Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you should do is change 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 vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets they are prone to break as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries that will work with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at many 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. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob and car key FOB replacement install the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be done by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however, you may be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They might even be able to your home to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have an assurance. Also, check your new-car replacement keys warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other locations and may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert 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, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are typically found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know that consumers will pay anything to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the right replacement remote car keys battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to find a professional to replace the item. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is press. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option of purchasing the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll likely still require a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for car key fob replacement doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

People who own German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.