Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient 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 embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure you have fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require specialized programming. This is only possible by the dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, dealerships typically cost more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using a traditional metal key. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on many vehicles. They're a great way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. These are usually found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob, local you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can replace your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially if the key fob includes an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They function by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model and year, you could have the option to buy an entirely new key car replacement fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. But, you'll most likely need to pay an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be a bit tricky, though, and you might need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key, local you can get a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip", which is similar in function to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.