Car Key Fob Replacement

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

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working, the first thing to do is change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly emitting an encoded signal in a unique sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break into pieces over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible 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 usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock your car from a distance. If you lose yours, or require a new one, you might be able to program an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars which use the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.

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

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without having to use the traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They're a great way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that's not associated with any particular car keys replacements manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage a professional to replace the item. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob comes with a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option of purchasing the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. However, you'll likely still require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership employs.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. These steps can be a bit tricky, though you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process or Car Key Fob Replacement even perform it at all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing 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 in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature the "flip", which is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only company with the tools needed to do this.