Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge based on the make of your vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob stops working the first thing you need to do is replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time as does any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside of them that you can remove if keys don't open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, but it could be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an locksmith.
You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob in a time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be aware that this reprogramming method only works for cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. her latest blog 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 provide the possibility of a guarantee. 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 malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, when you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other places and they may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. These are usually found at an auto parts store or a 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 popular because they let you unlock and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.
If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.
Smart keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
Based on the model and year, you might have the option to buy the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership uses.
Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.
Those who have German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. The reason is that the fobs are typically a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the equipment necessary to do so.