Mitsubishi Montero Sport Key Replacement (2000-2004)

The real question is not whether you can, but whether you should pay a dealer to do it. You absolutely can program the remote fob yourself using the DLC jumper wire method. Locate the Data Link Connector under your driver's side dash, jump terminals 1 and 4 with a wire, cycle the ignition to ACC and back to OFF three times within about 2 seconds, then press LOCK on your new remote three times within 10 seconds. The doors will lock and unlock once to confirm success. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes and costs you only the price of a compatible fob, typically $50 to $150 aftermarket versus $250 to $500 at the dealer. Just make sure you buy a compatible remote; not all aftermarket fobs work with the Montero Sport's system.

You are looking for part number OUCG8D-525M-A. That is the standard fob for all 2000 through 2004 Montero Sports. When you buy a replacement, confirm with the seller that it is compatible with your specific year before you hand over your money. An incompatible fob will not program no matter how many times you try the procedure. If you are unsure, call us at (805) 790-8162 and we can point you in the right direction.

Start with the basics before you assume something is broken. First, double check that your replacement fob is actually compatible (part number OUCG8D-525M-A or equivalent). Second, inspect the DLC terminals for corrosion or debris; a dirty connection on terminals 1 and 4 will kill the whole process. Third, speed matters here. You need to complete three ACC-to-OFF ignition cycles in under 2 seconds. Most people go too slow. If you have checked all of that and it still will not take, your immobilizer system may have stored fault codes that block new programming. At that point, give us a call at (805) 790-8162. We can diagnose immobilizer faults with our equipment and get it sorted on-site.

Here is the honest answer: you can program multiple fobs, but you need to do them all in one session. The system erases all previously programmed remotes when you start the procedure. So have every fob you want to use ready before you begin. Program the first one, then within 1 minute, repeat the LOCK button sequence (3 presses within 10 seconds) for each additional fob. The doors will lock and unlock once for each successful remote. If you only program one new fob and forget about your old one, that old fob will no longer work.