Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars now use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership, which charges according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do if your key fob is not working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a unique sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs come with 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 can be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith if needed.
You could be able to complete the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, because even a door left open can affect how well the fob works.
To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process 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 uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different and requires specific programming. This is only possible at a dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost, but you might be in a position to save money by calling 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 be able to come to your location to do the job.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they have a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more than other locations and may not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the 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 typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They are a great method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, replacement key for car near me can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. car key replacements have a wide selection of replacement keys, and can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to find an expert to replace the item. But that might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.
Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in security for cars for less money than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership employs.
Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob to complete the procedure. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to a smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature the "flip", which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available through the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do this.