The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge based on the make 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 you should do is change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement key fob for car keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $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 to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the latest 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 could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.

If you can purchase an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically available online. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new car key replacement battery before you attempt to reprogram it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors as even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your car has different types of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however you may be able to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able be at your location to complete the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. 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 due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys lost replacement keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other locations and they may not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the '90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They're a great method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

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

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change 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 car key fobs keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire an expert to replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob comes with a smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking.

Modern cars are equipped with 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, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original 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 may need to be programmed by a professional. However, this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement car keys with chips.

Those with German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements 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 usually the only company with the equipment necessary to do so.