Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing to do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other device that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that will work with your car. If they don't, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

If you can purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program the key yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock the car from a distance. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price however, you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to your location to perform the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car to determine if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other places and may not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and could save you money.

A car key replacements for cars fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of vehicles. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit 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 whatever it takes to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them at less than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as costly as you think if your key fob comes with a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are found in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on the internet or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, Car Key Fob Replacement however, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose 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 key's metal was not lost car keys replacement cost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if your key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip", which is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. 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 usually the only company that has the tools needed to do this.