9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first step to take in the event that your key fob is not working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car replacement key cost, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can 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 lucky enough, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that work with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order 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 aren't working 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 use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine if 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, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, as even one door left open could impact how well the fob functions.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is distinct, it will need special programming. This can only be done through an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost, but you might be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would spend at a dealership. They may even visit you to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other places, and they might not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of vehicles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, car key fob replacement but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and car key fob replacement employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start button.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option of purchasing a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however, and you might need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even to complete it all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

Those with German cars, for instance those that come with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company that has the necessary equipment to accomplish this.