Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and begin your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first step to take when your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break into pieces over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.
If see this page has replacement batteries for keys fobs 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. 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.
Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside them that you can remove if keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature but can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith if needed.
If you can purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with it's possible to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you might be in a position to program a replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however instructions are typically available online. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob works.
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 within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system.
car key replacements reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be able 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 visit you to complete the work.
If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of automobiles. They can be a convenient 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 that is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.
If you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start buttons.
Smart keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model of your car and year, you might have the option to buy a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go 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 on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob will probably require a professional to program, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip" that is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company with the necessary equipment to do this.