Short answer:

Every 30 days (Wi-Fi required). Non-negotiable. Weekly if you’re the kind of person who prefers things to work on the first try.

More details:

SmartBox gets more intuitive the more you let it update. Each sync pulls in software and firmware upgrades that expand vehicle coverage, squash bugs, and keep programming smooth. Weekly updates = fewer hiccups and more “done already?” moments. Go longer than 30 days without syncing and you might notice some features hit pause until you catch up. (And no, you don’t need Wi-Fi every time, just once a month to stay in the loop.)

Short answer:

There was. Then we invented something better. We one-upped the old-school PDF by creating the SmartBox Reference Guide app.

More details:

Our app (free for Android & iOS users), gives you access to:

• A full, constantly updated list of supported vehicles
• Vehicle-specific walkthroughs
• Step-by-step instructions for vehicles that require on-board programming
• Live programming notes
• Discussion boards chock full of locksmiths and auto programming enthusiasts 
• Direct tech support

Just log in with your Member Portal credentials and you’re set. Updates happen live, right on your phone, so you know what’s covered.

Haven’t downloaded it yet? Go grab SmartBox Reference Guide on iOS or Android.

Short answer:

There isn’t one. There are videos… and they’re short… and helpful! Instead of a dusty, 83-pager full of words you’ll never read, we built a full learning hub.

More details:

Use the app or log in to the Member Portal for access. 

You’ll get:

• Quick-start PDFs
• Short, visual walkthroughs
• Make/model/year-specific programming guides
• Built-in support in the app and your Member Portal

You can find it all in the SmartBox app under “Training”, or within your Member Account at [smartboxauto.com → Member Login]. Want to see it in action? Head over to YouTube and search “SmartBox Automotive”.

Short answer:

Yes, there is a right way. And yes… it matters.

More details:

Use the app or log in the Member Portal for access.

• Plug the serial port end of your OBD cable into the SmartBox
• Connect the other end to the vehicles factory OBD port
• (If using USB) Plug the USB cable into the SmartBox and tablet
• (If using Bluetooth) Make sure your tablet has Bluetooth enabled and click on the SmartBox Programmer icon to open the application.

Mix that up, and things might get weird (think multiple blown OBD power fuses).Trust us, it’s better this way.

Short answer:

Read the notes (yeah, yeah, but read them anyway). We explain each option, and when to use them.

More details:

Some vehicles (we’re looking at you, imports) have multiple programming options listed for the same model and year. The vehicle notes on the SmartBox and in the Reference Guide will tell you what you need to know, so you can choose what fits. Want even more detail? Our Immobilizer Legend breaks down the function within each programming option.

Here’s the smart part:

SmartBox learns. Over time, the options that actually work get nudged to the top of the list. It’s like magic, but cheaper.

Important:

Unless tech support explicitly tells you to, avoid the “Other Immos” button. It can confuse the vehicle’s ECU and possibly rack up extra usage charges and nobody wants that.

Short answer:

Your usage history lives in your online account. Everything you’ve done is tracked so you’re never left guessing, “Did I already program that Honda?”

More details:

Use the app or log in to the Member Portal for access. 

• In the app: SmartBox Reference Guide → Account → Usage Logs
• On the web: smartboxauto.com → Member Login

There you can also:

• Update your login info
• Manage payment methods
• Review billing and usage activity

Short answer:

Most actions = 1 use. Each use = $10.

More details:

1 use includes:

• Programming a remote, fobik, proximity key, or transponder key
• Reading a PIN code 
• Key Cloning (unless you’re using SmartBox chips, then it’s free)
• Keyless Remote Unlocking

Freebies:

• Chip reads
• Clearing DTCs
• Software updates
• Frequency testing

Pro tips:

• Only select the number of keys you’re adding. That’s what determines your usage charge. 
• A Use is not charged to your account until a qualifying function was completed successfully between the SmartBox and the vehicle’s computer (cloning and unlocking will charge a Use once the chip data has been changed on the key). 
• Checking the notes and options won’t add to your Use charges. 
• When a programming option performs more than one function (ex: read pincode and program key) only one Use will be charged. 
• When reprogramming original keys back into the vehicle, extra uses will not be added for these keys.

Short answer:

Yes… but… only if it wasn’t your fault. Let’s say you select the wrong key or attempt an action against the advice of the vehicle note, for example. Unfortunately, we can’t refund the use. Even smart tools can’t override physics.

More details:

If you think you were incorrectly charged for a use:

• Log into your Member Account 
• Double-check your Usage Logs
• If something’s off, click the flag next to that vehicle and leave us a short note explaining what happened
• Take it a step further and follow-up by emailing us ([email protected]). Be sure to include your device SN, date of programming, exact vehicle, and a brief explanation.

We’ll do a full account review and let you know if a refund applies. If so, a refund will be credited to your account and discounted from your next billing statement.

Short answer:

Don’t sweat it. Give us a call. We’ll sort it out.

More details:

Call us at 1-855-767-8291 and we’ll:

• Tell you your username
• Reset your password
• Recover your 4-digit PIN

Once you're in, you can update everything right in the Member Portal or Reference Guide app.
No stress, and we promise not to paralyze you with obscure “security questions” from 2008.

Short answer:

Start with your distributor, they handle most tech issues. Still stuck? We’re next in line.

More details:

Your distributor is your first line of support. They know their stuff and can usually get you sorted.

If they’re unavailable or you need deeper help, contact us directly:

• Call: 1.855.767.8291
• Email: [email protected]

We’re humans. We’re fast. We’ll help.

Short answer:

We work with a wide range of chips… but only if they’re the right kind. Off-brand chips = off-brand headaches.

More details:

Here’s our list of supported chip types:

• 4C → Use G70/80bit chip
• 4D (40bit) → 61, 62, 63, 65, 67, 68, 70 → G70/80bit
• 4D (40bit) → 64 (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) → Use chip 64
• 72G (80bit) → G70/80bit
• 46 → Use chip 46
• T5 Series → 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 23, 33, 40, 41 → Use TK5551 chip
• Chips like CN1-7 can also be used.

Short answer:

Roughly 95% of proximity keys and remotes that use Radio Frequency signals. That’s a lot.

More details:

Most vehicles use UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) that ranges between 314-902 MHz. There is a good chance that the remote for the vehicle you’re working on can be tested. 

Here’s how to know it’s working:

• The screen on the frequency tester will display 0.00 MHz when no signal is being detected 
• Press the button on the remote you want to test and the MHz will change to display the output of your remote 

Translation: It’ll let you know what’s working (and what is just flashing lights and false hope).

Pro Tip:

Cell phones can interfere with testing so be sure to save those calls for after the job. 

Short answer:

The SmartBox did its job. Something else might not have.

More details:

If you see “Programming Successful” but the key/remote isn’t working:

• SmartBox successfully communicated with the vehicle and completed the procedure

Not every vehicle will send a positive or negative response to your device to let you know if the key was accepted or not. The usual suspect when this happens? Using the wrong key or remote. It happens.  

Before calling it a fail:

• Re-check that you used the correct product with the correct vehicle
• Review all programming notes
• Try again within the alloted two-hour window before acquiring additional Use charges (so if all else fails you still have time to call Tech Support and find out what’s up!)

Short answer:

Yep… most of them. 

More details:

SmartBox can read pincodes for over 95% of vehicles that require them. It’s built right in… no extra tools, cables, or sorcery needed.