Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment with the dealer, which 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 stops working, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other device that spends most of its time in your pockets and purse they may cease to function as they get older.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement batteries for car Key battery replacement keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to determine if the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle from a distance. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the function 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 the specified time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that is only performed by a dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement. Dealerships might charge more than other locations, and they might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.

A Car Key Battery Replacement key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using a traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars include them as standard features. They're a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most common car key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. These are usually found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key made of metal is encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical keys.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you may be able to purchase a new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. But, you'll most likely require a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership employs.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.

If your car also has traditional metal keys replacement for cars, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional, however this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.

Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature the "flip" which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs use a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.