Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and start your vehicle. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you according to the model of your car.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing to do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break into pieces over time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement that will work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside them that you can remove if keys don't open your door or start the engine. While this is a convenient feature, it can be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.

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

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door that is left open could affect how well the fob functions.

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 for the same time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses 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 in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships might charge more than other locations and may not offer the best deal. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and can save you money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car key replacement service without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car keys replacement cost's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

If you own a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might be able to purchase the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be difficult and you may need another key fob to complete the procedure. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require professional programming however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

People who have German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.