Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership and the cost is according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do if your key fob isn't working is to change the battery. replacement key fobs for cars that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break into pieces over time just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have batteries for keys that work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
Some of the latest fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature but can be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.
If you can purchase an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is separate and requires specialized programming. This is only possible through the dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money.
A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. These are usually located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge 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 can be difficult to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can use a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has a smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.
Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to stop theft. They function by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model of your car and year, you might have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through 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 provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's manuals. The steps are somewhat difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even complete it all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.
If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to a smart key that you can 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 as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement.
Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" which is similar to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.