Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing to do if 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 to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time as does any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, car key FOB replacement but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs can be used with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact process depends on the model of your car, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. These are cheap car key replacement and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, since even one door that is left open could influence how the fob operates.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your vehicle and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob within the same time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations, and they might not be the most affordable option. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. These are usually located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to prevent theft. They work by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership employs.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob in order to complete the process. It's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the anxiety 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 key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could require programming by a professional, but this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.

People with German cars, for instance those that come with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.