Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your car.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob stops working, the first thing you need to do is replace its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do a lot more than just lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, recommended are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine if the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.
You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.
Programming
Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically available online. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob for a time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the work.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. find more are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. These are usually found in an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical keys.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.
If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you will need to find an expert to replace the item. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.
Smart keys are found in most modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require another key fob to complete the procedure. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.
If Read the Full Report has a traditional metal key, you can get a spare at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.
Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.