Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership, which charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking down over time just like any other electronic gadget that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car key lost replacement dealer will have batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one you may be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, because even a door left open could impact how well the fob works.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for car key FOB replacement any additional fobs that you want to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee, but you might be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to perform the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and they may not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and can save you money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to your car's ignition. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.

You can replace 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. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find an expert to replace the item. It might not be as costly as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and emergency car key replacement near me dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership employs.

Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be difficult and you may require an additional key fob to complete the process. For that reason, it's prudent for Car Key Fob Replacement owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has traditional metal keys it is possible to purchase one at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional, but this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip" that functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company that has the equipment necessary to do this.