Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do when the key fob you have is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break down over time just like any other electronic device that you carry around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature, but it can be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset or a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and car key Fob replacement off or switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars that use the same technology. If your car has an alternative type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They typically have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have an assurance. 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 that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know about the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other locations and they may not offer the best deal. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you lots of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s, car key fob replacement and many vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without the need for 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 return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different way.

Whether you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is hit. The codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security for less than what the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll probably need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership uses.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or online. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob may 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 needs to be replaced.

Those with German cars, for example, that have a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.