Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do much more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break in time, just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets.
If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, key replacements for cars 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 remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside of them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
You may be able do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your car remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be able to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, typically 10-30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you want to add to your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that must be performed by a dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to your location to perform the job.
If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty or 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 or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. However, they usually 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. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional metal key. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on many vehicles. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable price. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.
Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.
Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option to buy a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's guides or online. The steps aren't easy and you may need a second key fob in order to complete the process. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional. However, this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement.
People who own German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.