Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges based on your vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do in the event that your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do a lot more than just lock and unlock the 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, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries that will work with your car. If not, you can locate them at a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some modern fobs include a small physical key stored inside of them that you can pull out in the event that keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon 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 a locksmith.
If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at an affordable price, you may be able to program it yourself. This is usually a affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the car remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be capable of programming the replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish 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 a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require specific programming. This is only available through a dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price, but you might be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to perform the work.
Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of 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, he 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, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you lots of money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using a traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. auto car key replacement were first introduced in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They are a great way to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to your car's ignition. They are typically located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.
If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find an expert to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start buttons.
Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might 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 it would cost to go through the dealer. But, you'll most likely require a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.
Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however, and you might 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 working before they lose one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could require programming by a professional, however this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.
For those with German cars, for example one, with the "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.