Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge according to the model of your car.
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 its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on how often auto car key replacement press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break down over time, just like any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.
If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an affordable price it's possible to program the key yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. If you lose yours, or require a new one you might be capable of programming a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure it's got fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors since even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob functions.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for a time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you want to add to your car's system.
This reprogramming technique only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This can only be done through the dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to perform the job.
Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your car-insurance policy to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you money.
A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They're a great method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They can be found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and programming it in a different method.
Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace the item. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start button.
Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
Based on the model of your car and year, you may be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be a bit tricky, though you may require another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even complete it all. automotive key replacement for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob may require professional programming however, and this can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.
Those with German cars, for instance one, with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.