Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you based 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 should do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do a lot more than just lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they get older.
If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per 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 the new one.
Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.
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 typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car and most require special equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be capable of programming the replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob in a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your car has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require special programming. This is only available by an authorized dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete 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 see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good standing 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 visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, automotive car key replacement charge more than other places for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including 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 is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without using the traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s, and many vehicles have them as standard features. They're a great method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them 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 piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for anything to get their vehicle back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, such as 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 a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you could be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however, and you might need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even to complete it all. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.
If your car has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.
People who own German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.