Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment with the dealer that charges based on your vehicle's make.
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 over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any device that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets they are prone to break when they age.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside that you can remove if keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at an affordable price it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require specialized equipment to program.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade, you might be capable of programming a replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob.
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, typically 10-30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off, switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your home to complete the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. There are several other options for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and could save you money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional metal key. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They're a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most popular car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and can cut and program them at cheaper than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or a remote start button.
Smart keys are used in most modern cars to prevent theft. how much is a replacement car key uk function by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.
It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert 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 guides. These steps can be quite difficult, however you may require an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It's wise for both tenants and owners 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 the smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob may require a professional to program, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.
For those with German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.