Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership, which charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do when your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do a lot more than just unlock and lock the car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break down over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need 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.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock the car from a distance. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems 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 car and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you would like to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is separate, it will need specialized programming. This is only available at the dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to your location to perform the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the costs 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. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They're a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement car keys with chips battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.

If you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending an 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 to open doors and costs then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

Based on the model and year, you may be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or on the internet. These steps can be difficult and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the process. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase one at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob may require professional programming however, which could increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

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