Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to 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
The first thing you should do when your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though 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 age.
If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys compatible with your car. If not, you can locate them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
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. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for those with the tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could influence how the fob works.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is distinct from the other, it will require specialized programming. This is only available through an authorized dealer.
You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to perform the work.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have an assurance. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and can save you money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or set off an alarm or open the trunk. Read Homepage were first popular in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can search the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace it. It might not be as expensive as you think if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.
Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead 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 certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Based on the model of your car and year, you may have the option of purchasing a new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.
Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be tricky and you may need another key fob in order to complete the process. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require a professional to program, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.
People who own German automobiles, for instance those that come with the "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only company that has the necessary equipment to do so.