Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer, who will charge you according to the model of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first step to take when your key fob isn't working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break down over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent 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 useful feature but can be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see if the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.

If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program the key yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from the dealer. But, Cheapest Car Key Replacement be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be able to program a replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car replacement keys, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you want to add to the system.

This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different, it will need specific programming. This is only possible at a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have a guarantee. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a lot of cars include them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your cheapest car key replacement, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

If you own a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car replacement key near me manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to hire 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 a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

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

Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to a smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob may require programming by a professional, but this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement.

People with German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife could only find replacement fobs at the dealer. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.