Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing to do when your key car replacement fob isn't working is to change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they are prone to break as they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

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 cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need to replace it you may be capable of programming a replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car 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 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car has an alternative type of key fob, or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire how much they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement key for car cost. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and replacement start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a lot of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. These are usually found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to open and start your car without physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.

If you own an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find a professional to replace the item. But that might not be as costly as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start button.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

Based on the model and year, you may have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional. However, this can be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement.

Those who own German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason is that these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do this.