Car Key Fob Replacement

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

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other gadget that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell 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 typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. This is a useful feature, but it could be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key replacement car fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade, you might be capable of programming the replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could 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 process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or an ignition key replacement for car made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price however, you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now standard on a variety of automobiles. They're a great way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most common type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as expensive as you think, particularly if the key fob includes a smart feature like the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll probably need to pay a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require another key fob in order to complete the process. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional. However, this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare or car key FOB replacement if your key requires replacement.

People with German cars, for instance one, with a "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.