Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that 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 ceases to work, the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other device that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets they are prone to break as they age.
If key replacements for cars has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and even 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 avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.
Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside them that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip 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 contact an locksmith.
You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock your car via the internet. If you lose yours or require an upgrade, you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system.
This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If auto replacement key uses different types of key fob or an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be done by a dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however, you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the work.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. However, dealerships typically cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without having to use the traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge key fob prices because they know that customers will pay for anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.
If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any particular car manufacturer. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you will need to engage a professional to replace it. It might not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced feature, like automatic locking or remote start.
Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to stop theft. auto replacement key function by sending an unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership employs.
Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. These steps can be tricky and you may require an additional key fob to complete the procedure. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could require programming by a professional, but this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.
For those who own German cars, for example one, with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.