Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first step to take if 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 in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a unique sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that will work with your vehicle. If they don't, 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. 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 of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see if the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used 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 the car from a distance. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door How.Much Is A Replacement Car Key can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you wish to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is separate and requires specialized programming. This is only available through a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them how much they charge and if they offer an assurance on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she may even tell you about the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the '90s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most commonly used car key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key how.much is a replacement car key enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can also 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 it. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and also start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers offer instructions on do-it-yourself key fob programming on their websites or in their owner's guides. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require a professional to program however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

replacement key fob for car fobs for German cars that have a "flip" which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.