Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for those with the tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that you have new batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car key replacement by vin may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require special programming. This can only be done through the dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to your location to do the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common car replacement keys key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for Car Key Replacement By Vin it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace it. It might not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Smart keys are found in most modern cars to prevent theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model and year, you could have the option of purchasing a new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or on the internet. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even to complete it all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to a smart key car replacement that you can make a spare at a key or car key replacement by vin hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip", which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.