Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer 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 you should do when the key fob you have is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other gadget that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they age.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell mobile Replacement Car keys keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or require to replace it, you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure you have new batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, since even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob functions.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a certain time period, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you want to add to your car's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob, or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that must be performed by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They typically have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to your location to perform the work.

If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations and they may not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership and can save you money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually 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 first became popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car key replacement price without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement key for car 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's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations carry a large selection of replacement key for car cost keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can use a search engine in order to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as costly as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like an automatic locking system or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still require a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be tricky and you may require 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 also has traditional metal keys you can purchase a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.

For those with German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do this.