Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first step to take if your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break in time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine if the chip can be reset, or call 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 an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or require to replace it you might be able to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure you have fresh batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob in a certain time period generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like 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 has an alternative type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They usually have the equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them how much they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your car-insurance policy to see whether 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 cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed when you lose your keys to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and could save you money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on many vehicles. They're a great way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. These are usually found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical keys.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. Although key replacement to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.
Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or a remote start button.
Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll probably need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.
Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car has a traditional key shank addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive, 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 could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip", which functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.