Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing you should do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they age.

If you're lucky your dealer has batteries for replacement keys 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. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need to replace it you may be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure you have fresh batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, since even one door left open can influence how the fob operates.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is different from the other, it will require specific programming. This is only available at a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however, you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy 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, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places, and they might not provide the best price. 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 significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without the need for the traditional metal key.  key replacement car 's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. They are typically found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without physical key.

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. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to engage an expert to replace the item. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like automatic locking or a remote start button.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is press. The codes aren't stored 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 additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could be able to purchase the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through the dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob to complete the process. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be expensive in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

For those who have German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.