Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver in the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time as does any other electronic device that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement that work with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob before installing the new one carefully to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock your car remotely. If you lose yours or require a new one you may be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on your vehicle model, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace, however an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is distinct and requires specialized programming. This is only available by the dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat Cost replacement car Key, but you might be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the dealership. They may even be able to your home to complete the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Examine your warranty, cost Replacement car key auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive 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 to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of vehicles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay for anything to get their car key replacement online back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can change your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. The 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 needed to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the 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-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or online. The steps are a bit tricky, though and you may need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car also has a traditional metal key you can purchase one at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob may require a professional to program however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip", which is similar to the switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.