9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do more than 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 in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other device that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your purse and pockets they may cease to function as they get older.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, they 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. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature but can be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your car from a distance. If you lose yours or need to replace it you might be capable of programming a replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries 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 also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you wish to add to the system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to perform the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key battery replacement keys fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and Car Key Fob Replacement keyless entry fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

Whether you have an old-fashioned 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. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are found in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or online. The steps aren't easy and you may need another key fob to complete the process. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost car key replacement along with 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 in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.

Those with German cars, for instance, that have the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.