Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first step to take in the event that your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break down over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your car via the internet. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require specific programming. This is only possible at an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to perform the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know about their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and car key FOB replacement they might not provide the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They are a great way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most commonly used car key button replacement key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and can program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll have to engage a professional to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car key lost replacement in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's prudent for owners and car key FOB replacement lessees alike to have two working key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require a professional to program however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" that is similar to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.