Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership, which charges based on your vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other device that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they get older.
If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some of the newer 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 great feature but can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.
If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle from a distance. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, since even one door left open could influence how the fob functions.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to your home to complete the work.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them how much they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, when you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations, and they might not provide the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without using the traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
Whether you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as costly as you think if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.
Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a 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 open doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
Based on the model and year, you might have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require a professional 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 owner's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may need a second key fob to complete the procedure. replacements car key 's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has a traditional key shank addition to the smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacement.
Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" that functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.