Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing you should do if your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than unlock and lock the car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock 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 purse and pockets they may cease to function as they get older.
If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or 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 before installing the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an locksmith.
If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your car from a distance. car key remote replacement near me might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is distinct and requires specific programming. This is only available by the dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee, but you might be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and they may not be the most affordable option. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s and a lot of cars include them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.
The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.
You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace the item. It might not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.
Smart keys are found in most modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending an unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
Based on the model of your car and year, you could have the option to buy 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. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owner's manuals or online. The steps are quite difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even complete it all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has traditional metal keys, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob will probably require professional programming, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.
Those who have German cars, for instance one, with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only company that has the necessary equipment to do this.