Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing to do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to 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 vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break down over time, just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement car keys cost fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or require a new one you may be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors since even one door left open could impact how well the fob operates.

To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button of the new fob in a certain time period typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to do the work for only a fraction of what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see 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 before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, 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're a great way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for remote a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and can program and cut them for less than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to hire an expert to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you might be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be difficult and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or remote hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed however, which could increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

For those who own German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only get replacement car keys cost near me fobs from the dealership. The reason 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 generally the only company with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.