Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets, they can stop working as they get older.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that work with your vehicle. 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 usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside of 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 great feature, it can be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith in the event of need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car and most require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs that allow you to start and unlock your car from a distance. If you lose yours or need to replace it you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and take out the ignition Key Replacement Car that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob in a certain time period, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your car's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require specific programming. This is only possible at a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the work.

If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them how much they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or Key replacement car lost fobs due 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 before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now common on a lot of automobiles. They are a great way to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.

If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, Key Replacement Car or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to hire a professional to replace the item. It might not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. The codes are not stored on the fob but rather, 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 usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option of purchasing a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even to complete it all. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.

replacement keys for car fobs for German cars with a "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the necessary equipment to do this.