Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership, which charges according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing you should do when the key fob you have is not working is to change the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking 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 replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, but it could be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.
If you can purchase an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs can be used with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors because even a door left open can impact how well the fob works.
To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off, switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have 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 an authorized dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the tools to do the work for only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your home to complete the work.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Also, check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get an alternative. Dealerships might charge more than other places and they may not be the most affordable option. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. site web are typically less expensive than the dealership 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 a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a lot of automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their vehicle back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to find an expert to replace it. But that might not be as expensive as you think, especially if the key fob includes an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.
Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, however this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if the key requires replacement.
Those who own German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.