Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer, which charges based on your 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 is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break in time just like any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
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're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per 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 a new one.
Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. This is a useful feature, but it could be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. automotive car key replacement use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.
If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
automotive key replacement are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure you have fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, because even a door left open could influence how the fob functions.
To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is separate and requires specialized programming. This can only be done through a dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the work.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Also check your new-car warranty or 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 standing with your mechanic, they may even let you know about their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and may not provide the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without using the traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a lot of automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay for anything to get their vehicle back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.
If you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.
Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model and year, you may be able to purchase the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership employs.
Some automakers offer instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be quite difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.
If your car also has a traditional metal key you can purchase an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.
Those who own German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.