Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing to do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a convenient feature, it can be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to determine if the chip can be reset, or contact an locksmith if you need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be able to program a replacement remote car keys yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system.

This reprogramming technique only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to your location to do the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer an assurance on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed if you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and can save you money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the '90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most common car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement car key cost for it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can use a search engine in order to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. The codes aren't stored on the fob, Car Key Fob Replacement but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or online. These steps can be a bit tricky, though, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car also has traditional metal keys you can purchase a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob will probably require professional programming however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip", which functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do so.