Car Key Fob Replacement

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

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 tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature, but it can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car, and that most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it's got fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can 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 car and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specific programming. This is only possible by an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however, you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to your home to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost of replacement car key and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. Dealerships might charge more than other locations, and they might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of vehicles. They are a convenient method of opening 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 one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can replace your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace the item. It may not be as costly as you think if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, car key replacement price such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car key replacement price to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security for less than what you would have to 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 that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be a bit tricky, though, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has traditional metal keys you can purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob will probably require professional programming however, which could increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

For those who own German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.