9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer, who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing to do if your key fob isn't 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 to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking into pieces over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your pockets or purse.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it can be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset or an locksmith if you need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car, and that most require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or need a new one you may be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere 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 vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you want to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specific programming. This can only be done by a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost car keys replacement fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. There are several other options for getting your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a variety of automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement key fob for car battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement car keys cost near me keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are found in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car key replacement service near me dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost of car key replacement than you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers provide instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. 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 traditional metal keys, you can get an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.

Those with German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.