Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars now use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the car. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break into pieces over time, just like any other electronic device that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.
You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you may be in a position to program the replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a certain time period typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different from the other, it will require special programming. This can only be done by a dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able be at your location to complete the job.
If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. Dealerships may charge more than other places and they may not be the most affordable option. There are several other options for getting your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a great way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and using an alternative 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 replace it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. car key replacement can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage a professional to replace the item. It might not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.
Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option to buy the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized 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 as the dealership.
Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require an additional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob may require professional programming, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.
Those with German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.