Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do when your key fob isn't working is to replace the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any gadget that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets they are prone to break as they get older.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for an affordable price you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car has a different type 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 provide this service for a flat fee, but you might be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the work.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and may not provide the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement car key fobs for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll have to hire an expert to replace the item. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking.

Smart keys are used in most modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and repairing also start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, Car Replacement Key Cost it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get one at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip" that functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the equipment necessary to do this.