Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do when your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other device that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys car keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs come with 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 convenient feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key replacement for car fob to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset or an locksmith if you need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, that allow you to start and unlock the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact process depends on the model of your car, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, since even one door left open could impact how well the fob works.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. 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 is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is distinct, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible by the dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be at your location to complete the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them how much 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 for your car to determine whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he may even tell you about the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other locations and may not be the most affordable option. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without using the traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most commonly used type of car key lost replacement key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or [Redirect Only] in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. They are popular because they let you open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and programming it in a different method.

You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars, whether you have traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you could be able to purchase a new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, however this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

People who have German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.