Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock 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, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time, broken just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the latest fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature but can be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

If you're able to buy an additional key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and broken start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that you have new batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off or turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only performed by a 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 equipment to complete the task for less than what you'd pay in the dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have an assurance on the work. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even 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 have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations, and they might not provide the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of automobiles. They're a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most commonly used car replacement key key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. But that 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.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps aren't easy and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.

People who own German cars, for instance, that have 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 use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.