or driveway — you'll get a straight answer on what your vehicle needs and a free estimate before we roll.
2 We work at the vehicle
Opening, cutting and programming happen curbside from the van. No tow truck, no dealer waiting room.
3 Start it before we leave
Every key and fob is tested in the door and the ignition. You drive away; we wave.
Built for the mountains
Fobs fail in the cold more than anywhere — batteries fade, buttons crack under gloves, and remote-start habits mean the fob spends winter buried in a parka. We program replacements and spares at your vehicle and will tell you honestly when a $5 battery is the whole fix.
What shapes the price
- Key type — basic transponder, remote-head, or proximity fob
- Whether a working key exists — cloning a spare is far cheaper than all-keys-lost
- Where the vehicle sits — resort lots and roadside add drive time, quoted honestly up front
No games: the estimate is free, the phone answer is honest, and the number at the door matches the number on the call. Serving Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, the West Shore and Donner Summit — fully mobile, Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Free phone estimates: (530) 308-6643.
Key Fobs across Truckee–North Tahoe — at your door since 1996.
Proof, not promises
Recent Key Fobs Work
⚡ Fob programmed — Gray's Crossing
Second fob set up and the lost one deleted from the vehicle's memory.
Locked out right now? Don’t panic — and please don’t pry anything. Call for a free phone estimate and a real arrival window.
☎ (530) 308-6643Key Fob & Remote Programming — FAQs
My fob stopped working — do I need a new one?
Maybe not. Batteries, contacts and cracked shells cause half these calls, and those are cheap. We diagnose first and only sell you a fob if you need one.
Someone stole my bag with the fob in it. Am I at risk?
Call us — for most vehicles we can delete the lost fob from the car's memory so it can't unlock or start anything, then program a fresh one.
Can you do the push-button-start kind?
Many, yes — proximity key support varies by make and year, so tell us the vehicle on the phone and we'll confirm before we roll.
Loved on Google & Yelp — 4.8★ on Yelp across 42 reviews
They Love Us — and We Love Truckee–Tahoe
“Lightning Lock & Key provided excellent service from start to finish. Dean was great to work with — patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. …I was scheduled for the very next day, and Dean arrived on time, communicated clearly throughout the process, and walked me through what needed to be done. …If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable locksmith in the Tahoe/Truckee area, I highly recommend Lightning Lock & Key.”
“Dean is my go-to for lock and lock-related issues. He is prompt, responsive and an all-around wonderful locksmith and has been for many years of service!”
“Dean was super-knowledgeable and helped us when we were locked out. Hope to never need again but would definitely recommend Lightning to others.”
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Tell Us What’s Going On
Fastest help is always a call — (530) 308-6643. Prefer to write? Send the details and we’ll get right back to you with a free estimate.
One Call. Problem Solved.
Free phone estimate · Licensed, bonded & insured · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM