Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing to do when your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age.

If you're lucky, your new car key battery replacement dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car key replacement Without Original to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, that allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact process depends on your vehicle model, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got fresh batteries. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks or switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you would like to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that can only be done by a dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able be at your location to complete the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and could save you money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of vehicles. They're a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They are typically located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.

If you own an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement remote car keys for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. They offer a broad selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them at less than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find an expert to replace the item. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start button.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is press. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car key button replacement dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you may be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. But, you'll most likely need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions on do-it-yourself key fob programming on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It's wise 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 in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require a professional to program, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

People who have German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement key for car cost fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.