Mitsubishi Key Fob Replacement: Cost, Options, and Programming

Mitsubishi keys are less expensive than most luxury brands but less common than Toyota or Ford, so it pays to confirm that a locksmith supports your model before you book. The newest Outlander also shares much of its engineering with the Nissan Rogue, which changes the key it uses compared with earlier Mitsubishis.

This guide covers Mitsubishi key types by era, batteries, genuine versus aftermarket keys, lost-key replacement, and programming. For a cross-brand comparison, see how much a new key fob costs.

Mitsubishi Key Replacement Cost by Key Type

All-keys-lost cases cost more because the locksmith or dealer must originate a key without a working one.

Mitsubishi Key Types by Era

Transponder keys and separate remotes

Through the 2000s, most Mitsubishis used a cut transponder key and a separate keyless entry remote. On some older models, remotes could be paired using a procedure at the diagnostic connector described in service information; newer vehicles need a scan tool.

Remote head and flip keys

Keyed-ignition trims of the Lancer, Outlander Sport, and Mirage often use a key with remote buttons built into the head or a flip-out blade. The blade is cut, then the chip and remote are programmed together.

FAST-Key

Mitsubishi’s FAST-Key (keyless operation) arrived in the late 2000s and covers many Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross, and Mirage trims with push-button start. A mechanical emergency key slides out of the fob.

2022 and newer Outlander

The redesigned Outlander uses a newer smart key built on the platform it shares with the Nissan Rogue. It is not interchangeable with earlier FAST-Key fobs, so match the part number carefully.

Model Notes: Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, and Mirage

Outlander: The generation sold from the late 2000s through 2021 used a FAST-Key on push-button trims and a remote key on others. The 2022+ Outlander uses a different, Nissan-platform key, so a fob for a 2020 model will not work on a 2023.

Lancer: Keyed trims commonly used a flip or remote head key, while higher trims had FAST-Key. Lancer production ended after the 2017 model year, so some locksmiths stock refurbished OEM keys rather than new ones.

Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross: Both offer FAST-Key on many trims and a keyed remote on base models. Check for a start button before ordering.

Mirage: Base trims use a keyed remote; higher trims offer FAST-Key. Mirage keys are among the cheapest Mitsubishi keys to replace.

Mitsubishi Key Fob Battery

Many FAST-Key fobs, including the long-running Outlander fob and the 2022+ Outlander key, use a CR2032. Some older remotes use smaller cells such as a CR1616, so check the code printed on the battery or in your owner’s manual. Replacing the battery takes a few minutes with a small plastic pry tool; our Mitsubishi key fob battery replacement guide shows how. Many owners replace a fob that only needed a new cell, so try this first.

Genuine Mitsubishi Key vs Aftermarket vs Refurbished

Genuine key from the dealer

Pros: Correct key by VIN, cut by code, programmed with Mitsubishi’s dealer software. Cons: Higher price, and the vehicle must be present for programming. Dealers may need to order the key. Who it suits: Newest models, all-keys-lost, and owners who want an OEM part with a parts warranty.

Locksmith

Pros: Lower cost, mobile service, and same-day work in many areas. Many locksmiths stock OEM and aftermarket Mitsubishi keys. Cons: Fewer locksmiths stock Mitsubishi keys than Toyota or Ford keys, so call ahead. Who it suits: Most owners.

Aftermarket or refurbished keys online

Pros: Lower part price. Cons: Must match FCC ID, part number, and frequency, and you still need programming. Whether a used key can be reprogrammed depends on the key generation, so ask your locksmith first. See are aftermarket key fobs any good and reprogramming a used key fob.

How to Replace a Lost Mitsubishi Key

1. Search and secure. Check the usual places, and if you think the key was stolen, park the car somewhere secure.
2. Gather documents. You need the VIN, registration or title, and photo ID.
3. Choose a provider. A mobile locksmith can usually cut and program on site. The dealer may need the car towed in and the key ordered.
4. Erase the lost key. Ask for the missing key to be removed from the immobilizer so it can no longer start the car.
5. Make a spare. Adding a second key in the same visit is much cheaper than another all-keys-lost job later.

For more on the process and costs, read how to replace a lost car key.

How Mitsubishi Key Programming Works

Adding a Mitsubishi key to the immobilizer requires dealer software or a locksmith tool connected to the OBD2 port, usually with a security PIN. FAST-Key fobs are registered to the keyless operation system in the same session. Owners can sometimes re-pair an older separate remote, but not a new transponder or smart key. Our Mitsubishi key fob programming guide covers the model details.

Dealer vs Locksmith for Mitsubishi Keys

For a spare on most Lancer, Outlander, and Outlander Sport models, a locksmith is usually cheaper and quicker. For the 2022+ Outlander or an all-keys-lost situation, confirm the locksmith’s tool covers the model, otherwise go to the dealer. Because the current Outlander shares components with Nissan, Nissan-experienced locksmiths are often a good fit, and the tips in Nissan key fob not working may help if the key misbehaves rather than being lost.

How to Save on a Mitsubishi Key

• Replace the battery first.
• Replace a cracked case with a new shell instead of a new fob. See key fob shell replacement.
• Make a spare while you have a working key.
• Compare an all-in locksmith quote with the dealer.

Mitsubishi Key Replacement Checklist

• Identify the key type: transponder, remote head, FAST-Key, or 2022+ Outlander key.
• Note the FCC ID and part number.
• Have the VIN, registration, and ID ready.
• Count your working keys.
• Ask for lost keys to be erased.

Frequently Asked Questions