What Is a Remote Head Key?

A remote head key, often shortened to RHK, is a single unit that combines a mechanical key blade, a transponder chip, and the remote lock and unlock buttons in one molded head. Instead of a separate keyfob clipped to a plain key, everything lives together. You still insert and turn the blade to start the car, but the head also holds the buttons and the chip.

Because all three jobs are combined, a remote head key has to be cut to the lock, have its chip programmed to the immobilizer, and have its remote synced to the vehicle. A locksmith handles all of that, and we confirm the correct part for your year, make, and model rather than assuming one head fits.

A remote head key is the kind where the key and the remote are one piece. The buttons to lock and unlock are built right into the chunky plastic top of the key, so there is nothing separate to carry.

You still slide it in and turn it to start the car, unlike a push-button smart key. It is the in-between step between an old plain metal key and a modern keep-it-in-your-pocket fob.

A remote head key has a fixed blade sticking out of the head. A flip key is similar but the blade folds into the head like a pocketknife and springs out with a button. Both still get inserted and turned. A smart key is different again: it has no blade you turn, and you start the car with a button while the fob stays in your pocket. Many vehicles can use more than one style, so we confirm which your car was built for.

If your remote head key is worn, cracked, or lost, a locksmith can supply a replacement, cut the blade to your lock, program the chip, and sync the remote in one visit on supported vehicles. Adding a spare while you still have a working key is usually quick. Because the buttons and chip are built in, the whole unit is replaced together rather than just the blade.