Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. automotive key replacement is then sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working when they age.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.
If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle from a distance. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a certain time period, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off, switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal, 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 able to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to your home to complete the job.
If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and if they offer an assurance on the work. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations and they may not offer the best deal. 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 lots of money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without the need for the traditional metal key. It's 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 popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of automobiles. They're a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.
The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different method.
Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them at less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.
You may be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security for less money than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or online. The steps are quite difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the frustration of losing one.
If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.
For those with German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.