Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you according to the model 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 you should do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more to offer 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 specific sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time as does any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature but can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset, keys or keys contact an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle from a distance. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only available by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would spend at a dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer how much is a replacement car key uk much the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. Dealerships might charge more than other locations and may not be the most affordable option. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership and could save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob type 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. These are the most sought-after since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think if your key fob comes with a smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security for less than what the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. But, you'll most likely require a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may need an additional key fob to complete the procedure. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to the smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original 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 require professional programming, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

People who have German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.