Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first step to take when your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any device that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your purse and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call a locksmith.

If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price it's possible to program the key yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. But, be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car and most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you may be capable of programming a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it's got fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote car key replacement, switch off your vehicle and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob for a certain time period generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different and requires specialized programming. This is only available at an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They usually have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other places and they may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most commonly used car key battery replacement key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or car key FOB replacement a remote start button.

Smart keys are used in most modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need another key fob to complete the process. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has traditional metal keys you can purchase one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, however this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

For those with German cars, for instance, that have the "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.