Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first step to take if your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets they are prone to break as they age.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. 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. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside of them that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature but can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it's got fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method only works for cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key It will require special programming that must be done by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and may not offer the best deal. There are alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, such as 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 technology that lets you open and start your car without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. They are typically located at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement car key fob keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as costly as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like an automatic locking system or a remote start button.

Smart keys are used in all modern cars to prevent theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time the key is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or emergency car key replacement near me dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

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

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip" that is similar to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do this.