Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques 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 over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they get older.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys 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 costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.
If you can purchase an additional key fob at a price you're comfortable with, you may be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be able to program an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually 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 reprogramme it. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, since even one door left open could impact how well the fob operates.
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 in a time frame, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system.
This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have a guarantee. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she may even tell you about the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and could save you money.
A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They're a great way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most common type of car 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 in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal 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 keys.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
You can change your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, like automatic locking or remote start.
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 to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs.
Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. replacement key for car near me can be 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 recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If car key replacements has traditional metal keys, you can get an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob will probably require professional programming however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.
People with German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.