The key is programmed at the parts depot - they used to all come from Baltimore. The dealer does not do any programming and does not need the car.

EIS can support 8 separate keys, call them 1 through 8. The car comes with keys 1 & 2 from the factory. Each key can also be replaced two times. If the dealer has sold you key number 3 (or 4, or 5...) it will work immediately, both the remote and starting the car. If the dealer has sold you a replacement for key 1, or 2, etc. then you need to stick it in the ignition and wait while EIS does its work. The old key will no longer function in this case - which perhaps you want to happen. The challenge is of course that when you lose or break a key, you typically don't know which key number it is. The dealer wants to sell you a new key number so that one of your existing keys doesn't suddenly stop working - that would not be good for customer satisfaction.