Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing you should do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the newer 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. While this is a useful feature, it can be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at a price you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact process depends on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure it has new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob in the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different and requires specific programming. This can only be done at the dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, replacement car key fob and they may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, activate an alarm, mobile Car Key replacement or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. These are usually found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the right replacement key for car battery and employing 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 regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as costly as you think, particularly when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or a remote start button.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but 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 usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. These steps can be difficult and you may need an additional key fob to complete the process. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, however this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.

People who own German cars, for example one, with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.