Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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 replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even 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 prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

If you can purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, since even one door left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by turning on the lights, cycling 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 add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to perform the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These are typically cheaper than the dealership and could 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 usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and 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 are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most commonly used car key replacements for cars fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key is made of metal and encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key replacement for car fobs are other kinds of mobile car key replacement fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the cost of replacement car keys of key fobs because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. They have a wide range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to prevent theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be difficult and you may require another key fob to complete the procedure. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require professional programming however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

People who have German cars, for instance, that have the "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the tools needed to accomplish this.