Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and begin your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a 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 thing you should do when your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other gadget that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age.
If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement that work with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want 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 battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.
You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door left open could affect how well the fob operates.
To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at less than what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the work.
Ask the dealer how much 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're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places, and they might not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. These are usually found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.
Many dealerships inflate key fob prices because they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to get their vehicle back. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. They offer a broad selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional to replace it. But that might not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.
key replacement car of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open 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 equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Based on the model and year, you may be able to purchase a new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.
Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need a second key fob in order to complete the procedure. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to a smart key that you can get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.
For those who own German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealership. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.