9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

The first step to take if the key fob you have is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a unique sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time as does any other electronic gadget that is constantly tossed around in your pockets or purse.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside them that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it could be risky for those with an inclination to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got fresh batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys 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 has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is distinct and requires specialized programming. This can only be done through a dealer.

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

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer an assurance on the work. 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 that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically cost more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob repaired, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car key fob replacement without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a variety of automobiles. They're a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

If you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use a search engine in order to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or remote car key replacement start button.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

Based on the model of your car key replacements near me and year, you could have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are a bit tricky, though, and you might need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one.

If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get one at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.

Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip" which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. The reason is that these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only company with the tools needed to do this.