Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do 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 more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. It is necessary to remove 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.
Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset or an locksmith if you need.
You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your car however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram car key replacements , switch off your vehicle and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob in a certain time period, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the equipment to complete the task for less than what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even be able to your location to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and if they offer an assurance on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and can save you lots of money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.
A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay for anything to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different method.
You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has a smart feature like the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security for less than what you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.
Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be quite difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before experiencing the anxiety of losing one.
If your car has a traditional key shank addition to a smart key that you can get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could require programming by a professional, but this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacing.
Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip" that is similar in function to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company that has the tools needed to do this.