Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do when your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they get older.
If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob before installing the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a useful feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might 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 a price that you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.
Programming
Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is distinct, it will need special programming. This can only be done by a dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They may even visit you to complete the work.
Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other locations and they may not be the most affordable option. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.
A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They can be found in an auto parts store or dealership. vehicle key replacement of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.
You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them at 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. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.
Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model and year, you might be able to purchase the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip", which is similar in function to a switchblade, can only be available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company with the tools needed to do this.