Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your car.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob stops working the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they age.
If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $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 a new one.
Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you might be able to program the replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. These are cheap and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors since even one door left open can affect how well the fob functions.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is distinct, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible at the dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They may even visit you to complete the job.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to get an alternative. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations and may not be the most affordable option. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on many automobiles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. These are usually found in an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.
vehicle key replacement of dealerships overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. 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.
Whether you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to find a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or remote start button.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
Based on the model and year, you might be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
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 and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.
If your car has a traditional key shank addition to a smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip", which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.