can any car with electric locks use a remote

[SerenityRose]

No, not every car with electric locks can use a remote. The presence of power door locks, which use an electric actuator to lock/unlock the doors, is just the first requirement. To be compatible with a remote key fob, the vehicle must also be equipped with a keyless entry system. This system includes a receiver (usually in the car) that communicates with the transmitter in your remote. Many older cars or base-model trims have electric locks but lack this receiver module.

The good news is that you can often add this functionality through an aftermarket keyless entry system. These universal kits are widely available and can be professionally installed to work with your existing power locks, effectively giving your car remote capabilities it didn't have from the factory.

System Type	Typical Cost (Parts & Professional Installation)	Key Considerations
Factory-Installed Keyless Entry	N/A (Included in vehicle price)	Seamless integration, often includes panic alarm and trunk release.
Aftermarket Basic Keyless Entry	$150 - $300	Adds remote locking/unlocking. Compatibility with your car's electronics is crucial.
Aftermarket Security + Keyless Entry	$300 - $600	Includes remote functions plus an alarm system. Ideal for enhancing security.

If you're unsure about your car, check your owner's manual or contact a dealership. For older vehicles, an aftermarket system is a cost-effective upgrade that significantly improves convenience. Always have installation done by a certified professional to ensure it works correctly with your car's electrical system and doesn't void any warranties.

[SawyerRose]

Nope, they're two different things. My first car had electric locks—you pushed a button on the door. But to unlock it from across a parking lot? That needed a remote, which it didn't have. It's like having a TV that turns on with a button on the set, but no remote control. You can always add one later, though. I had a simple aftermarket remote system installed on my old sedan for under $200. Best money I ever spent for convenience.

[DeLaura]

Think of it this way: the electric locks are the muscles that do the work, but the remote is the brain that sends the signal. Just because a car has the muscles doesn't mean it has the brain to listen for a wireless command. Most cars made in the last 15-20 years have both, but base models from the 90s or early 2000s often didn't. If your car has power locks but no fob, a car audio or security shop can usually install a receiver to bridge that gap.

[SamuelDella]

From a technical standpoint, the vehicle requires a dedicated RF receiver module to accept the signal from a remote fob. Simply having the electric locking actuators is insufficient. This was common in the late 1980s through the 1990s; a car would have power locks as a premium feature, but keyless entry was an even more expensive, separate option. If you're buying a used car from that era, don't assume it has remotes. Verify by checking for a factory alarm light on the dash or consulting the original window sticker.

[ClaytonRose]

It's a common misconception. I learned this when I bought a used truck. It had all the power options, including windows and locks, but no remote. The dealer explained that the previous owner had chosen not to pay for the keyless entry package. It's an important distinction when car shopping. If having a remote is a must-have for you, always test it during the inspection. Don't just listen for the "thunk" of the locks; make sure the fob actually works from a distance.