Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars now use key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change the 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 car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse they may cease to function when they age.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores, and at 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 have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside of them that you can pull out in the event that keys don't open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.
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 typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the vehicle from a distance. If you lose yours or require to replace it you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the function of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require specialized programming. This can only be done by the dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other places and they may not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and could save you money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a lot of automobiles. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade 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 vehicle without the need for a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay for anything to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them at cheaper than dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll have to hire an expert to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start button.
Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only licensed 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 through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need another key fob to complete the procedure. car key replacement cost 's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob will probably require a professional to program however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip" that functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.