9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge based on the make of your car.

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

Battery

The first thing to do if your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget 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 lucky your dealer has replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $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 in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.

If you're able to buy an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program the key yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be able to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car has an alternative type of key fob, or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. 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 home to complete the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and could save you money.

A car key replacement car fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the '90s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. They are popular because they let you unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or remote start button.

Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to stop theft. They function by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in security for cars for less money than you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's manuals or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however and you may need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car also has traditional metal keys you can purchase a spare at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might 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 your key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip" which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.