Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing you need to do is replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly emitting a coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any device that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell batteries for keys compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature but can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use 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 could be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the car remotely. If you lose yours or require an upgrade you may be able to program an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, because even a door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or lost key Replacement Car an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be done by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee, but you might be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They might even be able to your location to perform the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your car. They are typically found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct mobile replacement car keys battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or remote start button.

Smart keys are used in all modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. 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. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option to buy the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or lost key replacement car even to complete it all. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car has traditional metal keys it is possible to purchase one at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost key Replacement car in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob may require a professional to program, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

replacement car key cost fobs for German cars with the "flip" that functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically 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 equipment necessary to do this.