Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge based on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work the first thing to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time as does any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary 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 latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature but can be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with, you may be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, because even a door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you want to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the equipment to do the work 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.

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them how much they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your car-insurance policy to see if it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he may even tell you about the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement. Dealerships may charge more than other places, and they might not offer the best deal. There are several alternatives to get your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars include them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys car keys and can cut and car key FOB replacement program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code each when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has a traditional metal key you can purchase a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require a professional to program however, which could 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 the "flip" that functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.