Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do when your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with an inclination to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require special equipment to program.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start your car remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it has fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob for the same time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many 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 might even be able to travel to your location to perform the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car key replacement cost and activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

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. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. They are popular because they let you unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap car key replacement near me replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap car keys replacement as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys replacement for cars.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security for less money than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are quite difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even complete it all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.

For those with German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only company that has the necessary equipment to do so.